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Curated Auction

1985 Volkswagen Beetle 50 Jahre Käfer

At a Glance

~5,603 Miles | Family Owned Since 1988 | Rare 50 Jahre Käfer Model + VW Certification | Solid and Smart Presentation | Highly Original | Long MOT | VW RHD Conversion | Recent Service

  • Mileage~5,603 on clock
  • Transmission4-speed manual
  • Engine1.2-litre
  • LocationHeadington, Oxford

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

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CURRENT BID£6,000
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£6,000

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Video #2

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Editor and Photographer

A family-owned, original time capsule of an enduring legend.

Universally recognised as an automotive icon, the Volkswagen Beetle was the definitive 'World Car', with a ubiquitous presence stretching across every continent. Beyond its unmistakable styling, the Beetle’s engineering was remarkably advanced for its time; its aerodynamic shape, four-wheel suspension, low centre of gravity, and use of lightweight alloys were brilliantly complemented by a rugged, air-cooled flat-four engine, practicality and mechanical simplicity.

As a symbol of simplicity, efficiency, and modest, timeless design, the Beetle struck a chord globally, but found a unique home in the US as an icon of the 1960s counterculture. This cultural impact heavily secured its status as a beloved classic in later life. Backed by a remarkably vibrant enthusiast community, an abundant parts supply network, and legendary reliability, the longevity of its historic 65-year production run will likely never be matched.

After European production ended in Germany in 1978, left-hand drive imports of Mexican-built models continued to satisfy the enduring European demand for the Beetle. The Jubilee Edition Beetle, or 50 Jahre Käfer, was introduced to celebrate the model’s 50th anniversary in 1985. Imported from new in 1986, this superb, Germany-only special edition was converted to right-hand drive by a UK VW main dealer, before being registered in 1988. Finished in appealing Pewter Metallic paintwork with grey 'Red Trophy' seats, it has been cherished by the same family for the majority of its life and shows ~5,603 miles on the clock.

It is accompanied by its original service book, featuring three main dealer stamps alongside two further service records, and retains a comprehensive file of previous MOT certificates. While it now qualifies as historically road tax and MOT exempt, it comes with a fresh service and a newly acquired MOT valid until April 2027 for total peace of mind. Verified by VW Germany as a genuine article and complete with two keys, this represents a unique, unrepeatable opportunity to acquire a 'holy grail' Volkswagen in highly original condition. It comes with a current MOT valid until 26.04.2027.

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

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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.

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.

Video #2

Meet the owner

The car’s sheer simplicity has been a major part of its enduring appeal.

Actively maintained and driven by Barnaby, this Beetle holds tremendous sentimental value. They believe the car's true potential lies with a new owner who can iron out the remaining minor details, elevating this exceptionally preserved example into a contender on the classic Volkswagen show circuit.

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

Anna and Barnaby
Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Remarkably original with an elegant yet distinctive colourway, this Beetle has been cherished from new.

Wheels and Tyres

The body coloured 4.5Jx15 GT sports wheels are in excellent shape, with minor paint loss.

The front and rear of the car are fitted with Michelin XZX tyres with a white wall band showing a spec of 165/15 - these are date coded from 2020. They show even wear and still retain their vent spews.

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.

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Bodywork

The exterior is in excellent condition with no panel damage. The panels fit flush to the body and are free of any discernible corrosion, although mild signs of age were noted on the lower lips of the front and rear valances. The doors open and close smoothly.

The underside is solid, with only minor, age-related wear noted around the engine mounts. The floor pan has been treated with rust inhibitor, while the wheel wells, sills, jacking points, and suspension mounts all remain 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 'Pewter Grey Metallic' paint has excellent coverage and a consistent hue. The finish boasts a lovely lustre and a deep shine, though both front wings show minor surface marks and a couple of deeper marks behind the front bumpers ends.

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 tinted glass and matching seals are in good order, and all lights and lenses are free of defects. The trim is smartly presented, with no significant signs of ageing on the chrome, and the headlight bezels feature a clean chrome finish.

While the bumper hangers show some signs of age, the bumpers themselves remain level, evenly mounted, and in good shape. Additionally, the '50 Jahre Käfer' badge is a high-quality replica item.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Mirroring its ultra-low mileage, the cabin is in superb condition and requires only minimal detailing to elevate the level.

Seats and Carpets

The grey ‘Red Trophy’ seats are in excellent shape.

They retain great structural firmness and are free of damage, showing only light fabric wear on the driver's side.

The carpets are in clean condition with no signs of moisture or dampness.

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Dashboard

The dashboard is in excellent condition with no notable wear to the padding.

The glove box lid latch works but Barnaby told us it could be improved, but all other controls, dials, and switches are in good cosmetic shape and work exactly as they should.

The headlining, door cards, and interior trim are all in good condition.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The sports steering wheel is in good condition, and the gear lever is well-presented with only minor signs of age.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

The engine has been freshly serviced and delivers flawless, reliable performance.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fires up immediately, free of any hesitation or unwanted noises. The auto-choke operates flawlessly, and the engine idles smoothly with no lingering warning lights. Additionally, the engine remained leak-free during our visit and there is no excessive exhaust smoke.

