Volkswagen Beetle 1200 1974

Description:

Description from The Vendor:

We have owned our beloved Beetle `BlueBelle’ for 6 years. We wanted an original, unmolested/unrestored car, and she fitted the bill perfectly. She’s been locally owned from new, with the original service log (still present) having multiple stamps for servicing carried out at Stour Valley VW (Bournemouth) for the first 5 years.

Following that, servicing and maintenance have been done by enthusiastic DIY owners (just 4 keepers before us). In addition to the original service record, she also comes with the original instruction manuals and a period color brochure. She also has two sets of keys!
She has a fantastic, characterful patina, with various battle scars from almost 50 years of use adding to her charm.

Original stickers are present on windows, door shuts, petrol flap etc. All windows are originals, etched with the car’s number plate. Original numbers plates are still in place. A 1970s chromed AA badge is still fixed proudly in place on the front bumper.
Similarly, the interior is all original and acts as a time capsule from 1974 — the radio blank plate is still in place (it has never had one fitted!), and the smell of half-century-old vinyl and carpets is intoxicating!

As a base model 1200 (Sparkafer), it has the perhaps more desirable metal dash, painted to match the body colour. The only modification during our ownership has been the addition of decent inertia seatbelts in the rear, making it a bit safer for transporting our children — something we’ve loved doing.

It’s matching numbers, with the original engine and gearbox present and correct, and mechanically it’s very strong. Again, this was something we were looking for.
The original speedo stopped working a couple of years ago, reading in the mid 75k miles at the time. We replaced this with a correct and working second-hand unit, showing just under 62k miles (photographs included). Although it can’t be verified, the mileage on the original speedo (also included) could well be roughly correct given how tight the engine still is.
She’s generally very solid underneath, but does now need some remedial work under arches and to the spare wheel well (usual places for a Beetle of this vintage), and would benefit from a proper fettling from a knowledgeable and sympathetic enthusiast. We have neither the skill or the experience to do this, which is the main reason for us now parting with her. We really hope she goes to someone who will understand and appreciate the specialness of her honest, original, un-messed-with condition — although she would make a good basis for a concourse restoration, it would be great if the new owner went down the conservation route instead and preserved her as a ‘survivor’.

Yes, we’re a bit gutted to be selling her!

Auctioneer’s notes:

This 1974 Volkswagen Beetle 1200 is very sound for a 47 year old “Kaefer” and has been loved and looked after by the vendor for the past 6 years.  The DVLA say that there have only been 4 previous owners.  She comes with an original sales brochure, instruction manual and service book with a good number of stamps.  The last stamp showed a mileage reading of 71.735.  She is now looking for a good home and may be viewed, strictly by appointment.