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1968 Volkswagen Beetle 1500

Sold Price

£10,184

  • Mileage~15,735 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.5L
  • LocationDatchet

SOLD

1968 Volkswagen Beetle 1500

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Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Photographer and Editor

Its remarkable popularity, durability and charm continue to win it friends.

A car that needs no introduction, the original air-cooled VW Beetle origins go back to the 1930s. However, Volkswagen's continuous development and modernisation of the design mean it shares nothing with those early cars, aside from a distinctive body outline. The Beetle's most vibrant and successful era was the 1960s, thanks to its export potential and subsequent sub-culture that followed it, but its appeal was more than just its distinctive styling. Built to a high standard, the Beetle set the benchmark for quality small cars. Its proven reliability, ease of maintenance and robust design remain its key selling points. Each successive generation of Beetles saw incremental engine and mechanical updates, and one of the most significant was the installation of the 1493cc engine in 1967. Also fitted with front disc brakes, 12V electrics, revised suspension and an improved dashboard, it was the most desirable Beetle money could buy. But it had a relatively short life. VW entered the 1970s and wound down its air-cooled program as the last 1500 rolled off the line in 1970, making it one of the rarer versions of the Beetle.

This car comes to market from ~2 year ownership, and it was extensively restored in 2022, a clean and solid 1968 car. Finished in white with a black interior, it has also seen a complete engine rebuild and evidence of ~£12,000 worth of invoices. It is naturally Road Tax and MOT exempt.

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

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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

The car creates so much goodwill - even more than my old TR6!

Chris bought the car in early 2023, to promote his Mexican-themed business. Directly swapping his beloved Triumph TR6 for it, the Beetle quickly found favour with his kids, who adored travelling in it.

Since selling that business and retiring the car from promotional duties, all of the promotional decals have been removed, and it has been sitting in his garage. Chris feels guilty for not using it as much as he should, so it's now up for grabs. He will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Chris
Vehicle Owner

Chris saved £1,800* when they
sold their VW with us.

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Exterior

The body was restored with new metal and paint just 3 years ago, still looking very smart to this day.

Wheels and Tyres

The painted steel rims are cleanly presented without any obvious curbing damage etc. The aftermarket chrome hub caps are in excellent condition and a nice addition.

The front tyres are manufactured by Toyo and are over 15 years old, the rears are Nankangs and are around 10 years old. All are in good shape, with even tread.

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Bodywork

The exterior presentation is smart and free of any dents or significant corrosion. Chris pointed out a couple of minor rust spots around the boot lid well and we spotted some minor corrosion on the right-hand side of the top of the bonnet edge. The panels are flush to the body with decent beading. All of the doors open and close with reassurance. The floor pan looks solid, but there is mild surface corrosion spotted on some of the underside components. The front luggage area, engine bay, under the back seat and inner wheel wells are in good shape.

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.

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Paint

The white paint finish is consistent and displays a decent lustre across the car. There are a handful of chips and blemishes; the main ones were a mark seen on the nearside rear panel near the door, a blemish below the off-side rear window, and a series of chips on the corner of the front off-side wing. Overall, the verdict is positive and the car displays very nicely.

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.

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Glass and Trim

The glass is all in good order, with decent seals. The headlamps are in good condition, although the rear indicaror lenses appear to have faded somewhat.

The trim is complete. There are mild signs of age on some of the side trim, bumpers and front indicator finishers, but generally above the expectations of a car of this age.

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Interior

Retaining much of its original interior features, it retains a utilitarian feel.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in good condition, they have worn well and retain a decent shape. The passenger side front tilt catch is missing but it can still be moved.

The carpets are tidy and provide a decent fit, and all are damp-free. Take a look through the gallery to see the detail.

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Dashboard

The metal dashboard and trim look good, with just a few minor marks and the odd signs of age. All of the dials are legible, the main controls appear to work, apart from the wiper switch.

The headlining and door cards are good, with no issues noted with the rest of the trim.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear stick show plenty of patina but are free of major defects. There is an aftermarket "VW" gear knob fitted as pictured.

