Description
For Sale '74 RHD Electric Jeans Beetle
The distinctive yellow (called Tunis Gelb and the same colour as the stitching in traditional jeans) clearly sets this car apart visually even before you know its back story.
Not only is this one of the 1, 200 limited edition ‘Jeans’ Beetles produced by VW for the UK market between Aug and December 1973 of which less than 90 are understood to still exist, it is an even more limited and special vehicle as it is what is known as ‘Frostrite’ (not a typo) dealer special.
This car was modified from the limited-edition Jeans spec still further by the well-known Cambridge VW dealer Jack Frost. To create a ‘Frostrite’ Beetle, a black vinyl top was added by the Cambridge garage to further enhance the black-out theme. Though Jack Frost also put some bling back in, with chrome finger plates, rain gutter trims and rear grilles, the Frostrite was also loaded with desirable optional extras (for a Beetle anyway) consisting of …brace yourself; a passenger sun visor, Blaupunkt ‘Wolfsburg’ stereo, ‘sports’ wooden gear knob and a fuel gauge within the speedometer were all thrown in.
This car is thought to be the only ‘Frostrite Jeans’ beetle left running anywhere in the world!
Now referred to as the ‘Jeans Beetle’ this piece of history was acquired by Martin in 2021 from its second owner who themselves purchased it in 1996 from the car’s first owner, being the original Jack Frost customer.
The second owner used to work at the Jack Frost VW dealership in Cambridge and remembered undertaking the pre-delivery inspection on the car before it was handed over brand new to its first owner and therefore realising the significance of the model, he leapt at the chance to own it.
He commenced, via his family-owned specialist repair/ restoration business, its restoration but unfortunately due to various reasons this exercise was never completed and consequently this unique slice of VW history was put up for sale for the first time in a quarter of a century in 2021.
As the current and only the 3rd owner we have completed the restoration, changed seals/ rubbers, upgraded the lights and brakes to modern standards, fitting a DAB radio, an electric heating system and electronic throttle control, etc.
The market leading specialists, Retroelectrics undertook all the high voltage work to convert the ‘Jeans’ beetle to be electric powered
Importantly its original external appearance has been 100% maintained
Although not required as it is a historic vehicle the car has a current MOT certificate.
The car’s unique and distinctive character is still clearly evident whilst modern day performance (0-60 mph in sub 7 seconds and a top speed in excess of 80 mph) ensures this 50-year-old classic is fit for purpose with no road tax or congestion charges to pay!
Character, originality, performance, green credentials and reliability all in a car which is truly unique.
Its on the market for a £50, 000 We're based in North Devon. The perfect place to visit while selecting your new classic Volkswagen.
We can also provide you with a walk round video & assist with national or international delivery-Thank you for reading.
