Winning bid
£10,250

1978 Volkswagen Beetle Karmann Cabrio

Highlights

  • US spec fuel injected car
  • Well presented factory Karmann Cabrio
  • In great mechanical order
  • Desirable yellow colour scheme

The Appeal

Is there a more iconic car than the Volkswagen Beetle? The very definition of a car for all people, there is a Beetle in some form for everyone. Largely unchanged from its original launch, the Volkswagen engineers very much stuck to the notion of don’t fix what isn’t broken. The simplistic design and mechanics meant that naturally, the Beetle has seen untold successes, and for good reason.
This 1978, US spec Super Beetle screams of scenic road trips, Santa Monica and legendary surf culture. In its glorious yellow hue it turns heads and garners adoring looks from just about anyone. With the added benefits of air conditioning and a later factory fuel injection system, this cult classic is ready for endless miles of open top enjoyment at the hands of a new loving owner.
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The History and Paperwork

  • First registered 05/08/1977
  • As US spec car it is understood to have originally gone to San Antonio in the United States
  • The Beetle spent most of its British life with the same and current owner, arriving on UK shores in October of 1990 before being acquired by the current owner just under a year later in August of 1991
  • Accompanied by a Volkswagen identification “birth certificate” from the VW AutoMuseum in Germany to solidify its heritage and origins
  • Also accompanied by an extensive folder of receipts and paperwork for servicing and parts bought to maintain the car under its current ownership
  • Current MOT valid with no advisories until September 2023
  • MOT records highlight very limited mileage amassed in recent years
  • V5 registration document also present with the vehicle
  • Comes with an official Volkswagen Super Beetle workshop service manual

The Interior

  • Smartly presented, well preserved interior space
  • Black vinyl seating front and rear, in great order
  • US spec higher backed front seats for improved comfort
  • Black vinyl dash panel in good shape bar a small crack behind the gauge cluster
  • Clean matching black door panels with neat and simple door furniture
  • Current owner has added two 12v power sockets for added convenience in for the modern user
  • Smart collection of switchgear and upgraded radio head unit, all understood to be working
  • Front storage area in good form, with a bespoke wooden storage shelf made by the current owner to go above the spare wheel
  • Four spoke factory steering wheel still in great shape

The Exterior

  • Wonderful, utterly iconic styling, loved the world over
  • Instantly recognisable from any angle
  • Draped in a rather fitting bright yellow paint scheme
  • Paired with four eight spoke alloy wheels painted in a matching yellow hue
  • Paintwork is in good form but does show signs of usage with some minor age related marks and blemishes to be seen throughout the car
  • Chrome trim is in great shape overall, still exhibiting a wonderful shine
  • Factory Karmann convertible top still unlatches, opens and closes with ease
  • Convertible top presents well but there is a patch to the fabric on the rear passenger side section as highlighted in the accompanying photographic package
  • Comes with a black tonneau cover that can be put over the roof when folded down
  • Fitted with the desirable “Europa” style bumpers
  • Glass trim and badging are all of a great standard

The Mechanics

  • Legendary flat four air cooled engine, revered across the globe
  • Simple, robust and easy to maintain from a mechanical perspective
  • Being a later US Spec car this comes with arguably far more dependant fuel injection
  • The owner advises two new heads were sourced from the US and fitted to the car under his ownership
  • Underside appears clean and solid
  • Advisory free MOT into September 2023 for mechanical peace of mind
  • Fires into life comfortably and easily, with a wonderful air cooled exhaust note
  • Backed by a wealth of enthusiast and parts support
  • The vendor reports a wonderful driving experience from the little Bug, having taken it on various road trips with the Beetle Cabrio club under their ownership

Summary

That iconic shape, that absolutely exquisite metallic paintwork, and that wonderful convertible top. Might this just be the perfect summer classic?
In the Volkswagen Beetle, one is getting a truly wonderful piece of engineering, in a genuinely usable yet stylish package. This smartly presented, rare US spec super Beetle is ready for a new owner to thoroughly enjoy over the next few months, perfect for some top down cruising, a classic car show or just a run about town, the peoples car is at home anywhere.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
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Auction Details

  • Year1977
  • MakeVolkswagen
  • ModelBeetle
  • ColourYellow
  • Odometer43,135 Miles
  • Engine size1600cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownEpping
  • CountyEssex
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

23 Bids

ganesh-••••
Bid
£10,250
30/05/23
gerrymu••••
Bid
£10,000
30/05/23
ganesh-••••
Bid
£9,700
30/05/23
gerrymu••••
Bid
£9,500
30/05/23
anderso••••
Bid
£9,200
30/05/23
gerrymu••••
Bid
£9,000
30/05/23
anderso••••
Bid
£8,825
30/05/23
gerrymu••••
Bid
£8,500
30/05/23
anderso••••
Bid
£8,200
30/05/23
gerrymu••••
Bid
£8,000
30/05/23

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