Description
20th Feb, 2025 16:00
The February 2025 Online Auctions
1965 Volkswagen Beetle
Rare original example, charming condition, superbly maintained and still in regular use
Estimated at £4, 500 - £5, 500
Lot details
Year: 1965
Make: Volkswagen
Model: Beetle
Registration: FAB 823C
Odometer: 91, 194
Engine: 1192 cc
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt
HPI: Clear
Location: Cheshire
Summary
Many Beetle enthusiasts will tell you that the “best” years for the VW Beetle are from 1964 to 1967 – the pretty styling, improved mechanical features, a 12 volt battery system (converted for this car), larger windows, decent windscreen wipers, better heater, better suspension, a more comfortable interior to name a few, and of course the continued ease of maintenance means they hit a real sweet spot.
The great thing (or at least one of many) about a Beetle is that they appeal to, and keep happy, a huge audience…equally brilliant as an ideal starter classic or as a serious collectors or die hard enthusiasts car; or in the case of this example a daily driver.
In current ownership for 20 years, its been lavished with a no-expense spared maintenance programme with a VW Specialist, and my goodness it shows when you drive it; proving the old saying ‘the best way to keep them running well is to keep running them’.
The interior has retained all it’s original charming features including an original and rare ‘Bambus’ parcel shelf. The original seats have been re-trimmed to an excellent standard and the bodywork appears largely solid with areas of paint bubble and what appears to be surface rust, specifically the door bottoms and rear quarter, please see photos, all identified work required has been carried out such as heater channels, floor pans and panel repair.
This is a super, honest Beetle with a wonderful history that drives beautifully and runs like a sewing machine!
Exterior (please refer to photos)
Finished in the original Sea Blue, she’s holding up extraordinarily well for 60 years old, bodywork appears largely solid with areas for improvement around the door bottoms and one rear quarter. There are some age related marks to the paint as you would expect in a car of this age, the front bumper is showing some marking and the exhaust pipes have surface rust marks, although brightwork in general is in presentable condition. Wheels are in great shape as are the tyres.
Work carried out in 2024 inc:
Repairs/ welding to heater channel, floor pan, rear ¼, body mounting & front inner wing.
Interior (please refer to photos)
Interior appears to retain its original features, including an original and rare ‘Bambus’ parcel shelf, original seats have been re-trimmed and refitted with new carpet set in 2024, with work carried out to a high standard. Whilst the headlining is believed to be original is would benefit from tidying up around the back window..
Mechanical
In the care of VW specialists for over 20 years its in great mechanical condition, with the following recent works carried out:
2025 – full major service, ignition service & track rod end replacement.
2024 – full service, new exhaust, throttle peddle repair (inc linkage, rod & spring), front wheel bearing.
2023 – full service & full brake service.
2023 – underside cleaned, stone chipped and wax oiled.
2022 – Remove, strip, clean and rebuild carb – refit & retune.
History, File & Paperwork
The history file is superb, with a rare owners manual, original green log book, letters between owners, a documented history from the beginning covering just 6 former keepers; the first owner until 1978 and the current owner for over 20 years. Given the documentation available the mileage shown is credible.
There is a large collection of invoices covering maintenance works up to date with VW Specialists.
Thanks to the Vendor for providing & confirming the details shown above.
