1978 Volkswagen Beetle “Last Edition” |

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1978 Volkswagen Beetle “Last Edition”

Sold Price

£8,480

Mileage~91,000 (~3,400 replacement engine)
TransmissionManual
Engine1.6-litre
LocationAberdare

SOLD

1978 Volkswagen Beetle “Last Edition”

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Matt Nolan

Professional Consigner

Marking the end of the world-loved air-cooled legend with the special "Last Edition" VW Beetle made in the German factory.

Just 300 cars were produced for the UK to mark the occasion - these special edition "Last Edition Beetles" were painted in metallic silver, upholstered in blue cloth and each one had a commemorative plaque giving its unique number. They are favored by collectors as they are the last proper Beetles made in Germany before production moved to Mexico.

The VW Beetle was loved by the world for its practicality, reliability, affordability, and quirky character. The air-cooled engine eliminated the size and bulk of a water cooling system, while also eliminating the risk of freezing in cold northern winters.

This example is number 43 of 300 and has had a full restoration with a replacement engine. The Beetle has only covered ~3,300 miles on its new dual-port 1600 engine with electric ignition. John has gone the extra mile by fitting front disc brakes and kiting out the interior with red leather seats.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Matt after meeting John 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

Beetle enthusiast since his twenties, John has really enjoyed using this 'Last edition' Beetle in his retirement.

John purchased this car 4 years ago after owning a few Beetles in his twenties, he promised himself he'd get another to enjoy in his retirement. Unfortunately, the car isn't getting the use it once had and therefore John has made the tough decision to part with it.

This is a Last Edition version to the marque, the last 300 VW Beetles made in production for the UK. It's been given the proper mechanical and cosmetic attention over the past 10 years. The car was fitted with a replacement 1600 engine ~3,300 miles ago. John reports he wanted the exterior as original as possible, although has fitted new red leather seats with black carpets and headlining to freshen up the interior.

A plaque on the dash shows the car is no.43 of 300 and is registered with the last edition club. Feel free to ask John your questions in the comment section below.

John

Vehicle Owner

John saved £1,440* when they
sold their VW with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The bodywork keeps its originality - the Beetle is a motoring icon that changed very little over its 70 years of production.

Wheels and Tyres

Starting with the wheels and tyres, this Last Edition comes with 15" Michelin XZX tyres, which have a great amount of tread.

Similarly, the hub cabs and wheels are in great condition too, just like the rest of the car - they are finished in light grey similar to the bodywork.

Bodywork

The bodywork on this car looks very straight with all the panel gaps looking tight, true and correct, as you would expect from a professionally restored example.

If we're being extremely picky, we noticed a small chip on the roof.

The underneath of the car looks solid too - please take a look at the car in the detailed photos and high-res videos available.

Paint

The car was resprayed during the restoration process in 2013 by Auto finishers Ltd, costing ~£3,650.

As you would expect the paintwork on this car looks excellent and appears even in coverage and colour on each panel of the car. When getting really close we noticed a very minor area of bubbling under the front windscreen, 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, as you would expect from a recently restored example. The chrome plating looks in good condition too.

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

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

A highly restored example given a fresh look with its black carpets, headlining and vibrant red leather seats.

Seats and Carpets

Modern comfier high-quality leather seats have been used upfront.

The rear seat and entire interior have also been trimmed to match.

The carpets, headlining and red leather door cards have been given special attention during the restoration process.

Dashboard

All in great condition, in line with the age and mileage of the car and it has the Last Edition plaque fitted on the glove box, one of the cues to this special edition.

John reports all the gauges and dials are working perfectly, just as you would expect.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A OE retro replacement steering wheel can be found along with the gearstick that presents in great condition and in line with the rest of the condition of the car.

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

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

An uprated 1600 engine was added to this Last Edition Beetle, creating a desirable spec and allowing you to comfortably keep up with modern traffic.

Engine and Gearbox

As well as being given the proper cosmetic attention the car has received a speedy upgrade in the form of a replacement 1600cc engine, with electric ignition and a new stainless steel exhaust has also been fitted. John reports the oil pressure gauge that was a retrofit doesn't work, however, the oil light works on the speedo.

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

Suspension and Brakes

Just like the rest of the car, the suspension and brakes have always been given the attention they deserve and the front brakes have received a disc conversion.

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 on the replacement 1600 engine upgrade, this little VW goes just as you would expect and is ready to be enjoyed. John reports a great, fun drive in the Beetle.

Electrics and Other

John reports the electrics had attention during the restoration, for example he paid £350 for a specially made retro-styled Blankpunet radio for the Beetle.

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

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History and Paperwork

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

Dry stored in a garage for the past 4 years, John has ensured that the car has been turned over regularly to ensure it remains in excellent working condition. He's loved using the car occasionally during his retirement but due to lack of use is now having to part with the car.

John 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.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
28.09.2020	MOT	3,425 (on replacement engine)
07.08.2019	MOT	3,416
16.01.2018	MOT	3,363
01.03.2017	MOT	3,230
22.01.2016	MOT	2,813
09.02.2015	MOT	2,425
10.05.2014	MOT	2,236
24.04.2013	MOT	1,791
25.04.2012	MOT	1,442
07.05.2011	MOT	705
23.03.2010	MOT	88,606
08.02.2008	MOT	88,606
26.01.2007	MOT	87,531
14.02.2006	MOT	83,364