1965 Volkswagen Beetle
No Reserve

Registration No: HLW 744C
Chassis No: 116286267
MOT: Exempt

• Outstanding history file beginning in 1969
• A super example of an authentic, period "Back to '89" custom
• Fitted with a reconditioned 1,641cc exchange engine for over £5,000 in September, 2025

The iconic Volkswagen Beetle, officially the air-cooled Volkswagen Type 1, was produced around the world from 1938 to 2003. The Ferdinand Porsche-designed "people's car" is one of the most enduring and familiar cars in automotive history. Quickly acquiring the "Beetle" nickname, it was noted for its distinctive shape and became ingrained in popular culture over a 65-year production period, the longest of any single generation of automobile. It continues to enjoy a widespread enthusiast following all around the globe and has spawned many custom builds, most notably the understated lowered, detrimmed and performance-bred "Cal Look" style from California.

This Beetle was described as “way cool” and “totally awesome” when it was sold in 1990 and, if we may be permitted to let our hair down so far, we would echo those sentiments exactly. Offered with an outstanding history file, it appears to have been supplied through Modern Light Cars Ltd. of Bournemouth and owned by Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Howell until 1990, when it was sold through Omega Car Sales, but by that stage it had undergone a transformation. Besides a 12-volt conversion and a bodywork restoration with a new bonnet, engine lid, bumpers and all four wings, it had been smartly customised with American-specification front lights, EMPI five-spoke wheels, the bonnet handle removed, and all-red rear lenses. Lowered five inches, it was painted Radical Red, while the interior was kept original save for a modern CD player and sound system, and a newly-built 1679cc engine was installed.

The colour has since been changed, but in all respects this remains an outstanding example of a “Back to ’89” nostalgia custom. Always maintained throughout its life, it entered the present ownership in 2024 and was fitted with a reconditioned 1,641cc exchange engine by The VW Engine Co. for £5,272 in September, 2025. It is sold with stacks of history including invoices back to 1969, MOTs back to 1980, the current V5C and an old V5.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430