As soon as there was space in the workshop we just had to go and fill it, didn’t we! I couldn’t resist this gorgeous, solid, rust free and original UK right hand drive long-bonnet beetle with the Porsche 356 sloping headlamps. Registered in March 1964 it has just 4 previous owners and a massive service portfolio stretching back over 35 years.
We’re waiting on the VW Heritage certificate as we suspect that it’s still running its original 1200cc engine, and hence a very special ‘numbers matching’ car. Both chassis and engine have genuine Dec 1963 build numbers. It still has its original 6 volt electrics and original Pye MW radio. 1964 was the last year of the small windows from the early days, making it a rather wonderful little car in original Ruby red (L456 – see original paint sticker below).
She’ll be available for sale when completed but please feel free to register your interest.
It has a wonderful story with one loving lady owner for 35 years until she passed away. Her husband couldn’t bare to sell her car and stored it for a further 10 years until he passed himself. It changed hands a couple of times since and is now showing only 4 previous keepers. We just had to have it.
Recent upgrades included a latest technology battery to make the classic 6 volt system really work and an EMPI front disk conversion and new brake lines throughout to make it safe by modern standards. You can’t see them from the outside and really are worthwhile having. The engine has been rebuilt and is responsive and leak free. The gearbox is smooth and a joy to drive. In fact we went to view it we couldn’t resist driving it straight home 150 miles in the dark. She didn’t skip a beat and sat comfortably at 60 mph most of the way. I just love the confidence these old air cooled cars give you.
Cars are never quite the same when they’re taken apart and put back together again so that’s the way we plan to keep it. It’s lovely to see an unrestored original example. All those little marks are part of the car’s history, and are a joy provided they don’t spoil the overall aesthetics.
Our plan is to carry out a sympathetic restoration, interior refresh, new chrome where needed, engine bay tidy (just a thorough clean, no messing), full inspection and total rustproofing so the new owners can enjoy many more years of fun. She certainly turns heads wherever she goes.
To enquire about purchase please contact us.
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