Volkswagen Beetle (1978)

Sold

About this Collectable

The Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most iconic and successful models in automotive history. This 1978 example is unrestored, yet brand new. Only 31 km have been driven and the car has always been parked in a heated room. A unique classic.

Many books have been written about the Volkswagen Beetle. There are few cars with a history as long as the Beetle. It is also one of the most successful and most influential models in the history of the automobile.

The origin story of this car is well known: a certain Adolf H. gave the order to build a people's car. A Volkswagen, as they say in Germany. The man who was given the task was none other than Ferdinand Porsche.

This eventually resulted in the Volkswagen Type 1, better known as the Beetle. An affordable car with room for five people and an engine in the back. This was the characteristic four-cylinder boxer engine, which was initially 1,1 litres. 

Although the Beetle pre-dates the war, production only really started after World War II. It quickly became a massive success. The People's Car definitely lived up to its name. In 1972, the Beetle managed to dethrone the T-Ford as the best selling car in the world.

It didn't stop there, since the Beetle was ultimately produced until 2003. This means that this model has been in production for no less than 65 years. All in all, over 20 million cars rolled off the production line.

A car that is mass-produced is usually not considered a Collectable, but this one most certainly is. Why? This Volkswagen Beetle is still brand new. The seats are still covered in plastic, it has only been driven 31 kilometres and the car has always been kept in a heated room. A true time capsule.

The car in question is a Beetle 1200 from 1978. The last German cars had already left the factory, but production continued in Mexico and other countries. Because there was still demand for the Beetle in the Netherlands, importer Pon decided to get 500 examples from Mexico. These were sold out in no time.

This is one of those Mexico Beetles that were originally delivered to the Netherlands. The car is finished in Mars Red and, as mentioned, has only covered 31 kilometres. This is an unrestored Beetle in prinstine condition, with all the documentation included. A unique opportunity to obtain a unique classic.

Our opinion

Are there people out there who don't have any memories of a VW Beetle? Family, neighbours, a road trip or, as in our case, on the back seat going to swimming school?

The word 'iconic' is often used, especially for cars in the higher segment. But it certainly applies to the Love Bug. And then we received a call from an owner who had bought it new and kept it in his garage as a memento. Whether it would be suitable for us, 'because a Beetle doesn't go round corners very fast'. Definitely a Collectable as far as we are concerned. Will it go back to VW importer PON Holdings, a museum or some other collector? Or will this Beetle be hitting the road after all? We will know soon...

Equipment

This car is equipped from factory with:

• Mars red signal colour
• Pied-de-Poule upholstery
• Blaupunkt Hamburg radio with Hirschman antenna
• Heated rear window

Modifications

None, this car is completely original.

Remarks

The car received a mercasol and dinitrol treatment in 1978 to prevent rust.

Service history

The car has had a delivery inspection at 28 km. Because it has only covered 3 km since, no further maintenance has been carried out.

Included with sale

• Two keys
• All original documentation

About the seller

The owner managed to get hold of one of the 500 "Mexico Beetles" in the 1970s. The car was intended as a spare car for his mother. She was driving a 1974 Beetle and was so fond of it, that she never wanted to drive anything else, ever again. If that car ever broke down, they would still have a brand new one at hand. However, that turned out not to be necessary. Mother's Beetle lasted until she was no longer able to drive a manual car. Therefore, the Mexico Beetle has not been used to this day. Fortunately, the car has always been kept in a heated garage and received an anti-rust treatment. Therefore it's still in mint condition. The family is now selling the car after 44 years, which creates a unique opportunity to obtain a brand new Beetle.

Summary

Seller - On request
Seller type - Private owner 
Location - The Netherlands
VIN - 1192100669
Year/date of production - 1978
First registration - Never
Mileage - 31 km
Verifiable - 
Warranty - No
Body type - Sedan
Engine - 1,2 liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 36 hp
Lay-out - Rear-wheel drive
Transmission - 4-speed manual
Exterior colour - Mars Red
Interior colour - Black/white
Upholstery - Fabric
Smoker's car - No
Owners - 1
In possession since - 1978
Tires - Euzkadi Radial (1978)

The description of this Collectable has been created with the utmost care, based on information from and validated by the seller. The Collectables performs a (pre) selection based on the information provided and consults public sources for any irregularities. However, bidders themselves must ascertain the correctness of the description and can, if desired, have a personal investigation carried out. All Collectables on our platform can be subjected to any possible inspection, investigation or valuation by buyers in advance, of course in consultation with the seller. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for more details.