1997 Volkswagen Beetle |

Sold

1997 Volkswagen Beetle

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£5,750

Mileage~53,000 KMs
TransmissionManual
Engine1.6L
LocationEsher

SOLD

1997 Volkswagen Beetle

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Alan Stuart

Professional Consigner

Mexico continued the production of the VW Beetle which has enabled us to enjoy buying this classic new, well into the 90’s.

Volkswagen produced the Beetle at the VW plant in Puebla, Mexico. The VW Beetle was loved by the world for its practicality, reliability, and affordability. The air-cooled engine eliminated the size and bulk of a water cooling system, whilst also eliminating the risk of freezing in cold northern winters. Mexico manufactured the Beetle up until 2003, carrying on the love for the quirky classic. In 1995, the Volkswagen Sedán Clásico model was launched, which came with front disc brakes, velour upholstery, and automatic seat belts. The love for the classic looking Beetle continued until 2003, when production came to an end after it’s 70-year history due to stricter laws.

This 1997 Volkswagen Beetle has been in the same family for over 20 years, seeing 2 family weddings and new family members, it’s certainly been cared for. Retired from use due to the size of pushchairs, it was decided it is now time to part with this Beetle and let it go to another family.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Alan after meeting George the custodian, and having visited and photographed the 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.

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

Although the Beetle has been so much fun, the lack of use means it’s now time to let it go to a new home.

George purchased the new build classic VW Beetle around 20 years ago as a present for his daughter's 21st birthday. The car came from a gentleman who imported it new from Mexico. The daughter used the car for approximately 6 years, until it got passed to George's son on his 21st birthday. He used the car for approximately 9 years, through university, before taking it off the road in 2015.

The lack of use means that it’s not really financially viable to have the car sitting there and not getting the use it deserves. The whole family would love to see the car being driven and enjoyed. George will be more than happy to answer any questions you have in the comments below.

George

Vehicle Custodian

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

SELLING MADE EASY

We'll take the photos & create the listing.
We'll market it to our 62K buyers & online.
You'll keep your car until it's paid for.

PEACE OF MIND FOR BUYERS

They can fully review our cars online.
They can buy on our trusted platform.
They're able to buy without leaving home.

LEARN MORE

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The same classic look of the much loved Beetle, but born in 1997, a new classic so to speak.

Wheels and Tyres

The Beetle has 8 spoke style alloy wheels. There are some age related kerb marks to the rim, but nothing your local wheel refurbisher couldn't easily rectify.

The tyres do have a good amount of tread remaining. There are some signs of very slight cracking to the front tyres, although this was not mentioned as an advisory on the MOT in December 2021.

Bodywork

The Beetle looks to be in lovely condition, with the panels looking to align as they should, and the shut lines nice and equal. The car looks to be free from any annoying dings which would spoil the curves of this classic.

Please take the time to look through the hi-resolution images we have taken for a more detailed look at this classic Bug.

Paint

Finished in white, the car presents itself really well. The main thing we should point out is that there is some light crazing to the roof. There is some very light surface corrosion towards the edge of the rear quarter, underneath the bumper, nothing to raise concern, but it is there.

There are an odd few, small stone chips dotted about as you would expect, but these are generally less than you would expect for the age and mileage of the vehicle. The images taken are from various angles and reflections showing off the wonderful lines of the VW Beetle at its best, as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. Please take the time to fully assess the condition of the exterior.

Glass and Trim

The glass on the car looks to be in excellent condition along with all the window rubbers, and there are no noticeable scratches to mention.

The chrome work on the car has some slight tarnishing to the bumpers, mirrors and side trim, but this could possibly be improved with some polish. Please take a look at the photos and videos for a more detailed look at the exterior.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Grey velour trim offers a more modern feel inside this Beetle, but still that classic simple dash.

Seats and Carpets

The velour material in the Beetle shows little sign of any wear. The front seats are in nice condition, as is the rear seat which doesn't look like it’s had a great deal of use. It's also worth mentioning that there are rear lap-belt seat belts fitted. The door cards have warped a little, and so don’t quite sit as flush as they once did, but these wouldn't be a difficult item to replace we think.

The black carpets are in good order throughout, as the use of mats has kept them in nice condition. Up above, the headlining is nice and taught with no sagging to be seen. Inside the boot there is more carpet, which is nice and clean. There is a removable cardboard panel which reveals everything at the back of the dashboard.

It's also worth mentioning that the original owner spent a lot of time having extra sound proofing put in the Beetle, which has helped reduce road noise.

Dashboard

Similar to an original Beetle dashboard but a touch more refined, there looks to be no signs of any damage. There is an under storage shelf covered in grey carpet handy for storing things.

The odometer is showing a reading of ~5,381. This was replaced at some point, with the mileage approximately ~53,000 KMs calculated now. The odometer is reported to be working as it should.

Please see the interior gallery for more hi-resolution images.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is quite a modern 90’s looking wheel, which is in good condition, with no noticeable wear.

The gear knob has been replaced with an 8 ball knob, and there is a shift gate pattern on the dashboard showing the 1-4 gear positions. Please see the interior gallery for more hi-resolution images of the interior.

VIEW ALL

'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

1600 air-cooled classic, the Beetle is quite happy in or out of the city.

Engine and Gearbox

The VW 1600 fires into life as it should, with no untoward noises creeping in that shouldn’t be there. Fitted with a 4-speed manual gearbox, the change is smooth and the gears select with ease, which can be seen in our 'On The Road' video.

Suspension and Brakes

Looking to sit as it should, the Beetle shown no signs of any leaking dampers at the time of our visit. There is some surface corrosion to some of the suspension components, which could possibly be cleaned off and painted.

The brakes are working as they should, bringing the car to a halt in a straight line, with no juddering through the pedal.

The Drive

As you can see and hear in our Mechanical review video, the Beetle sounds just like a Beetle should do, with the air-cooled 1600 turning heads with its distinctive sound. The car pulls really well and the steering is nice and light, and as you can see from the 'On The Road' video, a good suspension test is over the speed bumps where the car goes over with ease and no knocking.

Electrics and Other

The switch gear is reported to be working as it should, as is the JVC CD head-unit. Also noted are the heaters which get nice and warm quite quickly. A nice addition and working correctly are the electric windows.

Please see the high quality images for the interior of the VW Beetle.

VIEW ALL

History and Paperwork

A true member of the family for over 20 years, this car has seen 2 family weddings and more, an iconic classic with production running for decades.

There is a nice amount of history present through the late 90’s to the late 00’s, showing the car has been well maintained with regular servicing in the current ownership and prior.

Not that you will really need it, the owner’s handbook is present, but is in Spanish. There has been an MOT carried out on 10.12.2021. The car passed with just a general corrosion note on the advisories. This looks to be because of the surface corrosion around the suspension.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned an HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and 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 on 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 bid/s, 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
10.12.2021	MOT	53,764
07.07.2015	MOT	4,278
15.07.2014	MOT	3,314
09.07.2013	MOT	47,910
18.07.2012	MOT	42,278
23.12.2008	Service	41,320
05.03.2008	MOT	38,358
10.02.2007	MOT	34,235
24.07.2003	MOT	25,851
08.072002	MOT	22,936
20.07.2001	MOT	14,703
12.04.1999	Service	7,812
21.04.1998	Service
23.09.1997	Service	8,000