AN ultra-rare 70s VW Beetle left “completely untouched” is up for grabs – and it could be yours for £42,000.
Despite its relatively small size, the VW Beetle has the longest production history in the automotive world.
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The 1979 Volkswagen Karmann Beetle Cabriolet has had just one owner after being gifted by the German car marque to the vendor.
The four-seater, which has never been registered, is still covered in its factory-applied protective wax coating.
It has a top speed of around 82mph with only 11 miles on the odometer.
Volkswagen means “people’s car”, and that’s how the Beetle was born in 1938 — as a reliable motor costing less than £100.
read more in iconic beetles
In the 86 years since, the VW Beetle has established a reputation as the car which achieved the impossible.
Sales in the UK took off in the swinging Sixties when it became the car of choice for families, young professionals — and hippies.
The rounded old-shape Beetle continued to be made until July 2003 — but now it is finally the end for the car.
However, Volkswagen stopped making convertible Beetles in 1980, making this one of the last to leave the factory in Germany.
It is believed it was for the reason that the owner never drove it.
The car is being sold by Bonhams Cars as part of their Paris sale.
Pierre Tirone, European car specialist at Bonhams, said: “This 1979 Volkswagen Beetle is a true time capsule, with only 11 miles on the odometer and still covered in its factory-applied protective wax.
“Gifted by Volkswagen to the original owner and kept within the same family ever since, it remains completely untouched and unregistered.
“As one of the most iconic and enduring designs, this extraordinary survivor offers a unique opportunity to own a Beetle in near-new, factory-fresh condition.”
The record price for a Beetle is a 1963 example used in the Herbie films which sold for £90,330.
The sale takes place on Thursday, February 6.
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TIMELINE OF THE VW BEETLE
- Early 1930s – The Volkswagen Beetle, officially the Volkswagen Type 1 is developed.
- The production of the vehicle is delayed due to World War II in 1939.
- 1968 – The name “Beetle” is confirmed.
- 1960s-1970s – A series of large luxury Beetle models are produced known as Type 3, Type 4, and the K70.
- Late 1970s – 1980s – Th Beetle’s popularity declines.
- 1997 – The birth of the “New Beetle”
- 2003 – The end of production.
