Extensive work done – receipts totalling £7,800 since 1990
Matching numbers example
Retrimmed interior
The Appeal
First built by Wilhelm Karmann in 1948, the VW Beetle by Karmann was essentially a drop top version of the standard Beetle which began full production in 1949.
Manufactured in 1976, this metallic silver example was originally registered in Germany before being imported to the UK in 1989. Since then, just 2 different owners have kept the car covering a total of 30,775 miles in the past 33 years.
The interior of this 1976 VW Beetle is in very good shape. In fact, the seat covers were retrimmed in OEM spec vinyl in 2018, as was the soft top roof.
Elsewhere, the padded dashboard courtesy of the LS trim level and centre console both look extremely clean, as do the pedals. A stylish steering wheel completes the design and the dials are very clear. An aftermarket oil temperature gauge has been fitted beside the gear lever and the radio sticks out as being slightly more recent than the rest of the car.
The boot, under the bonnet at the front of the car has plenty of space for luggage as the spare wheel hides under the carpet.
Throughout the interior are some worn buttons and some imperfections in the carpet, notably around the seat mounting points. This ties in with the spot of patina on the gear lever giving the car that extra bit of charming character. PbrFRWl7qI9xQ3TC2fPHROFa9vzwWpACB6usOl7f.jpeg450.74 KB
The Exterior
Karmann-designed soft top
Patina underneath the car
ATS wheels
Be it with the hood up of down, this Beetle by Karmann looks fabulous. Dry storage has helped maintain its paint almost perfectly with just a few imperfections in places while the soft top itself was replaced just a few years ago.
The post-1967 protruding headlight design looks good while the bulging wheel arches, notably at the rear, give the car added presence and bring the proportions of the car together. Combining the car’s designed with the silver paint makes for a great looking car. Karmann badges behind the front wheels are the perfect final touch.
Aftermarket ATS wheels are fitted with tyres that, although seem to have plenty of tread, are old in age. Door panels and front wings were replaced in 2004 while underneath, the vehicle has seen some welding in the past, especially on the sills.
This 1303 LS variant left the factory with the top-of-the-range 1600cc flat-four engine, though with a few upgrades, that has been pushed out to 1645cc.
Among the numerous modifications made to this car are a Mahle Big Bore and Piston Kit, Weber twin carbs, a Gene Berg performance linkage and a performance crank pulley. Elsewhere, several parts have been replaced from the cylinder heads to the gasket while keeping the original engine case preserving its matching numbers condition.
Recently in December 2021 the car was professionally made “road ready”, with revamped brakes, a full service and a rolling road engine tune. According to the current owner, the car accelerates very well and sounds brilliantly.
A somewhat rare model in very good condition, this 1976 VW Beetle by Karmann 1303 LS must be a dream model for any Beetle enthusiast. Its gorgeous design is only reinforced by the glorious specification of silver paint and a black roof.
Furthermore, the enlarged engine capacity means this Beetle performs very well while overhauled brakes ensure the added power isn’t too much to handle.
