Highlights

Freshly renovated ‘Red Kafer’ rarity
Fully restored bodywork and respray in original red
Recent reconditioned 1.2L engine using original block and heads
Only three registered keepers
Low 47,208 miles from new
Lots of history dating back to earliest days
Very smart, stand-out Beetle special edition

The Appeal

Gunhild Liljequist is one of those people not well known outside Volkswagen circles, but she should be. The inspired industrial designer gave the world of motoring two of its most distinctive details - the Golf GTI’s humorous gold ball gear knob and its iconic plaid seats. And this, the Beetle ‘Red Kafer’ - better known as the Velvet Edition.

If you’re unfamiliar with the model then you’ll have to open the doors to find out how it got its name. Inside you’ll find a set of red and black seats ever bit as distinctive - if not more - than the Golfs. The Velvet Edition was one of the most popular Beetle special editions, with 3,200 produced by the Mexico factory between 1984 and 1985. Each one was based on the 1200L and got the seats, some natty graphics, chromed wheels and other details.

This RHD example was first registered in Germany - as were all Velvet Editions - and has been in the UK since December 1985. Its trio of UK keepers have looked after it very well, keeping the mileage down - it shows 47,208 miles - and the condition up. A recent cosmetic restoration covering bodywork and full respray means it presents very well in its stand-out red.

The mechanical condition matches the aesthetics. Recent work includes fitting a correct reconditioned 1.2L engine in 2023 - using the original block and heads - plus ancillaries and clutch at a cost of £5,000. This is a really good Beetle, one enhanced by those rare factory features.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1985
First UK registered December 1985
Three registered keepers in the UK
Current keeper since November 2020
V5C in current keeper’s name
Older V5C as shown
Various documents from first registration in Germany as shown
Factory handbooks
2 keys with supplying dealer tag
Lots of history as shown
Many recent invoices from 2023 for renovation work
Invoice for nearly £5,000 for reconditioned engine, clutch and ancillaries in 2023
Wallet for tools with tools within
Fitted with black and silver display-only number plates
Last MOT expired 14th December 2024 with no advisories showing
47,150 miles on last MOT and now on 47,208 miles as shown in photos
RAC first aid kit included as shown
Recent bodywork restoration and respray

The Condition

Recent bodywork and paintwork restoration in original colour and in very good overall condition
Fully restored bodywork with new panels as shown in history file
Full respray in correct red with paintwork presenting at a high level
These are not unsightly or significant and do not detract from overall impression
Bodywork is very well presented with straight panels and well kept arches, sills and panel edges
Vehicle has recently received some bodywork fettling as shown in invoices
Underside is very well kept with evidence of underseal protective treatment
Chassis painted during restoration
Last MOT contained no structural advisories
Exterior chromework is bright and beautifully kept with no obvious deterioration
Front and rear bumpers appear undamaged and in good order
Correct Velvet Edition steel wheels with chrome hub caps and embellishers
Fitted with matching tyres all round showing good sidewall condition and plenty of tread
Well kept interior which appears to be original, well preserved and unrestored
Due to the age of the car some light patina to interior is visible but not significant
This is limited to minor marks such as to seat backs, door sills and trim
Velvet-effect black and red striped seats are in very good order for year and mileage
Unmodified and very original late model Beetle with four spoke wheel, later dash and well kept switchgear
Door cards and rubber mats in good order

The Mechanics

Reconditioned 1,184cc air cooled 4cyl engine fitted in 2023
Engine refurbishment used original heads and block
Car has covered very few miles since this mechanical work
Clutch and ancillaries replaced at the same time
4spd manual gearbox
We are told that the automatic choke is not working
Vendor advises that the heater pipes are disconnected
Well maintained car with displayed mileage understood to be correct
No reported running or driving issues
No mechanical or running gear advisories on last MOT
Car is out of MOT but from 1st April 2026 will be MOT exempt

BEFORE YOU BUY

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