1971 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE 1300
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Despite its age, this car’s driving experience is the closest you could get to a new-old Beetle. The firm seats are snug, but perfectly placed. The engine pulls strongly and is mated to a crisp gearbox and the brakes are balanced and effective. The thin plastic steering wheel is connected to steering that is tight and precise. It’s comfortable to manoeuvre through modern traffic and provides confidence and good road feedback. The addition of a passenger door mirror would help, though, and not detract too much from originality. The car sits well on the road with no rear sag. The unusual Helphos tyre pressure-operated washer bottle has survived and is still operational.
BODYWORK CHECK
The original Gemini Blue metallic bodywork is in very good condition, though a few small areas have been touched up over the years. Some bubbling has seen additional touch-up paint at the bottom of the driver’s door and around the bottom of the wings. Door shuts line up and seal well. The standard steel wheels have recently been treated to a respray and the hub caps’ pressed VW roundel has been picked out in red paint. The lights and lenses are all scufffree originals. The chrome Europa bumpers and running boards are replacements, but the original bumpers are with the car and could be rechromed.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The gearstick, handbrake and steering wheel are in as-new condition and the tar mats still cover the floorpans under the mats. All the glass matches and still retains the bright seal trim. Behind the rear seats the collapsible parcel shelf cover is still usable and in good condition. Original seats, headlining and carpets are like new with even the perlon carpet around the heater channels looking fresh. Under the seat is a rare sight – a piece of VW card that prevents the electrics from touching the metal rear seat springs. The glovebox insert is also in unusually clean condition. An original Radiomobile radio is fitted.
UNDER THE BONNET
The cardboard liner is still intact, as is the rust-free spare wheel well, factory-fresh paint on the fuel tank and original stickers. A fuel filter would need to be moved to the rear, away from the heat. There’s a new starter motor and the braking system has been refurbished, retaining many original parts. The oil is at the correct level. There’s underseal on the chassis, but it all appears solid.
THE CCW VIEW
This unrestored survivor has always been garaged and has been owned by the same family since 1990 and recently recommissioned after 20 years in dry storage. Price seems fair.
Unrestored low-mileage survivor Some touched up body areas
Private Seller, Huyton, Merseyside. 07738 835074