1972 Volkswagen Beetle 1302 LS

Finished in Texas Yellow with a black leatherette interior, this wonderful 1600cc, right-hand drive Beetle was purchased by its one and only owner in 1972. Bought direct from the factory in Germany under VW’s Tourist Delivery Programme, this 1302LS has been dry-stored here in the UK since it was last used in 1974. Yup, that’s right: with one owner from new and only 10,900 miles on the clock, this is the closest thing you’re ever likely to find to a brand-new classic Beetle.

Its original specification includes a lockable engine cover, high-back seats, a heated rear window, the rare ‘L’ pack, mudflaps, opening rear windows, asymmetric headlamps, a Volkswagen Enden radio, and radial tyres. Dealer-fit options extended to three-point front seatbelts, a cigarette lighter, an underdash shelf, a tool kit, and a loud Bosch horn.

Due to the lengthy period in storage, we haven’t attempted to start the car as it will need a thorough recommission before it is used. That said, the chance to buy a genuine ‘time warp’ car that hasn’t been used in 48 years is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we’d welcome potential bidders here at The Market by Bonham’s HQ to inspect the car.

Ziebarted from new and then carefully stored after having been used for only 10,905 miles, it’s no wonder the Beetle is in the condition it’s in. Still sporting factory shutlines and the original panels and paint, this is as close to a new, German-built Beetle as you’re ever going to find. And, because it’s so original, you get to see just how good the build quality was, back in the day.

You also get an insight into just how well loved this example was because George, the original owner, went to the expense of fitting protective plates behind the door handles, and Perspex shades to the top of the windscreen and sunroof. Rear mudflaps, too. This is a car on which no expense was spared.

It is in exactly the same specification as when it left the factory. Heck, it’s even still got the original 155SR15 Continental radial tyres fitted.

Really, there isn’t a lot we can add; please do take the time to look through the photos to get an idea of just how wonderfully original this Beetle or. Or, better still, why not pop along to take a look in person? It is staggeringly good and well worth the investment in time.

The interior is gorgeous. Almost completely unmarked, the black leatherette seats are still firm and springy and unsullied by anything as vulgar as creasing much less any wear or damage.

It’s the same story with the headlining, door cards, carpets, and side panel trims. All are as good as new still and a remarkable testament to the quality of the storage.

The dashboard is still clean and bright, and the white lettering on switches and the gearbox layout is as fresh now as the day it left the factory.

And just take a look at the frunk. Still full of all sorts of period goodies like the original tool kit, inspection lamp, and handheld warning lamp, it’s a slice of early 1970s life made real. There’s even a crumpled pack of cigarillos in the glovebox along with a book of Volkswagen-branded matches.

Whilst the new owner will almost certainly be recommissioning it - and there is a little work to do inside the cabin as the steering wheel is a little patinated, as is the top of the dashboard. There are a few marks here and there, too - none of it is problematic and a sympathetic owner might want to leave them as they are, given how original it is.

The car’s mechanical condition is unknown. Due to its age and the almost half-a-century since it last ran, we’ve left it well alone for the new owner to decide what they want to do with it.

There’s a strong argument for having it recommissioned and pressed back into service but an equally compelling case could be made for leaving it exactly as it is and putting it at the centre of a collection as a slice of history, personal items and all.

The engine bay is exactly as you’d expect of a car like this. Clean but obviously in need of a good service, the original warning stickers and maker’s names are still there. It’s an absolute delight to see and we can’t help but feel envious of whoever ends up with it in their garage.

The underside is just as good. Completely solid and still well protected by the original underseal, it needs nothing other than continued care and love.

The paperwork that comes with the VW includes the original purchase invoice, a current V5 registration document showing its UK registration number of ‘HFJ 593N’, the stamped service record and owner’s manual, plus many other interesting historical artefacts and two sets of keys.

The Beetle doesn’t have a current MOT certificate, and while it is exempt by virtue of its age, we would strongly encourage the new owner to have it MOT’d at the earliest opportunity. The cost of an MOT is a small investment when offset against the purchase and upkeep of any classic vehicle, and it gives an independent, third-party assessment of the vehicles condition, which not only provides reassurance to the owner (and any subsequent purchasers) but might also be invaluable in the event of a bump when negotiating with the police and any interested insurance companies…

There are probably millions of old Beetles still giving faithful service to their adoring owners across the world, and there are probably tens of thousands of them for sale at any one time - and some of them are very nice indeed.

And then there are cars like this one. In genuine time-warp condition, it is utterly solid and in need of only gentle recommissioning to bring it back to a useable condition, after which you’ll be the proud owner of what must be one of the most authentic and original Beetles in existence.

Because restored cars are all very well but a vehicle is only original once and when that’s been lost, it’s lost forever.

And yet, for all its considerable charm, it isn’t going to be expensive. We think it’s going to fetch somewhere between £8,000 and £12,000, which is an absurdly small sum for a car with this one’s pedigree and unprecedented condition.

Throw in a couple of thousand more to get it comprehensively refreshed and you’ll be left owning a car that will make you smile every single time you see it.

It should do well for you financially in the long-term as well. After all, when are you ever going to be able to find another like it?

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.