1973 Volkswagen Beetle 1300

Given this phenomenal production record the Volkswagen Beetle can’t be considered the scarcest of classic cars. With often a blizzard of choices at hand, Volkswagen purists are always on the lookout for cars with optimum originality, stunning provenance or ideally both. The great news is this stunning example sits in the overlap of that particular automotive Venn diagram.

This Beetle was supplied new by Cartune Volkswagen of Middlesbrough in June 1973. A UK specified model the Beetle was supplied with a handful of extras, including seat belts and reflective numberplates, at an extra cost of £59.47 (less the VAT at just 10%) bringing the total to £1,039.30. That amount was paid by the first proud owner……who remains the sole proud owner to date and our esteemed vendor.

With just 53,740 miles covered to date – a smidgen over 1,000 a year on average – and originality to clamour over, this is definitely a Beetle for those aforementioned purists. With just an earlier restorative respray undertaken around eight years ago, there seems little else on or around this Beetle that is not of an authentic 1973 vintage. UK cars with this sort of provenance, mileage and faithful originality must surely make hens’ teeth seem ubiquitous by comparison.

This Beetle is a standard 1300 model actually built in October 1972 but sold, as we have heard, in June 1973. As such it would be the last of the “pre-Super Beetles” and thought by many to remain closer to the classic Beetle ethos. Our example, therefore, retains the smaller rear light clusters rather than the divisive “elephant’s feet” introduced in 1973. It also features the perfectly flat windscreen as opposed to the gently curved one of its successor. As such it exhibits all the hallmarks of the classic Beetle aesthetics that are so desirable today. The earlier respray retained the Beetle’s original Alaska Blue livery. It’s a great colour, vivid and distinctive, and really helps set this Beetle apart from others.

The respray was clearly very well executed with really no subsequent signs of paint or bodywork deterioration. Clearly this car’s very light use has conspired to maintain this eight year old finish in a “just painted” condition. The panel gaps remain up to the usual military grade Wolfsburg standards and the rubber panel gaskets look like they were replaced at the point of repainting. The only obvious imperfection seems to be that pesky windscreen rubber embellisher which has come adrift despite the attentions of that automative wonder material - gaffer tape.

One presumes that the 15-inch steel wheels were repainted also as they remain in a fine, pristine looking condition today. The signature chromed and domed Volkswagen hubcaps are fitted, and their finish appears bright and fresh. In 2016 a matching set of 4 steel wheels and Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres were fitted in a 155 size.

Please note that the spare wheel is original and the tyre is in poor condition, causing the windscreen washers to only work if it has recently been inflated to the specified 40psi. 

This Beetle’s interior retains a utilitarian ambiance that even Ivan Hirst might have recognised and, undoubtably, approved of. Even if you have never owned a Beetle it is all surprisingly familiar, too, such is the enduring influence of this most popular of cars for the populace. 

In this example the seats are finished in a black, textured vinyl which is heat moulded into faux vertical box pleats. The front pair fold forward to allow ingress and egress to and from the rear bench. This is identically trimmed, and those optional seat belts are still fitted. Grey, hard wearing carpets are present and protective rubber floor mats feature front and rear. Door cards and rear side panels are courtesy of heat formed black vinyl. The headlining is of the usual, light hued perforated variety and appears clean and tightly fitted.

The instrumentation provides an object lesson in “less is more” clarity. A single, oversized, white on black VDO speedometer provides the driver with all the information required. A fuel gauge is integrated into this unit and a couple of warning lights and indicator tell-tales are also present. This is accompanied by............precisely nothing else by way of instruments. What else do you need to be kept appraised of? There are four, chunky and tactile Volkswagen twist style knobs and an equal number of rubber blanking bungs leading to those perennially intrusive thoughts of “what else could I have had that I haven’t got?” 

The overall condition in here looks great for what is a 50 plus year old, original interior to the most utilitarian of utility cars. Driving it, however, will make you wonder at the excess and over stimulation needlessly offered by more contemporary cars.

Although the headlamp switch and main beam flasher switch work, the dip switch does not. i.e it will not remain on main beam except by holding the flasher switch.

In this 1972/73 model, the 1285cc version of the air-cooled flat four engine is featured. In original tune these units were thought to produce around 44 bhp. Dwelling and ruminating over specifics like this somewhat misses the point of the Beetle in basic form, however. Like the interior, this car’s modest mechanical specification makes one wonder why any more is really needed for the type of motoring a Beetle will likely do. Top speeds of a touch over 70 mph are besides the point when proven reliability, reasonable mid 30’s mpg and a truly iconic driving experience are much more part of this car’s central ethos. Take your time and enjoy the journey.

The engine bay of the Beetle looks admirably original with the inner panels seeming corrosion free.  The front luggage area also doubles as a home to the fuel tank, spare wheel and tools. The underside of the car looks commensurate with a low milage example of this age. There is some minor surface corrosion noted but nothing of particular concern.

First of all the V5 Registration Document is present which classifies the Beetle as an Historic Vehicle based on its age. This status renders it MoT exempt and zero rated for road tax in the UK. The Beetle was last MoT’d in 2017 at 53,550 miles. Numerous earlier MoTs in hard copy are also on hand enabling a forensic overview of the modest mileage progression.

Other highlights include the original sales invoice from 1973. This is very instructive if a little disheartening based solely on how little things used to cost back then. The Beetle’s optional metallic paint finish was an extra £17.87, the road tax was £25, and the admittedly unspecified amount of petrol was just £3.15. The nostalgia is almost unbearable. A 1998 invoice details some engine recommissioning and one from 2014 documents some welding repairs and undersealing work. In 2016 the respray and associated work was undertaken at a cost of around £2,800 and the invoice for this is also present. In addition to all this the original 1973 book pack is also here.

It is sometimes easy to forget what a bug shaped, automotive phenomenon the Volkswagen Beetle truly was. In fact, a year before this example was delivered the milestone of 15M cars produced was passed, at the same time breaking the Ford Model T’s record for a single model’s production. Luckily Ivan Hirst would live until the year 2000 and get to see and enjoy what his wartime efforts meant to Volkswagen and the wider motoring world.

This 1973 Beetle is an absolute gem. A UK specified and supplied car in desirably basic specification. A one owner example with less than 54,000 original miles covered to date. Plenty of documented remedial work undertaken including a full respray in 2016. Come on! What more could the Beetle enthusiast, connoisseur, purist or frankly any autophile, possibly want?

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £6,000 - £10,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.