The engine presents well, featuring intact tinware alongside healthy hoses and ancillaries. It appears to be entirely original and free of modifications. Although it has been recently serviced, we did note that the exhaust is showing its age, though it does not appear to be blowing.

The gearbox operates flawlessly with no reported faults, engaging smoothly throughout. Furthermore, Barnaby notes that the clutch operates without issue.

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Suspension and Brakes

The car rides smoothly both around town and on the open road, absorbing imperfections in the road surface with no discernible knocks or thuds.

The brakes offer a positive feel with no unwanted feedback through the steering wheel, though the car does pull slightly to the right under braking.

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The Drive

The car is powered by the hardy and well-proven air-cooled engine, featuring a 30-PICT single carburettor setup. Famous for its tough, straightforward design, its simplicity, fuel efficiency, and longevity, the 1192cc engine remained a core part of the air-cooled Volkswagen story for almost 60 years.

While the Beetle's charm lies in a mechanical, engaging experience that prioritises nostalgia over outright performance, the engine still felt brisk as it pulled smoothly and evenly. The car's characteristic rapid, rhythmic thrum didn't miss a beat, even in the midday heat.

Handling evenly across all speeds, the Beetle performed admirably on the dual carriageway. When changing down a gear, the engine's flexible, low-end torque proved highly effective, while cabin noise remained suppressed. The steering felt tight and free of feedback, with no significant wobbles or mechanical noises.

With no issues flagged regarding engine temperature or oil pressure, the car performed perfectly throughout our test drive on a particularly hot day.

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Electrics and Other

The car retains all of its original equipment and features, including the Braunschweig II radio, sports steering wheel, and heated rear window. Additionally, it has been retrofitted with rear seat belts for added safety.

Barnaby told us everything was in working order.

The car also comes with the original toolkit, including the jack.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Accompanied by its official VW certification, this highly documented example also comes with a recent service and a long MOT.

Built in Mexico in November 1985 and imported to Germany the following year, this Beetle was subsequently ordered by a South East London Volkswagen main dealer, who converted the car to right-hand drive and registered it in 1988. It was acquired by Anna's father roughly a year after its first private owner. It was serviced by the main dealer on three occasions. A continuous run of MOT certificates dating back to 1988 helps verify the car's mileage and use, which includes periods spent safely tucked away in dry storage.

Inherited by Anna in 2020, the car has been serviced twice since then, covering only about 300 miles. It is accompanied by its Certificate of Authenticity, confirmed by VW Germany, as well as its original service book, two keys, and a complete history of previous MOT certificates. While the car now qualifies for both road tax and MOT exemption, it comes with a recently acquired MOT for added peace of mind, alongside a fresh service completed in April 2026.

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
28-04-2026 Independent Service 5,593
27-04-2026 MOT 5,593
09-09-2020 Independent Service 5,293
07-09-2020 MOT 5,293
04-09-2017 MOT 5,287
12-09-2016 MOT 5,260
11-09-2015 MOT 5,224
27-03-2014 MOT 5,185
10-11-2006 MOT 5,170
14-10-2005 MOT 5,110
28-10-2004 MOT 5,099
20-08-2003 MOT 5,090
27-09-2002 MOT 5,032
07-06-2001 MOT 3,608
23-06-2000 MOT 3,546
19-06-1992 MOT 3,530
20-09-1991 VW Service 3,463
25-06-1990 MOT 2,767
31-05-1989 MOT 1,932
25-11-1988 VW Service 1,162
10-06-1988 VW Service 900
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Model Beetle 1200 50 Jahre Käfer
  • Transmission 4-Speed Manual
  • Reg. Date 08-06-1988
  • CC 1184
  • Mileage ~5,603 on clock
  • Colour Pewter Grey Metallic
  • Interior Colour Grey
  • Interior Trim Cloth
  • Chassis # WVW22212GMD001830
  • Engine # 001850
  • Matching #s Yes
  • Last Service 28-04-2026
  • MOT Yes Exp. 26-04-2027
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes - all clear
  • Former Keepers 2
  • Tyre Brand Michelin XZX
  • Tyre Age 2020
  • # of Keys 2
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~5 years, 8 months (family owned since June 1988)
  • Key Feature Original Low Owner Car
  • Vehicle Registration C285 MGK
  • Fuel Type P
  • Body Type 2 door saloon
  • Auction ID 3696
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Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Headington, Oxford

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    Auction Bidding

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    Current Bid £6,000
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    Auction Ends Thu 11th Jun at 8.10pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  6
    £6,000 bid by MarkP110.06.26 @ 17:40:14
    £2,400 bid by BobbyD05.06.26 @ 15:43:06
    £2,200 bid by King04.06.26 @ 11:44:52
    £2,000 bid by McDuff01.06.26 @ 16:51:39
    £1,500 bid by WolskiSB31.05.26 @ 18:54:48
    £1,000 bid by jezz31.05.26 @ 16:08:38
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Beetle like this is £153 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

    Headington, Oxford

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