1971 Volkswagen Beetle 1300 De Luxe

EQUIPMENT

Clementine paintwork, Black basketweave vinyl upholstery, 4-speed manual transmission, Door mirrors, Sun visors, Seat belts, Polished hubcaps, Rear mudflaps, Sanyo radio, Carpet, Rubber overmats, Glove compartment, Spare wheel, Original handbooks, Original service book, Original bill of sale.

EXTERIOR

Looking sharp in its original Clementine hue this UK-supplied ‘71 bug presents very nicely indeed. Previously restored to a great standard both the body and paintwork remain in fine condition with lovely depth of shine and only a few discreet age-related imperfections to report. Finer details such as the rubber seals and trims are in good order, and the chrome elements are very solid with only minor patination. The wheels have also been refinished and look very smart with the correct polished hubcaps. A delightful example of the much-loved classic Beetle with original low mileage, low ownership history and great provenance.

INTERIOR

The interior feels just as fresh as the outside of the car and appears very original throughout. The seats are still trimmed in their original basketweave vinyl and we’re pleased to report that they are pretty much unworn. The grey carpets are in excellent condition and the black vinyl door cards are unmarked; the painted dash is also free from any major scratches or chips. Under the bonnet you’ll find a tidy luggage compartment with the original spare wheel still present.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

With its 1300cc flat-four engine the Beetle is a real joy to drive, and what it lacks in power it more than makes up for in character. The car has been driven and enjoyed by only 4 keepers since new and under their custodianship it has covered a mere 45k miles. For the next owner’s peace of mind a full service, general shakedown, and MOT have just been completed at a cost of over £1k. Clementine – as she is affectionally known – starts first turn of the key, idles smoothly up to temperature, and drives really well with no clutch judder or gear crunching issues.

HISTORY FILE

This lovely UK right-hand drive Beetle 1300 De Luxe was first registered in April 1971; quite remarkably it has had only 4 keepers since new (current since 2013). The very low mileage of only 45k is well documented in the accompanying paperwork, which even includes the original bill of sale from Bentley’s Central Drive Garage. The original VW service book is also on file with 9 supplying-dealer stamps right up to 21k miles.

Clearly cherished by each of its owners the car was treated to a quality refurbishment a few years back, and to help preserve its excellent condition it has been dry stored ever since. Most recently, after a couple of years tucked away in the current owner’s garage, a full check over, major service, and MOT have just been carried so she’s ready to be driven and enjoyed once more.

Within the paperwork the lucky new owner will receive a raft of invoices going right back to day one, MOT certificates dating back to 1974, old tax discs, the original bill of sale from April 1971 (for £970.07!), the original service book and instruction manual, exterior restoration photos, a clean HPI report confirming that the car has never been written off, had a colour change, or been imported/exported, and finally the V5C showing only 3 former keepers.