13th May, 2023 13:00
An Auction of Classic and Performance Cars and Motorcycles
1954 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet
By repute, the first right-hand drive example despatched to the UK
Registration - UVT 728
Chassis No. - 1-0707376
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 09048
Now here’s a car that would surely grace any classic collection. Manufactured in 1954, and featured in Nigel Grimshaw’s book ‘The Volkswagen Beetle’, it was purchased by the vendor from a deceased estate no less than 20 years ago, and he has reason to believe it was the first righthand Volkswagen cabriolet delivered to these shores. Clearly the subject of a previous restoration, the striking body is finished in two shades of grey that are complemented by grey-piped blue interior trim. It is thought to be a matching numbers example, and the vendor presently regards the 30bhp engine, four-speed manual gearbox, bodywork, paintwork and upholstery to all be in ‘good’ condition. He is now offering this show-stopping Volkswagen complete with: a fascinating history file that includes an assortment of invoices (not least a 1962 one from Sewells’ Garage of Banbury showing a princely charge of £64 10 shillings for the reconditioning of the engine – oh how times have changed!); plus an early continuation logbook and selection of old MOTs.
The story of the Volkswagen Beetle is like no other. Sixty-six years of sales, over 21 million examples manufactured, production on five continents etc – the statistics are just staggering, as is the car’s history. In 1933, Hitler ordered Ferdinand Porsche to design and develop a ‘volkswagen’ (a people’s car). It needed to be a basic, affordable vehicle capable of transporting two adults and three children at speeds of up to 100kph (ie 62mph). The newcomer finally went into production in 1938 and, while it inevitably evolved over the years, the basic concept was never altered. The four-seat convertible version was manufactured by Karmann from 1949 until 1980, during which time 331,847 examples were produced. It was generally better equipped than the saloon and the chassis was heavily strengthened to compensate for the removal of the roof.
In summary:
- A stunning example – the subject of a previous restoration
- Believed to have been the first RHD cabriolet delivered to the UK
- Featured in the book The Volkswagen Beetle by Nigel Grimshaw
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Sold for £27,000
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)
Registration - UVT 728
Chassis No. - 1-0707376
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 09048
Now here’s a car that would surely grace any classic collection. Manufactured in 1954, and featured in Nigel Grimshaw’s book ‘The Volkswagen Beetle’, it was purchased by the vendor from a deceased estate no less than 20 years ago, and he has reason to believe it was the first righthand Volkswagen cabriolet delivered to these shores. Clearly the subject of a previous restoration, the striking body is finished in two shades of grey that are complemented by grey-piped blue interior trim. It is thought to be a matching numbers example, and the vendor presently regards the 30bhp engine, four-speed manual gearbox, bodywork, paintwork and upholstery to all be in ‘good’ condition. He is now offering this show-stopping Volkswagen complete with: a fascinating history file that includes an assortment of invoices (not least a 1962 one from Sewells’ Garage of Banbury showing a princely charge of £64 10 shillings for the reconditioning of the engine – oh how times have changed!); plus an early continuation logbook and selection of old MOTs.
The story of the Volkswagen Beetle is like no other. Sixty-six years of sales, over 21 million examples manufactured, production on five continents etc – the statistics are just staggering, as is the car’s history. In 1933, Hitler ordered Ferdinand Porsche to design and develop a ‘volkswagen’ (a people’s car). It needed to be a basic, affordable vehicle capable of transporting two adults and three children at speeds of up to 100kph (ie 62mph). The newcomer finally went into production in 1938 and, while it inevitably evolved over the years, the basic concept was never altered. The four-seat convertible version was manufactured by Karmann from 1949 until 1980, during which time 331,847 examples were produced. It was generally better equipped than the saloon and the chassis was heavily strengthened to compensate for the removal of the roof.
In summary:
- A stunning example – the subject of a previous restoration
- Believed to have been the first RHD cabriolet delivered to the UK
- Featured in the book The Volkswagen Beetle by Nigel Grimshaw
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Auction: An Auction of Classic and Performance Cars and Motorcycles, 13th May, 2023
Our May auction of classic, modern classic and prestige cars and motorbikes will take place at Mavericks in Holywell, North Wales (half an hour’s drive from Chester).
There will be free parking for auction attendees.
Entries are now being invited, and sellers will benefit from Hampson’s unique offering of zero sellers commission for physical auctions, meaning that vendors keep 100% of the hammer price achieved for their vehicles.
If you wish to consign your vehicle to this auction, you can request a valuation here or by calling one of the Hampson Auctions team on 01606 828124
Viewing Days:
Friday 12th May 2pm - 7pm
Saturday 13th May 9am - 1pm
Fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch with a no-obligation valuation. We will also take you through the consignment and valuation process, to enable you to make an informed decision.
If you prefer to contact us directly please call 01606 828 124 or email info@hampsonauctions.com
