1971 Volkswagen Beetle

Highlights

• ‘Cal-look’ Beetle 1200 with Limebug air ride system
• BMW bronze metallic paint and Fuchs alloy wheels
• Rebuilt and chromed engine with alternator charging
• Kept in garage during current 5+ years of ownership
• MOT exempt

The Appeal

The Volkswagen Beetle needs no introduction – the world’s best-selling car on a single platform and one of the 20th century’s most influential vehicles, reaching far beyond its simple transportation remit to become a beloved counter-culture icon. The ‘Bug’ was particularly popular among hippies and surfers, and the ‘Cal-look’ continues to endure around the world.
This 1200 model from 1971 Beetle has been skilfully modified and made-over inside and out. It now features a Limebug ‘Revolution’ cantilever air ride system that allows its ride height and stance to be adjusted, facilitated by suspension modifications that include a narrowed front beam and dropped spindles. The 1.2-litre engine was reportedly rebuilt shortly before the car was last sold in April 2021, dressed in chrome, and updated to charge via alternator. The seller reports that it starts and drives “just as it should”. The car comes with a spare engine and a spare gearbox, plus assorted other spare parts, and a file of history.
Outside, the body has been resprayed in BMW A32 Bronze metallic paint. The bodywork still presents well, though the seller notes some areas of paint reaction and minor rust in localised spots. The seller states that the floors and heater channels are in good order. The car features iconic Fuchs alloy wheels, fitted with tyres described by the seller as being in “very good” condition. The car has been kept in a garage throughout the seller’s ownership.
Inside, the interior is tidy, with what the seller describes as “period-correct” white seat covers and a carpet that was reportedly renewed by the previous owner. Other touches include machined metal window winders, Sparco aluminium pedals and a vintage-style stereo head unit.
The seller says, “This Beetle puts a smile on your face, and anybody it passes, as you drive it. It creates a great sense of nostalgia.” This characterful, beautifully presented and thoughtfully modified example of ‘the bug’ is now ready to give joy to a new owner.

Key Information

• Mileage: 38,594 miles (indicated)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
• Technical specs: 1,192cc 34hp flat 4-cylinder petrol, 4-speed manual
• Paperwork: V5C, Limebug ‘Revolution’ installation and operation guide, large selection of previous invoices, copies of previous MOT certificates

The Detail

• Engine rebuilt and dressed in chrome
• Charging system converted to alternator
• Small patch of rust on the driver's door, localised rust on the rear valance, and a small patch on top of the nearside front wing
• Chromework describes as “generally presentable”
• Complete front and rear Limebug air ride system installed – air tank in front boot, controls below glovebox
• Suspension incorporates narrowed front beam, front dropped spindles and rear notched plates
• Fuchs alloy wheels with Porsche centre caps
• Underside described by seller as being rust-free, with heater channels in excellent working order
• Body resprayed in BMW A32 Bronze metallic paint
• Seller describes paintwork as “not perfect”, with areas of reaction, patches of rust on driver's door, rear valance and top of front-left wing
• Chromework described as “generally presentable”
• Surf decals on front wings
• Chrome roof rack fitted
• “Period-correct” seat covers fitted
• New beige carpet laid by previous owner
• Machined metal window winders
• Sparco aluminium pedals
• Vintage-style stereo head unit
• Fire extinguisher
• Car comes with folder of history
• Seller states car has been kept in garage throughout current ownership period of 5+ years
• Car supplied with spare engine (condition unknown), spare gearbox and assortment of other spares
• Supplied with copy of ‘How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive’ book
• MOT exempt

BEFORE YOU BUY

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