1970 Volkswagen Beetle 1500 Convertible

Lot details
Registration No: PWE250E
Chassis No: 1509013705
Mot Expiry: Jan 2010

Introduced in summer 1949, the Karmann-built Volkswagen Beetle convertible remained in production until 10th January 1980. An attractive four-seater design with a properly insulated and thus winter-friendly hood, the newcomer utilised the same torsion-bar suspended platform chassis as its Type 1 saloon car sibling. Developed in parallel, the tin-top and soft-top Beetles played host to various progressively larger rear-mounted flat-four engines over the years. Introduced in autumn 1966, the 1500 (1493cc) unit was credited with developing some 53bhp and 78lbft of torque. Possessed of the same air-cooled 'voice' as other Beetles, it was decidedly smoother and reputedly endowed the VW with a 78mph top speed. Particularly sought after among enthusiasts, the '1500' cars also boasted 12-volt electrics and front disc brakes (European cars only).

Finished in metallic blue with grey cloth-faced upholstery, this particular right-hand drive example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, bodywork), "fair" (paintwork) or "very good" (interior trim) condition. Although imported and UK registered in 1980, 'PWE 250E' is since understood to have spent much of the intervening three decades in France being used as a holiday home runabout by its previous keeper. Apparently "running and driving well", the Beetle is further said to have "very solid bodywork" albeit that "areas of its paintwork are showing signs of crazing". A stylish yet practical four-seater convertible, this desirable 'flat screen' VW is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until January 2010.