1964 Volkswagen Beetle 1200

Enthusiast-owned, beautifully restored 1964 Beetle 1200 with tasteful, fully reversible upgrades. The black paint offers decent coverage and an even consistency. It retains a good lustre, though mild swirling is visible in direct sunlight. There is slight orange peel on the side panels, while the bonnet, doors, and windscreen scuttle reveal some under-paint rash, likely caused by a reaction during application. Most of these minor imperfections could be resolved with a machine polish. A more pronounced blister was noted at the base of the bonnet, along with a few paint cracks below the rear vent and the odd surface blemish elsewhere. The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint. The car has undergone a comprehensive, body-off, bare-metal restoration and has seen very little use since completion. The structure and floor pan look solid, with no issues found in the suspension mounts, wheel wells, or engine bay. The exterior presents beautifully; all panels are free of damage and fit flush with the body. We noted a small amount of corrosion on the bottom inside corner of the passenger door, but it is otherwise in great shape. The doors open and close smoothly without obstruction. We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves. The dashboard presents well with no significant marks. Its chrome trim and switchgear show minor, age-related wear that is perfectly in keeping with the car’s character. Ian notes that all electrical items and controls function exactly as they should. Additionally, the door cards are clean, the headlining is free of rips despite mild signs of ageing, and the rest of the cabin trim is in good shape. Part of the charm of an air-cooled VW is its delightfully mechanical and beautifully simple driving experience, one that relies on momentum rather than raw power. The iconic soundtrack and surprisingly surefooted handling are central to the experience, rewarding the driver for maintaining a smooth, consistent, and steady pace. The engine pulls well, though there was a slight initial hesitancy upon starting. This can be attributed to its dry storage and lack of use since 2019; however, it became noticeably freer and breathed better as the engine warmed up to operating temperature. There were no issues with warm restarts. The car feels nimble, with light steering that is free of any unusual noises. We took the car up to 40 mph, and it tracked perfectly straight with no signs of instability. Ian reports no issues with either the oil pressure or engine temperature. Our impression is that the engine requires a sustained, long-distance drive first to perform at its best. The glass is in good condition, backed by decent seals, and all lights and lenses present well. The headlamps feature integrated front indicators, and a pair of wing-top-mounted units is also included in the sale. The trim looks smart, showing only minor signs of age on some of the chrome that do not distract from the car's overall appearance. Both bumpers are securely attached and free of damage. Additionally, the car is fitted with an aftermarket, front-quarter-panel-mounted aerial. The 15-inch silver painted steel wheels are paired with Moon hubcaps, and all four are in excellent condition. The car features American Classic whitewall tyres (size 165/13) on both the front and rear. While they date back to 2014, they still have plenty of tread remaining. Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old. The seats are upgraded items from a 1970s model, offering better support and improved access to the rear. Installed as part of the interior refurb in 2014, they remain in good shape with no significant wear. The carpets are clean, dry, and free of any dampness. The engine fires up immediately with no warning lights displayed on the dashboard. Aside from the expected cold-start condensation from the exhaust, it remained entirely smoke-free during our visit. The car also showed no signs of fluid leaks on the day of inspection. The engine idles smoothly and evenly without fluctuation, and no unusual noises were detected. The 1.2-litre engine presents well, showcasing tidy hoses and ancillary components. The carburettor has been upgraded to a Solex 30/31 PICT unit, and the car's electrical system now runs on 12V. The vendor also told us that the car has recently undergone a light recommissioning, which included a full mechanical check and a garage service. The gearbox operates smoothly; thanks to synchromesh across all four forward gears - the gear changes are smooth and free of crunches. The vendor reports no issues with the clutch, and an EMPI quick-shift plate is also included in the sale. We didn't test all the electrics on the day of our visit but Ian told us everything worked as far as he was aware. The car features a full-length canvas sunroof. While it has not been opened in recent years and we chose not to operate it during our visit, it retains a tight seal and appears to be in fully functional condition. First registered in April 1964 in the Anglia region, this Beetle was acquired by its third documented keeper in 1991. Ian purchased the vehicle in 2007 following a period of storage and decided to commission a ground-up restoration. While he handled the initial disassembly, the majority of the specialist work was entrusted to professionals at a restoration company in Windsor. The history file includes the current and previous V5 documents, tracking its ownership back to 1991, alongside a box of spares and a comprehensive photographic record detailing the 2012 bare-metal respray and running gear rebuild. For added peace of mind, the car is both road tax and MOT exempt. We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check. We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming. If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house. It rides evenly and is free of any significant mechanical noises from the wheels or running gear. At urban speeds, the suspension absorbs road imperfections confidently with no excessive bouncing or squeaks, delivering a comfortable ride. The car retains its standard factory ride height. The brakes offer a direct, confidence-inspiring feel, with no pulling or juddering under operation. Despite utilising an all-drum setup, the system slows the car down effectively. The steering wheel and gear knob show mild signs of age, which are perfectly in keeping with the ambience of the beautifully finished interior.