1996 Volkswagen Beetle

1996 VW Beetle 1600i, unrestored and highly original car in same family from new. Never welded, unrestored and highly original factory condition.

A rare opportunity to acquire a very original, unmodified, un-welded, factory-spec VW Beetle. Built in 1996 in Mexico, the car has been in the same family since new and has just over 75, 000 miles on the clock. A super-rare original air-conditioning system fitted from new.

The Beetle is a 1600cc with fuel injection (Bosch, same as the MK1 Golf), an ECU is fitted (as original), under the back seat. This version is fitted with a catalytic-converter that was replaced approx 12, 000 miles ago. It is the original engine. Also original gearbox.

The car has benefitted from a recent professional service. All new brake shoes and fixings, wheel cylinders, brake fluid. Engine service, oil filter, spark plugs. Fuel tank removed and cleaned, fuel system flushed through. Four brand new tyres with zero road miles.

As you can see from the photos, the floorpans and chassis are in great, original condition. The floorpans and chassis have never been welded. The sills are in as-new condition. Under the back seat, you can see the chassis is in amazing condition. The area under and around the battery is not corroded or damaged. The heater tubes are great. The rear chassis cross-members are in perfect condition.

The paintwork is original factory red paint. As you would expect for a car almost 30 years old, there are some defects in the paint – the bonnet has some chips. Please don't think this car has been “cal-looked” - it hasn't! The Beetles built in Mexico from the early 1990s no longer came with the chrome body trim. From 1995, colour-coded bumpers were the norm. Also, black, painted hub-caps were standard for this model. Again, in the photos, you will see they are the original, VW standard wheels. All the handles are again, original painted black and not chromed, also matching colour-coded wing mirrors – correct for this model. The late 1970s USA spec wing-top indicators were factory fitted to conform with laws concerning indicator side-repeaters. The original “City” model decal is still in good condition on the decklid. All the roof rain-gutters / side panel to roof seams are in excellent condition and not corroded. The doors are not rotten and and door gaps are as original. The lip / edge of the bonnet and decklid are again in good condition.

All the lights and lenses are all the original Hella and have not been replaced with aftermarket cheap items.

Moving to the under-bonnet area, you will see from the photos, the front bulk-head and rear dash area are in amazing condition. Here you will find the electric windscreen washer bottle, brake fluid reservoir, charcoal fuel filter, fuel tank, spare wheel. The original inspection sticker is still attached in the spare wheel well. The original card bonnet-liner is in place. The car is fitted with the original key-operated, external car-alarm.

For the interior – the car still has it's original interior trim. The cloth seats are in good condition and not ripped or torn. The front seats have their original head rests. The grey door panels and all interior trim is original. All the glass windows are original and stamped with the VW/ Audi Mexico logos. Under the dashboard, you will see the original air-conditioning unit. Original rubber floor mats. Original black carpets on the lower bulk-heads, sills and rear luggage space.

Problems: There are three issues with the car that need attention. As you will see from the photos, the rear apron (the panel underneath the decklid and between the rear wings behind the rear bumper is corroded (this is the only corrosion on the car and I am at a loss as to why this has happened). Personally, I would simply cut out the corrosion, fabricate a new metal patch and repair it. I would not replace the whole panel. It is single-skinned and therefore easy to repair. The LHS rear wing has some surface corrosion on the very top, again do not replace the whole wing, simply cut out the area are plate with new metal. The third issue is the original interior head-liner. Sadly, a mouse got into the car and chewed through parts of the headliner. Thankfully none of the rest of the interior was damaged and remains in perfect condition and intact. I have simply placed adhesive vinyl material over the holes. It is upto the new owner whether to replace the headliner or not. Personally for me, it is the original and therefore makes the car more original than replacing it with an after-market one. This is your choice. If I am being picky, the lower edges of the rear wings could do with a sand-back and re-paint. Again, not rotten, but some preventative touch-ups would help preserve them. All-in-all, this is a very original, factory-spec car in almost mint condition. A few minor touch-ups would make this car pristine. The car has been in my family from new. I know what condition it is in, so am really not interested in tyre-kickers, quick-sale chancers or anyone telling me that things are not correct for the model. I've known this car since it left the factory in Mexico. I am only interested in genuine collectors who recognise the rarity and value of such a car. Please feel free to ask for any more info or photos.

The car is for sale as I am moving abroad and can't take it with me. It is a very regrettable sale and there will be tears when someone does buy it. If I wasn't moving half way around the world, I wouldn't be selling it.