Pre-bids

1979 Volkswagen Karmann Beetle (Triple-White)

Highlights

  • Rare Triple White Karmann Beetle, one of fewer than 900 built for VW USA dealers
  • Fitted with a new fuel injection engine and new floor-pans
  • Unique personalised number plate BUG 79T included
  • Participated in events like the International Beetle Cabrio Club event in Davos
  • Owned for 20 years with a history of exhibitions and events

The Appeal

Released for the US market, where the Volkswagen Beetle had become one of the greatest pop-culture phenomenons of the era, the 'Triple-White' Karmann Convertible was one of the least-numerous editions of the car, with only 900 built for American dealerships. All of the essential Karmann fixtures, with a white interior, white bodywork and white soft-top.

This fine example appears to have enjoyed quite a storied history leading to its arrival on British soil. The vendor has really pampered it, too, taking it under their wing with a fresh fuel-injected engine, new floor pans, and even a very cherished registration. It's not often we see a triple-white Beetle - and certainly not often we see it in this condition. To our eyes, it's a simply remarkable opportunity to get into the 'bug' for the first time, or to enter one into your prized fleet.
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The History and Paperwork

  • Date of production: 18 October 1979 (T Reg)
  • Originally delivered to a VW dealer in Jacksonville, USA
  • Judging from the car's condition upon arrival, the vendor believes it was a surfer's car or similar
  • Imported from Florida in 1999 with 71,000 miles on the clock
  • All registration and import documents are available
  • Participated in events as a member of the Beetle Cabrio club
  • This included the international club event in Davos, Switzerland
  • Exhibited for 5 years at the Chris Evans CarFest South event
  • Used around 3 times per year for weddings, including the daughter of the Archbishop of Canterbury
  • MOT exempt and last tested in 2019

The Condition

  • Fine example in white with a blue side-stripe
  • Bodywork in good order
  • Some corrosion to the hinges, though nothing overly severe
  • Charming additions include Betty Boop stickers and a rainbow bobble on the aerial
  • White soft top is free of any rips or tears
  • We understand the car to be solid
  • Work done while in the UK includes:
    • New floor-pans fitted
    • New hood and cover installed
    • New rubbers and exhaust replaced
    • New chrome running boards fitted
  • Internally, the cabin's in fine condition
  • Various original items retained, including door ashtrays and white seat belts
  • Seats are free of any rips or tears
  • Wood-veneer dashboard in good condition
  • All instruments are clean and legible
  • Modern radio fitted
  • Door cards in fine condition

The Mechanics

  • Upgraded to a fuel-injection 1,600cc flat-four
  • Manual transmission
  • Engine bay is in good condition
  • New exhaust system fitted
  • The vendor informs us that the vehicle is in good mechanical order
  • We've no reports of any mechanical issues throughout 
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BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. 

Pre-bids

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A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction. You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Auction Details

  • Year1979
  • MakeVolkswagen
  • ModelBeetle
  • ColourWhite
  • Odometer80,930 Miles
  • Engine size1600cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownRayne
  • CountyEssex
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

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