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Sold

1972 Volkswagen Beetle

Sold Price

£5,512

  • Mileage~24,400 (round the clock)
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.6L
  • LocationStourbridge

SOLD

1972 Volkswagen Beetle

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Introduction

Glyn Parry
Professional Consigner

A distinctive car with so much character, the Beetle never fails to put a smile on your face.

The little air-cooled Beetle (until recently) held the record for the biggest production run (21,529,464) and the longest. First introduced in 1938, production carried on until 2003, a whopping 65 years of development. In 1966 we saw a revised 1200 beetle, now known as the 1300, with new headlamps, thicker bumpers, uprated safety, and more mechanical changes such as 12v electrics, dual-circuit brakes, and a fuel tank that didn't need to be filled via the luggage compartment.

We really like the look of this sporty little Beetle finished in green, gloss black alloys and chrome all round, coming out of 3 years of ownership.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting James 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

This Beetle has been dubbed Bertie, a great little runner.

James fell in love with this little beetle back in 2018 when he first took it for a test drive. He purchased the car from a couple who had the car a few years before him, having bought the car from the original owner. This car has been very loyal to the previous owners and has covered ~124,400 so far.

The previous owners had done a lot to the car, so James was able to hop in and enjoy from the get go. They had replaced the fuel tank, changed the dynamo and ended up replacing the engine with the an 1600cc one. The original 1300 engine also comes with the car with various other original parts including starter motor, original gear stick and steering wheel. Take a look at the paperwork photographs to see the additional parts included.

James has absolutely loved his VW Beetle ownership, however, after not getting much use and recently purchasing a caravan, he is looking to free up some space in the garage and so looking to find Bertie a new home.

James
Vehicle Owner

James saved £0,900* when they
sold their VW with us.

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Exterior

Style, character and surprisingly spacious for what was a car for everyman.

Wheels and Tyres

The previous owners have fitted new alloys finished in gloss black and silver which look excellent with the combination of the green paintwork. The wheels are wrapped in 2017 Continental Contacts that look in excellent condition with loads of tread left on them for the new owner.

The original Beetle wheels also come with the car and they do exhibit some very minor wear, yet we think they'd clean up great. Please see the exterior photographs and videos to really appreciate this car.

Bodywork

The bodywork on this car looks very straight, all the panel gaps look tight, true and correct when consigning the car. If we're being extremely picky, we noticed some very minor surface rust on the front and rears of the door runners.

The underneath of the car looks great too with underseal applied, you can take a closer look at the underneath in the mechanical photos.

Paint

The paintwork on this car really does look excellent and really shows it has been cared for over the years. The paint looks even in colour and coat on each panel of the car, when getting really close we notice a very minor area of bubbling on the bonnet/trunk, but you'll have to get really close to see it.

Please take a look at the photos for a detailed view of the paintwork.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in great condition on this car, with the exception of a small chip to the windscreen, none of the panes appear to have damage.

The chrome plating looks excellent whichever angle you view this car from, some parts have been replaced over the years, the nearside rear arch chrome protector has some protective film adhesive on it.

Please take a look at the exterior photos and videos for a closer view of the glass and trim on this lovely example.

Interior

The interior retains a lot of originality and quirky character.

Seats and Carpets

When you open the door on this green VW Beetle, your initial impression will be on how much care and attention has been given to making this Beetle top quality.

The seats look great and retain their original shape, the carpets too, look clean with plenty of life in them. When getting really close, you can notice some of the seats pipping has some minor wear, but given the age of the car it really is very smart.

Dashboard

The original dashboard is fitted and looks really smart in this quirky Beetle, the interior shows some renewal yet it retains its originality.

James reports all the dials and gauges are working as they should.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

James has fitted a newer retro-styled steering wheel in this classic Beetle finished in black. It really adds to this interior, and the car also includes it's original steering wheel if the buyer wishes to return it to its original set up.

A new flat four-gear stick has also been installed with a VW gear shifter wooden knob added for better grip, all in excellent condition.

