1976 Volkswagen Beetle 1200L

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

• No reserve “barn-find” Beetle parked in a garage since 1992

• Family owned from new

• Completely original

• Requires recommissioning

• Should make a fabulous project

• A great opportunity to own a SPA registration plate as well for the circuit racing fans

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

While no-one can argue that a 1200cc Beetle is going to be quick, there’s no denying that the distinctive appearance, flat-four exhaust note and rear-wheel drive have a certain appeal to many.

The original Beetle certainly still has a massive following which means that stewardship of one immediately opens up a wealth of opportunities to meet and interact with other owners. There’s also a wide community of specialists who can work on them and parts availability remains very good, all of which means that a Beetle project car is something to be embraced.

And what we have here is a very special project: essentially a one owner from new 1976 Beetle with its original engine and gearbox which was parked up over 20 years ago and has been stored in a dry garage for all that time. Still, let’s not quibble over the exact details of its storage: it still counts as something of a barn find.

Which is to say that it’s not in peak condition, but the interior is very well preserved and the bodyshell was treated with Ziebart underneath when it was just a week old. So while there are a couple of areas of corrosion, there should be plenty left to work with.

So, if you’re looking for a project to get your teeth into, this should be a prime candidate. And the best part? It’s offered with no reserve. Get your bid in now.

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

• Bought new in Germany by the owner who was stationed there in 1976, built to UK spec, and registered on a British forces Germany number ME170B

• The owner recalls that radial tyres were fitted from new and the car was rustproofed by Ziebart the week after it was collected

• Registered in the UK when the owner returned on 1 May 1977

• The V5 shows three previous owners but the owner registered it in the name of his wife and then his son in the hope that they would drive it; ultimately they chose not to, so it’s in effect a one owner car from new

• Serviced by the owner who describes the care with which he looked after the car, applying many coats of polish over the years

• The car was parked in a garage when the owner stopped using it in around 1991-1992 (the last tax disc in the window expired 31 Jan 1992) and has remained there ever since

• Odometer reading of 52,534 miles which the owner reports is really 152,534 miles

• Sadly the original V5 and other documents are lost in the mists of time but the owner will share them with the buyer should they come to light

• Original keys supplied

• MOT and tax exempt

• HPI clear

• ULEZ compliant

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

• Tan vinyl upholstery which is in remarkably good condition

• Minimalist dashboard on which even the fuel gauge was an optional extra; the owner recalls that it cost him 18DM when he ordered the car

• The dashboard has never been cut to install a radio as the owner had a centre console with a radio fitted, which will be supplied with the car

• A stash of earplugs in the glove compartment indicates either that the owner was a keen attendee of heavy metal concerts or, more likely, that it can be a little noisy in the car on a long journey

• Up above, the headlining could use a clean but looks to be secure

• The front boot contains what looks to be the original jack and warning triangle

𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

• Having been exposed to the outside world for the first time in over 20 years, there’s understandably a level of dust, dirt and patination present – what an experience that first wash will be

• The Phoenix Red paintwork has seen some localised attention over the years

• The bodywork looks to be largely sound with the notable exceptions of the base of the driver’s door and the spare wheel well which will need some corrosion attended to

• Raydyot auxiliary lights, with covers

• The chrome shows a little corrosion, and the window rubbers will need replacing

• The tyres have been inflated which will allow the car to be moved easily but they should obviously be replaced due to their age

• Original hubcaps supplied

𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹

• 1200cc air-cooled flat-four

• Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox

• The seller reports that he serviced it according to the manufacturer’s schedule and that in addition to normal consumables, it’s only ever received a new exhaust

• The engine has never been out of the car and the original clutch remains in place

• It reportedly never let the owner down while in use

• Obviously, it will require a full recommissioning as it has not run in over 20 years, but that’s part of the fun here

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆

An iconic car with a delightful history that is waiting to be revived. It should make a fabulous project for someone and, with the enormous enthusiast scene on hand to help, there shouldn’t be any problem sourcing parts and/or expertise to assist.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Killamarsh, Yorkshire.