1978 Volkswagen Beetle 1303 Convertible

This example was manufactured in May 1978 and was destined for its home market in Germany. Whilst in the land of its origin the Beetle was owned and enjoyed by four owners between 1978 and 1989. At this point in its history, it appears that the Beetle was imported to the UK and registered here for the first time in July 1989.

Since import the car has passed through the hands of five registered keepers with four of these reported to be within the same extended family which explains the reassuringly lengthy periods of tenure. These were nine years, six years and fourteen years, and five years respectively. The car was sold through this very platform in May last year, and since then has had over £1,600 spent on it and covered only around 30 miles.

The car has clearly been loved and cherished, with much being spent on keeping the Beetle in the exceptional condition it appears in today. This includes a full professional respray and interior retrim in 2004 at a cost of over £5,000 at the time. This was at an indicated 12,378 kms, a mere 1,200 kms or so ago.

By the time this example rolled out of Karmann’s Osnabrück factory the Beetle was in its final “Super Beetle” form which our Karmann Convertible, clearly, shares. Defining external features of the Super Beetle are now familiar but were big departures at the time. These include a higher front bonnet profile, larger rear engine cover for the bigger engine and a full 26 louvres in it to help keep the engine cool. The signature, Hella manufactured “elephant’s foot” rear light lenses were also now fitted.

As our example appears to have been hardly used since its 2004 restoration, it still presents in an excellent exterior condition in its splendid Dark Bronze colourway. The paintwork was clearly expertly applied and appears appropriately thick, smooth and exuding a deep and lustrous shine. The bodywork is equally well presented, and we know that a number of panels were replaced during its earlier restoration and any residual rust was cut out and repaired.

The Beetle features just the right amount of brightwork with chromed accents around the windows, a line of trim following the curve of the car and to the edge and ends of the running boards. Both bumpers are deeply chromed, and the headlights feature thick chrome bezels. This all appears to be in a fine overall condition.

The hood was known to have been recovered during the restoration and, hence, presents very nicely. It is finished in an ivory shade and looks to be free of rips, tears or significant creasing. The hood is fitted with a glass rear screen complete with heating elements.

The Beetle sits on a set of charming, five spoke SSP Fuchs-style alloy wheels. These are 14-inch items and are finished with polished alloy spokes set amongst gloss black inner sections. These are fitted with a matching set of Firestone F-560 radial type tyres. Light lenses and cabin glass all appear original and in a great overall condition.

The interior certainly didn’t escape the attentions of the 2004 restoration, either. It looks in a fine order and is refreshingly light and bright in its cream hue. The seat covers are stitched into vertical box pleats and are faced with a smooth finished vinyl. Padded headrests are fitted for additional comfort and safety. The rear bench is trimmed in the same way and presents in an equally fine condition.

The door cards and rear side panels are finished in a matching shade and are clean and undamaged. These contrast nicely with the dark grey carpets which are in seemingly good, overall condition. The front footwells are protected with fitted rubber mats and the central transmission tunnel is covered with a fitted, protective vinyl mat.

The black, vinyl covered, moulded foam dashboard is familiar Beetle fare and is in a great, unmarked condition. The single, white on black VDO combination gauge sits in a hooded binnacle. This is situated behind the original four spoke steering wheel. This features a perforated, fabric bound rim in classic Volkswagen style. An oblong VDO clock is fitted to the left of the steering wheel and a period-correct radio is also present.

In the Super Beetle the front luggage compartment was almost 50% bigger than before with the spare wheel stowed horizontally in an underfloor compartment for the first time. This area is trimmed in black vinyl. The spare wheel is present complete with the quirkiest washer bottle arrangement in automotive history. The pressure from the spare tyre is used to pressurise the windscreen washer bottle via a thin tube. This in turn provides the pressure to operate the windscreen washers! Ingenious.

The final phase of the Karmann Convertibles, as featured here, were fitted with the 1,600cc Type 126 engine. This actually had a 1,584cc capacity and was an air-cooled boxer engine with four horizontally opposed cylinders, cast aluminium alloy cylinder heads and pistons, and a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods. In original form this unit produced around 50 bhp. We know that the engine was refurbished with a decoke and full service at the 2004 restoration, around 1,200 kms ago. A new clutch and alternator were also fitted at this stage.

In November 2023, the car was subject to further mechanical work, including dismantling of the brakes all round for replacement of scored discs and worn pads, and both front wheel bearings. The rear brake wheel cylinders were also replaced. A new carburettor idle air cut off valve was fitted, as was a replacement fuel pump. Specialist machining of the wheel bolts was carried out for correct fitment of the aftermarket alloy wheels and spacers. Finally, wiring was installed as necessary for the replacement of the radio.

The condition of the engine bay looks to be very good and looks a lot fuller than earlier, smaller engine Beetles. The underside of the car looks to be in good shape considering the age of the car with the potential for a minor amount of improvement remaining possible.

There is a good level of paperwork included with the Beetle. This includes the current V5 in the name of the owner. The current MoT is present in hard copy. This is advisory free and valid until May 2024. This is despite the car being registered as a Historic Vehicle and, thus, MoT and VED exempt in the UK. Numerous previous MoTs are on hand to help verify the mileage progression.

There is paperwork included relating to the car’s earlier life in Germany and a range of useful manuals and books. The remainder of the paperwork consists of a number of invoices relating to work undertaken subsequent to the Beetle’s import to the UK.

The Karmann Convertible Beetles are a sought-after model adding open topped fun and enjoyment to the already, long list of admirable qualities. The quality and thoroughness of the work undertaken by Karmann was certainly up to the standards expected of a Volkswagen approved model. Despite the relatively high number produced the ravages of time has significantly reduced that count, with well restored, preserved and original cars demanding a premium.

This example is one such car which offers eye-catching charm and presence by the bucket load. The bright bronze colourway combined with the light and airy cabin trim seem to conjure up sunny days even under brooding skies. This little Beetle is hard to fault and ready to drive away and enjoy in the imminent summer moths and beyond. Certainly, a compelling and rare ownership opportunity.

We estimate this car to fetch between £12,000 to £16,000 in auction.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, 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, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.