Registration - FOU 165W

Chassis No. - 1552010783

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 12,693

A cherished example of a highly-characterful model, this example of Volkswagen’s Beetle 1303 Karmann Cabriolet is powered by a 1,584cc air-cooled four-cylinder engine that is almost inextricably linked with one of VW’s most famous vehicles. Presented in vivid red, ‘FOU 165W’ features a functioning folding roof, with this convertible Beetle having undergone full professional restoration around 1990. It received a new engine during this work, driving a four-speed manual gearbox, and has been fitted with beautifully maintained wire wheels and chrome bumpers. The interior was not overlooked, with the cabin upholstered in black leather, along with matching door cards.

The 1.6-litre engine was new when it was installed during the restoration, and shows fewer than 13,000 miles - averaging fewer than 500 miles per annum since it was fitted. MOT records support the odometer to this date, but there is no guarantee of pre-restoration mileage. ‘FOU 165W’ is reported as having been in the same ownership for 43 years by the vendor, and was imported into the UK from Germany in April 1981. It was converted to right-hand drive, and has always been kept in a garage, alongside annual services, further showcasing the cherished nature of its ownership. Because of this, the seller describes this Beetle 1303 Karmann Cabriolet as being in ‘excellent’ condition across the board, from engine and transmission, to electrics, interior, bodywork, and paint.

Karmann introduced a convertible version of Volkswagen’s Beetle in 1949, offering a practical four-seat, two-door take on the saloon model. This followed Volkswagen commissioning the coachbuilders to design and build a four-seater convertible, and another firm, Hebmuller to create a two-seater model. Fitted with a folding, insulated canvas roof, reinforcements were made to the body to compensate for the removal of its roof. As such, only around half of the body panels found on a Karmann Cabriolet are shared with the steel-roofed saloon. This includes taller doors and rear three-quarter panels, though mechanically the Cabriolet is identical to the saloon, thanks to the way the Beetle was produced. Karmann continued production through until 1980, when the final Beetle Cabriolet rolled out of the factory, following more than 330,000 units having been made.

· Low mileage example of Volkswagen’s Beetle Karmann Cabriolet.

· Fully restored and converted to right-hand drive.

· Imported from Germany, with same owner for more than 40 years.