Volkswagen Beetle 1500

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One of the most influential cars of all time, the remarkable VW Beetle is famous for many reasons - its roots in Nazi Germany, the duration of its production or maybe just because of the vast numbers of cars produced (21 million). Whatever the reason, it has developed a cult following like no other car.

Beautifully functional, the bodywork was attached to the nearly flat chassis with just 18 bolts and was so tightly constructed that it would float for several minutes if driven into water. Suspension was independent all round, using torsion bars for compactness.

The air-cooled, rear-mounted, flat-four engine drove the rear wheels and was constructed of lightweight alloy, as was the gearbox. It proved famously reliable in both the coldest winters and the hottest summers, and was capable of charging along the new autobahns flat out all day without protest. Remarkably ‘elastic’, it always felt more powerful than it actually was. While the overall appearance of the Beetle changed little, it received over 78,000 incremental changes during its incredible 65-year production run.

A major change came in August 1966 with the introduction of the VW 1500 which had a more powerful 53bhp 1.5-litre engine, a larger clutch and front disc brakes as standard. The rear suspension was significantly revised including a wider track and the addition of a Z-configuration equalising torsion spring for enhanced road-holding. The electrical system was upgraded from 6v to 12v along with a host of other improvements such as two-speed wipers, driver and passenger armrests and locking buttons on the doors. The VW 1500 remained in production for only one year before a substantial restyle in August 1967 and survivors are rare and sought after, especially in factory right-hand drive as here.

First registered in March 1967, this stunning VW 1500 was totally restored to concours condition by the previous owner between 2014 and 2015 as a wedding gift for his daughter. Photographs on file show that the body was already in good condition before the restoration, the car having been kept in dry storage for the previous 25 years. Nevertheless it was removed from the floorpan, stripped, cleaned and repaired where necessary. The floorpan was also stripped, cleaned, stonechipped and ‘Silentcoat’ sound insulation was applied. The body was then sprayed to a very high standard in original VW Savannenbeige (L620).

The car also received a full mechanical overhaul including a rebuilt engine with new pistons, barrels, valves and pushrods. The gearbox was also stripped and rebuilt and a new clutch fitted. All other associated ancillaries have either been renewed or restored, a new wiring loom fitted, the heating system fully overhauled and new windscreen rubbers fitted front and rear. The interior has been completely renewed with original German sourced carpets, seats and door cards. Original type perforated headlining has been fitted, along with period style seat belts.

Since the restoration was completed the car has covered only a minimal mileage, mainly for shakedown and fine tuning, and has also been shown on the VW circuit, winning ‘Best Beetle’ at the Dubstock VW Show in August 2015. Supplied with a comprehensive file of invoices and photos documenting the restoration, it also come with an MOT valid until April 2017, an owner’s manual, Haynes workshop manual and four keys.

Quite possibly the finest example in the UK, this rare RHD VW 1500 is worthy of the closest inspection and would make a fine addition to any collection, no doubt being capable of scooping many more awards on the show circuit should the fortunate new owner feel so inclined.