Lot details

Year: 1972
Make: Volkswagen
Model: Beetle 1302 Convertible
Registration: TSX 540K
Chassis No: 1522690904
Engine No: AH23453Z
Mileage: 74,110

DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL, THIS LOT HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN FROM THE AUCTION. In 1948, Wilhelm Karmann bought a standard Beetle and converted it into a four-seater convertible. After successfully presenting it at Volkswagen in Wolfsburg, Karmann began production of the Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet in 1949. After a number of stylistic and technical alterations made to it, the last of 331,847 cabriolets came off the conveyor belt on 10th January 1980, bringing with it the end of an era. In 1971, alongside continued production of the standard Beetle, a variant which featured Macpherson strut front suspension and a re-designed front end was introduced which was officially known and marketed in Europe as the 'VW 1302' from 1971 to 1972, and 'VW 1303' from 1973 onwards. The VW Beetle has seduced many a first time buyer, collector and classic car enthusiast. And for obvious reasons; the parts network is comprehensive and inexpensive, the ability to convert the base model into many different variants was always available and the cost of the car itself presented a gateway into classic car ownership.

This rare Beetle convertible 1600cc (Flat Screen which were only built for two years) being one of the last made, is finished in Racing Red with contrasting black roof and seats with beige carpets edged in red. ULEZ compliant so can be used in London etc with no daily charge. The car was imported from the dry State of California in 2021, so is left hand drive and was totally stripped to its chassis and underwent a bare metal repaint. All of the mechanical parts including the engine and gearbox were removed and the suspension was powder coated and rebuilt with new poly bushes and shock absorbers. The hood was removed and refitted with the frame being repainted. The car has basically had a nut and bolt rebuild. When the engine was reinstalled after the engine bay was repainted and detailed, a new carburettor was also fitted along with many other parts being either replaced or refurbished. This is a lovely example both inside and out and now just needs to be enjoyed and is sure to increase in value over the coming years. Consigned by James Good