1972 Volkswagen Beach Buggy 1.6

Highlights

• Show-standard, freshly detailed air-cooled flat-four

• Genuinely sporting cabin with quilted leather and four-point harnesses

• Deep gunmetal metal-flake fibreglass body, straight and glossy

• Front disc brakes and near-new wide tyres on polished alloys

• Twin-carburettor set-up with a stainless performance exhaust

Overview

The Beach Buggy is one of the great feel-good machines. It's a lightweight fibreglass body dropped onto a shortened Volkswagen floorpan, with an air-cooled flat-four hanging out the back. This one sits on a 1971 1302 S base, so it brings front disc brakes to the party. The 1.6-litre engine gives a buggy plenty of character, and it stays wonderfully simple to live with.

What sets this car apart is how it has been finished. The body wears a deep gunmetal metal-flake paint that catches the light, and the panels are straight with even gaps. Slip inside and it feels properly sporting, with black diamond-quilted leather, red contrast stitching, red four-point harnesses and a quick-release Momo wheel on a brushed-alloy dash.

Mechanically it has just been given a new lease of life. The vendor tells us the flat-four has been rebuilt from scratch by a specialist, and it is presented to show standard with polished chrome tinware, twin carburettors and a stainless performance exhaust. It is a lovely looking example that has been built to be driven, and it presents in fine cosmetic fettle throughout.

History and Documentation

• First registered on 15 January 1971 as a Volkswagen 1302 S, now taxed as a historic vehicle

• The engine was rebuilt from scratch by specialist VW Down Under, including a new block, with documentation and a one-year warranty

• Indicated mileage approximately 39,000, not warranted given the car's age and rebuild (the fitted odometer currently displays 39,837 miles)

• HPI report clear across stolen, finance, write-off and plate-transfer checks

• Current MOT valid until 5 June 2026

Interior

• Sporting cabin trimmed in black diamond-quilted leather with red contrast stitching; the leather is clean with light patina

• Front bucket seats and a matching rear bench, with red four-point harnesses fitted up front

• Red matching seat belts, not pictured, are included in sale

• Brushed-alloy dash panel housing a large VDO-style speedo and tacho

• Quick-release Momo three-spoke steering wheel; the vendor tells us the original wheel is included

• Battery isolator switch and push-button start, alongside an EMPI short-throw shifter and drilled alloy pedals

• Red-carpeted transmission tunnel shows light wear, the one item the vendor would replace

Exterior

• Deep gunmetal metal-flake fibreglass body, glossy with straight panels and even gaps

• Chrome detailing throughout, including a roll-over hoop, nerf bars and round headlamps

• The vendor tells us that an additional brand new set of headlights are included in the sale
• A cover for the car is included in sale

• Polished five-spoke alloys wearing wide tyres with near-new tread

• Vendor tells us there is a small surface crack in the fibreglass on the left of the bonnet, not visible in the photos

• Solid, dry underside with intact CV gaiters on both driveshafts

Mechanical

• 1.6-litre air-cooled flat-four mounted in the tail, driving the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox

• Twin Dellorto carburettors and a stainless EMPI performance exhaust, per the vendor

• The vendor has informed us that the rev counter doesn't work correctly, but this can be easily corrected

• Front disc brakes, with the vendor telling us the master cylinder has been replaced and the brakes bled

• Vendor tells us roughly 50 miles have been covered since the rebuild, with a 300-mile check due

• Runs on premium unleaded

Summary

This is a beautifully detailed Beach Buggy with a fresh, professionally rebuilt engine and a genuinely sporting cabin. The gunmetal metal-flake body presents superbly, the four-point-harness interior is a real event, and the disc-braked 1302 S underpinnings make it usable as well as good looking. With near-new tyres and a recent rebuild, it's ready to enjoy on the next dry morning. The vendor tells us it starts on the button and drives without issue.

To arrange a viewing, click the Book Viewing button located under the Place Bid button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to Contact Seller for further enquiries. This seller is located in Ingatestone, Essex.