1973 Volkswagen Beetle

First registered in 1973, this charming late-model Beetle was initially known to the seller as the company car for his then-employer, which was used extensively by both employees and the owner alike, the former whom used to enjoy towing a small dingy with the car - hence the fitment of the rear towing eye and electrical connection, the owner states it has not towed anything in his ownership.

The car was then purchased by the vendor and current owner in October 1974, and it has remained with him ever since, through a number of relocations for work, family duties (it was a wedding car for his daughter) and even numerous pan-European road-trip holidays. Interestingly, the V5 shows 0 former keepers, but the seller is technically the 2nd keeper, after his former employer who owned the car from new.

Whilst in the care of the current owner, it was used as a daily driver for a number of years (including the aforementioned holidays to France and (what was then) Yugoslavia) before taking on life as a cherished second car, following the arrival of another company vehicle. The seller tells us that this Beetle has been garaged throughout his ownership tenure, and has always been pampered with an approach to ‘do what needs to be done, irrespective of cost’ which explains the condition of the car to this day - it even has a clean MoT until 2025, despite being exempt by virtue of age!

Whilst originally out-shopped in Volkswagen Moss Green, the car was given a respray in 2004 (the invoice for which is below) in a very similar, but perhaps not 100% identical, shade of green. To everyone else, it looks like Moss Green, but park a factory Moss car next to this one and you’ll see a slight difference.

Having covered a healthy dose of mileage in the first few years of its life (nearly 90,000 in the first ten years) the odometer has risen very steadily since the mid-80s, with a few periods spent SORN or unused, and a total of less than 3,000 miles covered since 2016. The odometer shows 2,978 as it is a 5-digit item, but the true mileage is 102,978.

Now, following a prolonged period with little use (sitting around does no good for cars, as the seller quite rightly states) the decision has been made to part with this 1303S, and you (yes, you reading this) now have the almost unrepeatable opportunity to obtain a ‘big’ Beetle with very nearly continuous ownership from new.

Resplendent in not-quite-perfectly-Moss-Green-Metallic, the overall appearance of this Beetle is very tidy indeed, and it’s immediately obvious that it has been cherished throughout its lifetime.

That’s not to say it’s perfect, however. This is still a 51-year old vehicle after all, not to mention the fact it’s covered over 100,000 miles in its lifetime.

The headline imperfections are a few small scratches on both front wings, some spidering/paint cracking on the edge of the nearside front wing, and a large patch of corrosion visible due to flaked-off paint on the nearside front wing.

Looking closer, there are also some patches of bubbling visible on both front outer seams (ahead of the doors) along with another area on the lower leading edge of the offside rear wing. We also noted a patch of corrosion visible behind the offside running board, ahead of the rear wing.

Elsewhere, the central clips are missing for both the upper and lower windscreen trim surrounds and the lower rear screen surround. The usual smattering of stone chips is visible on the front end, and we also noted scuffs and wear to both bumpers - specifically to the rubber over-riders. The seller was quick to point out that both bumpers are the original items, and whilst patinated slightly, they present well.

Being very particular (as we pride ourselves on being) we’d also mention a smattering of small marks on the nearside door, some damage to the nearside edge of the rare Kamei decklid spoiler, and two larger stonechips; one on the nearside door jamb, and the other on the upper edge of the offside rear wing.

The seller fitted a set of front fog lights - an excellent addition, and one which looks very tasty in our view. We’d also like to draw your attention to the fact that the front and side windows retain their original security engravings, whilst the rear window is a heated item - a small convenience that makes this Beetle much easier to use year-round.

All four wheels are in good shape, and the car will come with its original wheels, plastics covers, bolts and centre caps also, which are freshly powder-coated but are supplied without tyres.

Inside, the cabin is in very good shape overall, and benefits from careful use throughout the years, not to mention the addition of VW plastic ‘trays’ to protect the front mats (just try and find another set of those!)

The seats benefit from replacement covers, which are in very good condition with only a few small imperfections and stains to note on close inspection. The carpets are in good shape throughout, with a few stains visible in the rear and some commensurate wear to the mats and carpets in the front footwells. Also included are the original door boards should you wish to return it to standard.

Up above, the headlining is taut throughout the cabin, though there are a few small marks noted around the joins from the headliner to the C pillars.

Ahead of the driver, the wood inlays show some fading and patina but are in fair condition, whilst the dashboard itself is free of any cracking or sun damage. The dash houses a period radio unit, whilst the original radio blanking plate (again, rarer than hen’s teeth!) is included with the vehicle.

Elsewhere, the high-traffic areas and switchgear show some fading and patina consistent with a vehicle of this age, but nothing that would be considered unsightly or out-of-the-ordinary.

Finally, the seller reports no known faults with any of the switchgear or electrical systems in the car.

Starting with ease (fitted with an electronic ignition in 2011) and settling into a characteristic air-cooled thrum that gives the iconic Beetle its instantly-recognisable soundtrack, this 1600 flat-four appears to be in rude health, and the vendor has given no indication to suggest otherwise. During our time with the car, it was happy to idle, move around and exhibited no untoward behaviours, noises, smoking or other issues.

The engine itself looks to be tidy and in good order, with only a very small patch of moisture or misting noted on the nearside of the engine below the distributor area. It is also worthy of note that this is the original engine for the car.

We did note some slight corrosion and flaking around the lower edge of the engine bay where the deck lid meets the rear valence, but otherwise nothing caught our eye in the engine bay.

Looking underneath the car, the chassis and pan have been well-preserved thanks to a generous coating of waxoyl, which has been recently topped-up with coats of Tetposeal by the seller.

Despite being exempt from mandatory MoT tests by virtue of its age, this Beetle has been regularly tested, with no advisories noted on the most recent test carried out on 28 March 2024. In fact, there hasn’t been a single failure since 2009!

Accompanying the sale is a well-stocked folder of history going right back to the first service carried out at 724 miles in December 1973.

The V5 registered in the owner’s name is present, showing 0 former keepers (though this is actually 1, see above) along with the original service book (stamped from new until August 1980) and the original punch cards.

Alongside servicing and ownership records, there are a wealth of invoices covering servicing, MoTs, and miscellaneous repairs. Notable entries include the welding to rectify the advisories on the 2023 MoT, the aforementioned respray in 2004, new heat exchangers in 2005, and extensive servicing records throughout the vendor’s time with the car.

In addition to the documented works, the owner also had the heads taken off of the engine with a view to having it rebuilt. As it turned out, all that was needed was some new piston rings, which were duly installed before the engine was buttoned-up again, though there is no paperwork for this.

As ever, all of the paperwork for the car has been photographed and shown in the gallery.

Cars like this are a rare thing indeed. Known to the owner from new and in his ownership for the last 50 years, retaining its original engine and without being molested, modified or messed with, this is a rare chance to obtain a much-loved late-model Beetle in such condition, with the added perk of regular MoT examinations to bolster the next owner’s confidence.

Well-documented throughout its lifetime and benefitting from both routine and preventative maintenance, this is a Beetle that you can jump into and enjoy right from the word go, whilst offering opportunities for the next owner to cosset, tinker with and improve as they see fit.

Offered for sale with NO RESERVE and an estimate of £8,000 - £12,000 this is an opportunity not to be missed.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Swindon, Wiltshire. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.