We did notice some very minor paint wear to the handbrake, as you would expect for it's age.

Please take a look at the photos videos for a closer view of the interior.

Mechanics

A refined 1600 engine was added to take this 1300 to a desirable '1300 S' spec and keep up with modern traffic.

Engine and Gearbox

James replaced the original 1300 engine with a newer 1600 engine to increase the power output. The original 1300 engine is included within the sale along with several other mechanical parts.

Please view the cold start video to see the car starting on it's second attempt without drama. We didn't notice any issues with the running engine or any noises or knocks. James reports a great drive in this little car.

The ignition has been changed to a push button start in the cockpit.

Suspension and Brakes

Just like the rest of the car, the suspension and brakes have always been given the attention they deserves.

The Beetle is known for its durability and there appear to be no issues with the way you would expect a '70s VW to drive. The owner reports no knocking noises from the brakes or suspension.

The Drive

With the combination of the low mileage and 1600 engine upgrade, this little VW goes just as you would expect and is ready to be enjoyed. James reports a great, fun drive in the beetle.

Electrics and Other

The 1300 electrics were increased from 6V to 12V, with various options for add ons. The car has a classic radio fitted, but this isn't working.

Please take a look at the photos for a detailed view of this car.

History and Paperwork

A UK RHD Beetle has been uprated with a 1600cc engine and careful ownership, we know it'll be a hit within the air-cooled community.

The car comes with stacks of paperwork, Hayne manuals, magazines, MOT's, service history, Tax disks. The sales of the car also include the original engine which shows matching numbers 'AB514866', various tools, the original steering wheel, jack, and all 4x original wheels with tyres that look great.

James will be happy to answer any questions you may have in the comments below.

We've actioned checks on the following; Seller ID, V5, HPi (11.05.2006 - Category D insurance loss).

Service History
Date Type Mileage
14.09.2017 MOT 24,407
24.08.2016 MOT 23,824
27.01.2014 MOT 22,890
29.10.2012 MOT 22,412
27.10.2011 MOT 19,345
11.11.2010 MOT 15,015
12.06.2006 MOT 13,720
26.07.2008 MOT 12,256
20.06.2007 MOT 98,807
23.06.2006 MOT 7,418
15.08.2005 MOT 4,889
27.08.2004 MOT 1,124
23.09.2003 MOT 97,176
30.08.2002 MOT 93,467
30.08.2001 MOT 89,638
30.08.2000 MOT 86,081
31.08.1999 MOT 81,395
20.08.1998 MOT 76,479
27.08.1997 MOT 71,793
27.08.1996 MOT 66,678
07.09.1995 MOT 61,148
30.08.1994 MOT 50,329
31.08.1993 MOT 41,221
21.06.1973 Service (MD) 5,030
06.10.1972 Service (MD) 3,324
01.07.1972 Service (MD) 625
22.06.1972 Service (MD)
Key Details
  • ModelBeetle
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date01.08.1972
  • CC1285CC
  • Mileage~24,400
  • HistoryGood
  • ColourMet Green
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #1122557990
  • Engine #AB514866
  • MOTNo. Exempt
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi Clear11.05.2006 - Category D insurance loss
  • Former Keepers2
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned3 years
  • Key FeatureCondition and Engine Upgrade







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Ask Questions
Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
Sparkling
Member
Sparkling

Hi James, apologies if this info has been displayed already, but do you know how many owners there have been since the start and what the original colour was? Thank you…

Vincent Cafolla
Guest
Vincent Cafolla

Hi James.
I had posted a number of questions earlier today, but these seem to have disappeared from the chat. They were showing when I submitted them, so maybe you did receive them. Can you confirm this for me please?
Regards,
Vincent.

James Workman
Guest
James Workman

Hello Vincent, I replied to the questions re: the mileage and the cat d below? I can still see the answers further down. If you can’t let me know and I can re-send them for you?

Regards, James

Dan
Guest
Dan

Hi James,
Do you know if the fuel lines have been replaced (maybe when engine fitted) with ethanol safe fuel lines?

