Registration - GYK 744J

Chassis No. - 1112654577

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 89,000

This delightfully presented Volkswagen Beetle comes with striking red bodywork and a plethora of period features, and is offered at No Reserve. ‘GYK 744J’ is fitted with VW’s rear-mounted 1.3-litre air-cooled four-cylinder boxer engine, connected to a four-speed manual gearbox. The interior comes in matching red over cream, with leather upholstery and matching door cards, as well as body-coloured dashboard and cream carpets.

An original right-hand drive model, ‘GYK 744J’ has had ten different keepers, but two of those – including the current owner - are within the same family, ensuring a thorough history of this cherished Beetle. In more than 53 years on the road, it appears to have covered only 89,000 miles – indicated and unwarranted – on the odometer, and the seller confirms that it has not been driven much over the past few years. Purchased by the family at a local private sale around 10 years ago, ‘GYK 744J’ comes with a partial service history, and little work has had to be carried out. The main change is a stainless-steel exhaust fitted, which now gives the Beetle a quad-exhaust look. Reckoned to be in very good condition, the vendor rates the paintwork and engine as being ‘good’ while the transmission, electrics, interior, and bodywork are considered ‘excellent’.

Work started on the Volkswagen Beetle in the early 1930s, as part of Adolf Hitler’s plans for a “people’s car”. Designed and developed by Ferdinand Porsche, it was set to go into production in 1939, until the outbreak of the Second World War halted those plans. Once peace had been declared, a British officer, Major Ivan Hurst, was give the task of analysing the Wolfsburg factory, and convinced his superiors that – rather than shutting the plant down - the greatest benefit would be to start production of the Beetle. Output started with the British military having ordered 20,000 vehicles, limited by the availability of materials. Early cars were built with left over parts and metal from the war effort, and a robust, air-cooled four-cylinder engine was fitted in the rear. Demand rocketed over the following decades, with slight alterations in design, equipment, and engines fitted to models, but the Beetle continued production until 2003, at many factories around the world, and ceased with more than 21.5 million Beetles built – firmly positioning it as one of the longest-serving single-model vehicles ever.

In summary"

• Cherished example of VW’s classic Beetle
• Long-term family ownership
• Offered at No Reserve