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Mechanics

The engine was rebuilt in 2022 and its only done ~2,000 miles since then, plenty of life left in this VW Beetle.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fired up immediately, bursting into life with no unwanted noises or vibrations. There was a little smoke upon start up and Chris felt the car was running a little rich, a service will hopefully resolve this. The engine warning lights all stayed off during our visit and we didn't spot any leaks. The engine underwent a complete rebuild in 2022 and is cleanly presented, showing good fuel lines, cooling tinware and hoses.

The gearbox operates smoothly once warmed up, with no reported problems with the clutch function. The gear linkage bushes and clutch were replaced in 2022.

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Suspension and Brakes

The shock absorbers were replaced in 2022 and it rides well, absorbing the road with no thuds or unwanted noises. The car retains its standard ride height and handles confidently, with no negative feedback.

The braking is positive, with no observations of wobbles or judders. The braking system was overhauled in 2022.

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The Drive

The unburstable and charismatic air-cooled pulse and high-pitch whistle are like the Beetles heartbeat, and they go some way to endear the experience to the driver, occupants and passers-by.

The 1500 engine pulls strongly, with no unwanted engine noises, misfires or smoke. We managed to build up to a decent cruising speed, as the steering and suspension remained compliant with no wobbles or wayward characteristics. The steering stayed true upon braking and remained composed throughout our visit. The steering box was replaced in 2022. Chris has been satisfied with the reliability of the car, having travelled back and forth to the Midlands with no issues, happily cruising on the motorway at 60 mph. He has not reported any problems with its cooling or oil pressure.

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Electrics and Other

The car is fitted with rear seat belts, an addition that Chris has had installed. To his knowledge, the electrics all work with the exception of the windscreen wipers.

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History and Paperwork

Coming to market from ~2 year ownership, almost ~£12,000 has been spent on the car since 2021, including a complete engine rebuild and body restoration.

First registered in May 1968, the car underwent a rebuild in 2022, which included new paint, body repairs, an engine rebuild, suspension, brake and steering overhauls and many new cosmetic parts. It comes with a folder of invoices which tally up to almost £12,000. It is MOT and Road Tax exempt but passed an MOT test in 2022 with no advisories.

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
14-01-2022 MOT 13,213
03-11-2017 MOT 13,213
Key Details
  • ModelBeetle 1500
  • Transmission4-Speed Manual
  • Reg. Date09-05-1968
  • CC1,493
  • Mileage~15,735 on clock
  • HistorySince 2021
  • ColourWhite
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimVinyl
  • Chassis #118485016
  • Engine #H1246875
  • RestoredYes in 2022
  • Engine RebuildYes in 2022
  • MOT14-01-2022
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes - all clear
  • Former Keepers8
  • Tyre BrandToyo/Nankang
  • Tyre Age2008/2015
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~2 years
  • Key FeatureEngine rebuild and body restoration
  • Auction ID2769







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Ask Questions
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8 Comments
TBeau
TBeau
  PChris
1 month ago

Thanks for your reply, Chris……I’m pleased to read that the wiper control issue has been fixed. Can I ask when the car was last serviced? I’ve noted that since it’s restoration it hasn’t chalked up that many miles. Also, was the underneath restored as well?
Best regards
Trevor

TBeau
TBeau
  PChris
1 month ago

Thank you, Chris.

TBeau
TBeau
1 month ago

Hello Chris, Lovely car. I have the same concerns as Peter regarding the windscreen wiper controls not working. Would you be happy to have the issue rectified in time for the winner bidder to drive the car away? I live near Axminster in Devon, which is a gamble of a drive as far as the weather is concerned at the best of times! Thanking you, Trevor

pechan1
pechan1
1 month ago

Hello there,
I have looked through the details and watched the videos and the car looks lovely.
I notice the windscreen wipers are not working. Are you planning to at least try a new fuse to see if that works? I only ask as if I were to buy, I would have a long drive back home and with no windscreen wipers this would be an issue and probably force collection by transporter.
Also, on the HPI check image it says colour black. Any idea why? Sorry if I missed something here.
Regards
Peter

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