Many thanks
Dan

James Workman
Guest
James Workman

Fuel tank was replaced and new fuel filter fitted under the wheel arch, new rubber pipes engine/ fuel tank side. Solid steel pipe running from front to back. Replaced due to leaky glass filter in engine bay, fuel line should be clear.

Regards James

Vincent Cafolla
Guest
Vincent Cafolla

Good afternoon again James and thank you for your previous answer regarding the paintwork. I have a couple of additional questions at this time.
1. Can you please give me some indication as to why there is a
discrepancy in the mileage between the 2003 and 2007 MoT’s.
2. What effect did the Cat D status have for your insurance?
3. Would all the extra bits for the car fit inside for transportation?

Thanks,
Vincent.

James Workman
Guest
James Workman

Hi Vincent sorry for the late reply just got back from work. Checked the mileage currently 24,896 + (100,000) so actual would be 124,896. I can on guess that the mileage was ever miss read or printed wrongly on those years because 2007 looks about right, then it the clock has rolled over starting low again. I wasn’t aware until recently about the Cat D but I haven’t had any problem with insurance I’ve used Admiral with an agreed value of £10,500. Comes under classic insurance so had to send off photos about the vehicle costs me around £300-£400 a… Read more »

Vincent Cafolla
Guest
Vincent Cafolla

Thanks for the info/reply James which I was able to see after logging off the web site and back on again.
Regards,
Vincent.

Vincent Cafolla
Guest
Vincent Cafolla

Hi James. Can you tell me when the bodywork was repainted?

James Workman
Guest
James Workman

Hi I haven’t got an invoice but it was carried out by previous owner as a guess I’d say less than 10 years ago.

Cavo
Member
Cavo

Hi James Many thanks for your last answer. One or two more questions please: Is the car registered historic? I’ve been through all the paperwork, but cannot see an invoice for supplying and fitting the 1600 engine – did I miss it? Where did it come from, and was it rebuilt prior to fitting in your car? I love the colour – do you know what it is? Does the interior smell – of cigarette smoke for example? Just noted the anti-odour thingy hanging on the grab handle in one of the photos. What is the red lead/plug coming through… Read more »

James workman
Guest
James workman

Hi John not a problem, yes the car is registered as a historic vehicle so Tax and MOT except just have to register online with the DVLA once a year. I believe the 1600cc engine was refurbished, I’ve replaced the dynamo with alternator, clutch was replaced about two years ago I believe. The paint work is in lovely condition no sure of the exact colour code but it might be wrote down somewhere in the vast amount of paperwork. There’s no bad smells in the car I’ve just got a general car airfresher hanging up, you get a bit of… Read more »

Cavo
Member
Cavo

Thanks for the very helpful reply, James. Was it you or the previous owner who replaced the engine? In the details it says ‘James replaced the original 1300 engine with a newer 1600 engine to increase the power output’, hence my question about where it came from, but I’m guessing it was done when you bought it? That might explain the missing invoice.

James Workman
Guest
James Workman

Yeah it was already changed by the previous owner, I’ve checked through the paperwork and can’t find an invoice. Runs smooth there is a slight leak from the sump plate but I’ve ordered a replacement plate kit that will go with the car, just haven’t got round to fitting it.

James
Guest
James

Is there anyway of seeing this vehicle in person? I’m massively interested

James Workman
Guest
James Workman

Hi please give trade classics a call during business hours to arrange thanks James

Richard sawyer
Guest
Richard sawyer

Hi James. Car looks great noticed recent underseal is there any bad corroding anywhere ie heater tubes suspension mounts a recent mot would have been good

John Cavendish
Guest
John Cavendish

Hi James
Your Beetle looks really smart! Can you tell me any more about the Cat D insurance loss in 2006 please? Do you have evidence that the car was professionally repaired and checked?
Also curious about the mileages recorded on the MOTs around that time. Please can you tell me the car’s registration number so I can check the MOT history for myself?
Subject to this, I shall be bidding!
Regards
John

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Stourbridge

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