Highlights

Recent restoration
Upgraded 1600 engine
Excellent condition

The Appeal

A timeless motoring icon, there’s no doubting the VW Beetle’s place in history, recognized instantly and loved the world over. With production only ceasing in 2019, it’s a car that has stood the test of time well. Designed by Ferdinand Porsche some 80 years ago to be affordable, practical and reliable; that it was, but it’s unlikely that they could have anticipated it to be quite the timeless car it turned out to be.

Beginning its life in Australia, this little bug was originally a 1500 model, though it now sports an even more powerful 1600 engine, being the subject of a restoration at since its arrival in the UK. Unfortunately, there is no paperwork relating to this but it’s fairly evident in the way it looks and runs that it’s had significant work carried out. It’s largely unmodified too, except for the odd window winder, and it presents very well indeed.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in Canberra, Australia in 1969
Imported to the UK in 2014
MOT to 14/08/23
Historical vehicle – Tax and MOT exempt
V5c present
Original instruction manual
Stack of paperwork relating to its history in Australia, including a mileage diary suggesting consistent care and fastidious ownership
Very little paperwork from its time in the UK. The relevant import documentation and an invoice for numerous parts and their fitting from November 2019, which is possibly the end of the restoration period
Service book included with details of partial history from 83,255 miles to 107,023 miles
2 keys
Spare wheel, jack and brace

The Interior

Recently trimmed light grey vinyl seats front and rear in excellent condition, the plastic wrapping still present in the rear indicates just how little they’ve been used
Painted panels in good order
Excellent overall condition
The seller reports that everything functions as it should with no issues
Headlining in excellent condition
Delightful period LW/MW radio
New carpets throughout with rubber mats up front
Pedal rubbers in incredible shape for the car’s mileage
Door cards in good shape but drivers’ side could do with a clean to match the rest of near-spotless interior
The car retains some of its wonderful patina in areas like the seat belt holders, steering wheel and switchgear

The Exterior

Recent respray in light grey is excellent and the bodywork appears free from any dents or scratches
Some cracks to the seals around the headlights
Some pitting and corrosion to the inside of the bumpers and headlight surrounds
Rubbers are showing signs of cracking around a few of the windows
There is evidence of a slightly sloppy paintbrush marks behind bumpers but this is easily rectified
Mirrors and trim all present well including the door handles and the bumpers exterior
Lights all work and are free from any cracks or damage

The Mechanics

Rebuilt 1600cc engine since being imported to the UK to the cost of c.£1000 but no paperwork exists
4-speed manual gearbox
2019 invoice included new front wheel bearings, front discs and pads, rear wheel cylinders, track rod ends, rear brake shoes and a stack of peripheral parts such as horn, washer etc
All electrics reported to function correctly
The vendor advises that the car is in excellent mechanical shape, starting and driving very well with no major issues to report or advise

The Summary

This is one largely unmodified Beetle that certainly grabs a lot of attention wherever it goes. The restorer has done a great job, and having spent nearly half a century in the sunny climate down under, the bodywork is in great shape too and this will likely appeal to classic car collectors and Beetle fans alike.

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