Curated Auction

1964 Volkswagen Beetle 1200

At a Glance

Mileage~92,257 on clock
Transmission4-speed manual
Engine1.2-litre
LocationBisley, Surrey

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

Ends in:

Days

HRS

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SEC

CURRENT BID£4,500

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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£4,500

See Bidding

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Editor and Photographer

Enthusiast-owned, beautifully restored 1964 Beetle 1200 with tasteful, fully reversible upgrades.

The Volkswagen Beetle holds the title as one of the world's most influential cars of the 20th century. Born out of a need to provide affordable transport for the masses, it soon became one of the most recognisable pieces of design in history. Its immense success was due to its affordability, extreme reliability, and simple, durable engineering. Hitting the US market during a period that valued its exceptional fuel efficiency and easy maintenance, the car was adopted by the 1960s counterculture as a symbol against consumerism. Ultimately, it holds the record as the most popular car produced on a single platform in history.

The VW 1200 holds a foundational and enduring position in the Beetle’s history, serving as both the quintessential mid-era model and, later, the entry-level economy option that sustained production for decades. Continuously improved since its 1954 debut, the 1964 model year benefited from key updates, including modifications to the front trailing arms and steering damper. It also featured a fully synchronised four-speed manual transmission, an automatic choke, and a revised heating system. Throughout its lifetime, the 1200 remained the mainstay of the lineup, ultimately earning the distinction of being the final Beetle model produced in Germany.

Coming to market from almost 19 years with our vendor, this tastefully modified 1964 Beetle 1200 features entirely reversible modifications and benefits from a body-off restoration and interior refurbishment completed in 2012. Owned by a dedicated VW enthusiast, it is striking in black with a contrasting white interior. It features a handful of sympathetic upgrades, including integrated headlamp indicators, 70s era Beetle seats, a 12V electrical conversion, an upgraded carburettor, and a modern Bluetooth radio.

After spending seven years in dry storage, the car has recently been recommissioned with a new battery, fresh wheels, and select new interior trim pieces. It comes with a photographic document of its restoration, current V5 and a box of spares and a low reserve set.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Ian the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

Having known this Beetle for years, Ian chose to buy and restore it.

Ian has known the car for over 30 years, as it previously belonged to the son of a close friend. Throughout that time, he serviced and maintained the car, a reflection of Ian's deep, intimate knowledge of early Volkswagens, which includes the complete rebuild of his own 1957 'Oval' Beetle.

Ian used the car for a few years after its 2012 restoration, he placed it into dry storage in June 2017 and the car has been used sporadically since then. It is now being offered for sale to free up funds for a house move, with Ian reluctantly acknowledging that the car deserves to be driven and enjoyed more than his current schedule allows.

Ian will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Ian

Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
Images
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Recently recommissioned after seven years in dry storage, it retains a pleasing presentation.

Wheels and Tyres

The 15-inch silver painted steel wheels are paired with Moon hubcaps, and all four are in excellent condition.

The car features American Classic whitewall tyres (size 165/13) on both the front and rear. While they date back to 2014, they still have plenty of tread remaining.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

The car has undergone a comprehensive, body-off, bare-metal restoration and has seen very little use since completion. The structure and floor pan look solid, with no issues found in the suspension mounts, wheel wells, or engine bay.

The exterior presents beautifully; all panels are free of damage and fit flush with the body. We noted a small amount of corrosion on the bottom inside corner of the passenger door, but it is otherwise in great shape. The doors open and close smoothly without obstruction.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The black paint offers decent coverage and an even consistency. It retains a good lustre, though mild swirling is visible in direct sunlight. There is slight orange peel on the side panels, while the bonnet, doors, and windscreen scuttle reveal some under-paint rash, likely caused by a reaction during application. Most of these minor imperfections could be resolved with a machine polish.

A more pronounced blister was noted at the base of the bonnet, along with a few paint cracks below the rear vent and the odd surface blemish elsewhere.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good condition, backed by decent seals, and all lights and lenses present well. The headlamps feature integrated front indicators, and a pair of wing-top-mounted units is also included in the sale.

