HIGHLIGHTS
- Iconic and Elegant Exceptional Condition
- Stunning all Round
- Full weather equipment Starts on the button
THE APPEAL
Driving this car on the open road with the roof down and the sound of the sweet Volkswagen 1776 engine, accompanied by the tone of the stainless steel exhaust, is an experience in its self!
In all weathers this car turns heads and gets people talking with its vintage charm, good looks and nostalgia.
In all weathers this car turns heads and gets people talking with its vintage charm, good looks and nostalgia.
THE BACKGROUND
One of the most cherished and long-lived variations of the Volkswagen Beetle is the Cabriolet, which actually outlived the German sedan by three years. In 1949, soft-top versions of the Beetle were produced by two German coach builders, Hebmüller and Karmann.
The Hebmüller was a two-seater with a long engine deck, produced only through 1952, when the company folded. Karmann, fated to have a long association with VW, also produced bodies and special models for Porsche, DKW, BMW, Ford of Germany and Opel. The name is perhaps best known for the Karmann Ghia coupes and convertibles, designed by the latter Italian concern, built as sporting Volkswagens from 1955 to 1974.
The Hebmüller was a two-seater with a long engine deck, produced only through 1952, when the company folded. Karmann, fated to have a long association with VW, also produced bodies and special models for Porsche, DKW, BMW, Ford of Germany and Opel. The name is perhaps best known for the Karmann Ghia coupes and convertibles, designed by the latter Italian concern, built as sporting Volkswagens from 1955 to 1974.
The Karmann cabriolets were four-seat models, which gave them a much wider audience, particularly in the United States where they sold well. The Karmann cabriolet generally mirrored the development of the Beetle during its life, both mechanically and in body features, although the top mechanism maintained its distinctive appearance. When folded the top did not disappear, but sat proudly on the rear deck, covered with a canvas boot.
THE HISTORY AND THE PAPERWORK
- V5 present and correct.
The present owner imported the Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet Convertible from California, and believed to be a one owner car at point of purchase.
The Beetle was acquired on the 30th of April 2011. Its first British MOT was 2018. The extensive restoration of this beautiful beetle took seven years to get right before eventually it was on the road here in the UK.
The Beetle was acquired on the 30th of April 2011. Its first British MOT was 2018. The extensive restoration of this beautiful beetle took seven years to get right before eventually it was on the road here in the UK.
The car is MOT exempt, although the present owner had it MOT’d for his peace of mind. Official import documentation also available.
THE INTERIOR
The Beetle has been meticulously restored inside with brand-new upholstery. It’s a marine vinyl material which has a very close resemblance to the look of leather. Also a brand-new head liner and a new mohair roof with new wooden bows inserted into the mohair roof, providing the durability quality and the iconic look.
The car also has a GT EMPI steering wheel fitted, which is a high quality solid wood steering wheel. The original steering wheel that came with the car is also available to be re fitted if the new owner so desires.
The car also has a GT EMPI steering wheel fitted, which is a high quality solid wood steering wheel. The original steering wheel that came with the car is also available to be re fitted if the new owner so desires.
THE EXTERIOR
The car was professionally respray sprayed in a BMW Grey - Black metallic colour around five years ago. The quality of the paintwork is outstanding. There are a couple of tiny age related marks, one on the drivers door and one on the rear nearside rear wing, although you will need to look hard to find them, so really nothing at all.
New floor pans have been fitted from Wolfsburg West Who manufacture quality reproduction Volkswagen parts. The underside is immaculate and well undersealed.
New floor pans have been fitted from Wolfsburg West Who manufacture quality reproduction Volkswagen parts. The underside is immaculate and well undersealed.
THE MECHANICS
The engine was changed by the present owner to a 1776 cc which was hand built. The engine has twin Weber carbs fitted and has covered around 5000 miles in total over the years. There are no oil leaks to be found, and is totally bang on.
All the engine tin wear has been professionally colour matched to the outside of the vehicle. The colour matching process is a Powder coated process, so it can easily cope with the heat of the air cooled engine.
The car is fitted with an expensive stainless steel exhaust, and when coupled with the twin Weber carbs has a lovely throaty sound! The present owner has fully restored the car, although it was totally rust free as it came from the sunny climate of California
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