1973 Volkswagen Beetle

This car comes to us through a man we know very well and whose custom we have come to appreciate greatly.

This Volkswagen Beetle differs from the vehicles he usually brings to us in that it is not a Lamborghini tractor.

We’re confident that some of the more observant visitors to our listings may well have noted that distinction already.

It is, however, entirely in accordance with his love of original, authentic vehicles that hail from his native Italy – but with a difference.

The difference being that this 1973 1600cc Beetle was originally built in Germany for the USA market (and compliance with Californian emissions regulations), but it never made it across the Atlantic.

It was instead delivered new to its first owner in Germany then sold again in 1974 to an owner in Italy, where it has been ever since.

We know from the vendor that the car was resprayed, and evidently to a very high standard, some 10 years ago. 

Apart from that, it is very authentic, original and true.

It looks as if it’s been restored inside.

It hasn’t.

It’s just in utterly fabulous original condition.

The car is currently located in Vicenza, Northern Italy. 

Having neither started nor driven the car, we can’t vouch for its dynamic or mechanical properties, or the efficacy of any controls, switches, gauges, dials or other mechanical or electrical systems and components.

However, the vendor assures us that the car drives very well indeed and does everything asked of it with competence, capability and composure in equal measure.

From a few metres away, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this Beetle left the showroom last month, not 53 years ago. 

You’d be still be hanging on to that opinion if your nose was pressed up against it.

It really does look minty fresh and squeaky clean in every meaningful respect.

The bodywork is very straight and true, and there are no dimples or dents of any note anywhere that we can see, save for a small dink to the o/s/r wheel arch. 

The panel gaps and shut-lines are as crisp and consistent as the world has come to expect of Gunther, Herman and the rest of the gang at Wolfsburg.

The chrome work is free from any discernible foxing, tarnishing or pitting, including on the car’s shiny hubcaps. 

The paint finish has an impressive depth of shine and lustre and belies both the age of the car and even the age of the respray.

From what we can see, the badging, lights, lenses and other exterior fixtures and fittings are all in unimpeachable, age-defying condition.

Happily, we’re able to give the interior an equally glowing report, which is particularly commendable given that it seems to us to be wholly original and authentic. 

It must have a decrepit portrait of itself gathering dust in an attic somewhere.

The seats, whose Recaro-like design we understand would have been a special order from the factory, are beyond any criticism that we can come up with.

The rattan-patterned beige vinyl upholstery, front and back, has yet to earn so much as a light crease, let alone any meaningful patina.

The door cards, carpets and mats are untroubled by wear or tear, as is the white headlining, save for a couple of small patches of discolouration at the base of the ‘C’ pillars.

Any temptations to fade or crack have been resolutely resisted by the black plastics and vinyl on and around the dashboard and centre console.

Even the wood-effect linings of the coin trays are in pretty much pristine condition.

The capacious frunk is in good order and contains what look like the original warning triangle and tools.

As far as we’re aware, all dials, knobs, switches, levers and instruments are fully functional and do what they’re supposed to do without hesitation, deviation or repetition.

The engine bay looks clean, dry and fresh and everything appears to be in its right and proper place.

The undersides of the car also look to be possessed of plenty of structural integrity and everything seems sound and solid as far as we can tell.

Again, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the car was months old, not decades.

Nothing we’ve seen has given us any cause to tut or raise an eyebrow.

The car comes with various documents attesting to its two-owners-from-new life.

The seller tells us about the mileage: "the tacho was repaired in 2022 with a new mechanism, so whilst it shows today 29480 miles, it is in fact a genuine 35,000 instead."  The Italian MoT documents bear this out.

It has its original Italian registration documents present, a service history book, an original logbook, and documentation attesting to its ASI-certified homologation and FIVA accreditation. 

The odometer indicates that the car has covered just 29,480 miles in its 53 years of evidently rather pampered and sedentary life. 

Frankly, judging by its spectacular preservation and condition, we’re surprised the mileage is that high.

If you’re holding out for a better one to come along, prepare yourself for a very, very long wait.

We’re confident to offer this fine car for auction with an estimate of €9,000 - €12,000. 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Vicenza, Northern Italy. To arrange an appointment to inspect this vehicle, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.