The trim looks smart, showing only minor signs of age on some of the chrome that do not distract from the car's overall appearance. Both bumpers are securely attached and free of damage. Additionally, the car is fitted with an aftermarket, front-quarter-panel-mounted aerial.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Tastefully refurbished as part of its 2012 restoration, the cabin also retains a high level of originality.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are upgraded items from a 1970s model, offering better support and improved access to the rear. Installed as part of the interior refurb in 2014, they remain in good shape with no significant wear.

The carpets are clean, dry, and free of any dampness.

Dashboard

The dashboard presents well with no significant marks. Its chrome trim and switchgear show minor, age-related wear that is perfectly in keeping with the car’s character. Ian notes that all electrical items and controls function exactly as they should.

Additionally, the door cards are clean, the headlining is free of rips despite mild signs of ageing, and the rest of the cabin trim is in good shape.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear knob show mild signs of age, which are perfectly in keeping with the ambience of the beautifully finished interior.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The air-cooled 1192cc flat-four engine is legendary for its simplicity and rugged reliability.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fires up immediately with no warning lights displayed on the dashboard. Aside from the expected cold-start condensation from the exhaust, it remained entirely smoke-free during our visit. The car also showed no signs of fluid leaks on the day of inspection. The engine idles smoothly and evenly without fluctuation, and no unusual noises were detected.

The 1.2-litre engine presents well, showcasing tidy hoses and ancillary components. The carburettor has been upgraded to a Solex 30/31 PICT unit, and the car's electrical system now runs on 12V. The vendor also told us that the car has recently undergone a light recommissioning, which included a full mechanical check and a garage service.

The gearbox operates smoothly; thanks to synchromesh across all four forward gears - the gear changes are smooth and free of crunches. The vendor reports no issues with the clutch, and an EMPI quick-shift plate is also included in the sale.

Suspension and Brakes

It rides evenly and is free of any significant mechanical noises from the wheels or running gear. At urban speeds, the suspension absorbs road imperfections confidently with no excessive bouncing or squeaks, delivering a comfortable ride. The car retains its standard factory ride height.

The brakes offer a direct, confidence-inspiring feel, with no pulling or juddering under operation. Despite utilising an all-drum setup, the system slows the car down effectively.

The Drive

Part of the charm of an air-cooled VW is its delightfully mechanical and beautifully simple driving experience, one that relies on momentum rather than raw power. The iconic soundtrack and surprisingly surefooted handling are central to the experience, rewarding the driver for maintaining a smooth, consistent, and steady pace.

The engine pulls well, though there was a slight initial hesitancy upon starting. This can be attributed to its dry storage and lack of use since 2019; however, it became noticeably freer and breathed better as the engine warmed up to operating temperature. There were no issues with warm restarts.

The car feels nimble, with light steering that is free of any unusual noises. We took the car up to 40 mph, and it tracked perfectly straight with no signs of instability. Ian reports no issues with either the oil pressure or engine temperature. Our impression is that the engine requires a sustained, long-distance drive first to perform at its best.

Electrics and Other

We didn't test all the electrics on the day of our visit but Ian told us everything worked as far as he was aware.

The car features a full-length canvas sunroof. While it has not been opened in recent years and we chose not to operate it during our visit, it retains a tight seal and appears to be in fully functional condition.

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History and Paperwork

It comes with a photographic record of its 2012 restoration.

First registered in April 1964 in the Anglia region, this Beetle was acquired by its third documented keeper in 1991. Ian purchased the vehicle in 2007 following a period of storage and decided to commission a ground-up restoration. While he handled the initial disassembly, the majority of the specialist work was entrusted to professionals at a restoration company in Windsor.

The history file includes the current and previous V5 documents, tracking its ownership back to 1991, alongside a box of spares and a comprehensive photographic record detailing the 2012 bare-metal respray and running gear rebuild. For added peace of mind, the car is both road tax and MOT exempt.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
13-06-2017	MOT	91,952
13-06-2016	MOT	91,757
06-06-2015	MOT	91,405

