SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A charming UK VW Beetle 1200 with a huge history file and 61,328 miles.
EQUIPMENT
Chrome window trim, chrome bumpers, quarter lights, VW bonnet emblem, chrome headlamp rings, bright belt line, ashtray with gear pattern diagram, internal bonnet and fuel filler release, chrome door handles, running boards, hazard lights, interior light, headlight flasher, fresh air vents, sill vents, glove box, twin sunvisors. Dealer options; Seatbelts.
EXTERIOR
The unmodified and original nature of this delightful UK RHD Beetle 1200 remains a huge testament to the cherished ownership this example has enjoyed. Finished in Volkswagen Marina Blue, (Marinablau – code L54D), the gleaming paintwork boasts a bright pure shine and is guaranteed to please onlookers. Faint blemishes are detectable upon scrutiny and minor remedial cosmetic work has been carried out to uphold the very pretty finish. The vehicle is structurally excellent and the panels are straight and free from corrosion or damage. All chrome bumpers and trim pieces are beautifully bright with the exception of light pitting to the quarter light surrounds. Having avoided the common modification trend, this wonderful matching numbers example remains exactly how Volkswagen intended and represents all that is special about this true motoring icon.
INTERIOR
The original and unrestored Alabaster Leatherette upholstery and matching door cards remain in excellent order with only a light marking visible on the rear bench. The factory fitted thin two spoke steering wheel along with all switchgear and controls are in superb order and all functions operate perfectly. The headlining is fully intact, tight and free from the common discolouration. Original features such as the dashboard ashtray with gear shift diagram and tyre pressure chart on the glovebox lid are a delight to see. The tidy front luggage area houses the spare wheel sited in a solid and clean front compartment with factory chassis plate still in place. The chassis stamp is also clearly visible underneath the rear bench seat and denotes a build date of August 1970. The correct washer bottle fed off the spare tyre pressure remains fitted and complete but an electric washer upgrade has been carried out. A humble yet functional classic interior, hugely reminiscent of a more modest motoring era.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The original air-cooled rear mounted engine affirms the cars matching number credentials with the engine number prefix ‘D0’ correct for the year and model and matching the V5 document. The spotlessly clean engine bay with an emphasis on originality and meticulous maintenance is clearly evident. A power output of 34bhp and 65ib.ft of torque from its 1192cc displacement delivers performance at a relaxed pace, whilst the unmistakable VW Beetle engine note is delightfully pronounced. The fully synchronized 4-speed gearbox is positive, light and smooth.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The original pressed steel wheels with as new stainless steel hubcaps are pristine and are shod in matching Toyo 155 R15 tyres, new in 2014, with excellent tread remaining. Dual circuit drum brakes front and rear operate freely, offering modest stopping power when compared to modern vehicles, exactly as they were made!
HISTORY FILE
This German built 1971 model year example was manufactured in August 1970 and registered new on 5th November 1970. The supplying Volkswagen Main Dealer, Weir Lodge Garage of Surrey, along with other main dealers serviced the car extensively in the early years with 12 VW stamped entries in the original VW Service Record. An order form from VW Dealers Colborne Garages Ltd dated February 1973 and made out to second owner Mr Geoffrey Clark outlines a purchase price of £720, less £150 for his Morris 1100 Traveller taken in part exchange! Furthermore, a colossal history folder contains a huge collection of receipts and invoices for service and maintenance throughout the vehicles entire lifetime. The dealer supplied instruction manual and operating handbooks have been kept along with the original VW Diagnosis Punch Card Booklet. Evidence of enthusiast ownership extends even to the factory paint code sticker removed and preserved inside the Service Record cover!
A delightfully genuine example, one which offers a real testament to the devoted ownership and careful upkeep bestowed upon the car.
HPI Clear.