1971 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

The classic VW Beetle needs no introduction. Introduced in the late 1940s, it underwent various stages of development and improvement and over the next four or five decades and sold in huge numbers. The design and ethos remained fundamentally the same until VW finally ceased production with the closure of their plant in Mexico, 2003. It regularly appears on lists of the most significant motor vehicles of all time.

Our car is a 1971 1200, first registered on 16th November 1971. Presented in dove blue over ivory, it certainly looks the part of a stylish custom cruiser. It has a black upholstery with the dove blue exterior paint carried through to the inside alongside funky but subtle custom door cards. The headlining has been replaced and the alloy wheels in gloss black with chrome rims look just right with the lowered ride height.

The car has clearly had a lot of work done to it over the years and the file we have here is full of invoices for regular maintenance and improvements. There is even a sticker in the glove box with hand written tyre pressures along with a garage cover, which is an indication of the degree of care lavished on the car.

The car is showing 56,600 miles, which we assume is 156,600, but which is less meaningful given the age and work done over that time. The V5 shows just 5 owners prior to the individual from whom we purchased the car; a modest number of owners for a car that is 54 years old.

A cute and stylish motoring icon that will bear favourable comparison at any classic car event. Just look at that drop down external sun visor!