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Key Details

Model Beetle 1200
Transmission 4-Speed Manual
Reg. Date 16-04-1964
CC 1192
Mileage ~ 92,257
Colour Black
Interior Colour White
Chassis # 6188096
Engine # 8429752
Restored Yes in 2012
MOT Last Exp. 12-06-2018
MOT Exempt Yes
Road Tax Exempt Yes
HPi Clear Yes - all clear
Former Keepers 4
Tyre Brand American Classic
Tyre Age 2014
LHD or RHD RHD
Visited Yes
Sale Type Private
Owned ~18 years, 10 months
Key Feature 2012 body off restoration
Vehicle Registration AYK 174B
Driver’s Side Right
Fuel Type Petrol
Body Type 2 door saloon
Auction ID 3690

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All Images

All Videos

Vehicle Location

Bisley, Surrey

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Auction Bidding

Live Bidding

Current Bid £4,500

High Bidder Lambretta1

Countdown Timer

0 Days

0 HRS

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Auction Ends Thu 11th Jun at 8.30pm

Bidding History

Previous Bids 6

£4,500 bid by Lambretta101.06.26 @ 11:53:23

£4,000 bid by WolskiSB31.05.26 @ 18:53:41

£3,600 bid by Logg11131.05.26 @ 00:58:49

£3,000 bid by Liquidskinz30.05.26 @ 18:28:06

£2,599 bid by Logg11129.05.26 @ 15:31:23

£1,350 bid by br33028.05.26 @ 13:27:45

SEE MORE BIDS SEE MORE BIDS

Auction Views 1399

Ask Owner

Seller IanBeetle

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

9 Comments

Mostin66

3 days ago

Hello Ian,

I have a couple of questions regarding the sunroof.
Is it a factory fitted sunroof or aftermarket please?
If the latter, do you know what make it is please and did you have it fitted?
Can you also please confirm whether it is in working order and watertight?
Many thanks

Pierre

4 days ago

Lovely looking car. Can you tell me if it has a heater and if it works?

IanBeetle

Seller

Pierre

4 days ago

Yes the car is lovely and i have a history with the car for 30 years so no suprises. Yes it has a heater and as far as i know it works. When i took it for a run this year it was warm and sunny so did not test it, but it has new heat exchangers and the original heater control which is a knob beside the gear lever that you rotate for on and off.

Marshall64

5 days ago

Hi Ian
Have you ever had any trouble with the roof leaking ?
Thank you
Marshall

Logg111

6 days ago

Hi Ian, I’m very interested in the beetle you have for sale. I’m a bit confused however as it’s on eBay too.
The price on eBay, is that the asking price or starter price.
Thanks for your time.
Regards
L. Gough

IanBeetle

Seller

Logg111

6 days ago

Sorry I was not aware it was on E-Bay, this car is being sold at Auction via Trade Classics. not sure why this is on there this is neither the starting price or the sale price.

ColinB

Admin

Logg111

6 days ago

Hi,

We post adverts on eBay etc, the price shown on the adverts is our guide price.

I hope this helps.

Thanks,
Colin.

Logg111

ColinB

6 days ago

Ok, many thanks.
Is it at all possible to come and view the vehicle?!
Regards
L. Gough

ColinB

Admin

Logg111

6 days ago

Hi,

If you could send an email to [email protected] first we just need to do some checks.

Thanks,
Colin.

MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

Insurance Quote

Average annual insurance premium for a Beetle like this is £158 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

*Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Summer 2026.

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Vehicle Location

Bisley, Surrey

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If the reserve isn’t met when the auction ends, we’ll work with the highest bidder to try and agree a deal with the seller.

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1964 Volkswagen Beetle 1200

At a Glance

Curated Auction

Curated Auction

CURATED AUCTION

AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£4,500

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Secure Auctions

Full Transparency

Vehicle Delivery

Secure Auctions

Full Transparency

Vehicle Delivery

Meet the owner

Ian

Ask Questions

Exterior

Wheels and Tyres

Bodywork

Paint

Glass and Trim

Interior

Seats and Carpets

Dashboard

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Mechanics

Engine and Gearbox

Suspension and Brakes

The Drive

Electrics and Other

History and Paperwork

Service History

Key Details

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos

Vehicle Location

Request A Delivery Calculation

Auction Bidding

Live Bidding

Bidding History

Auction Views 1399

Ask Owner

Insurance Quote

Delivery Calculator

Vehicle Location

Key Bidding Facts

What is your reserve policy?

Why shouldn’t I leave bidding to the last minute?

Delivery Estimate

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