What should I look for?

Make sure know what you are buying – it is easy to swap a Beetle engine out, so check the code of the unit that is fitted to see whether it corresponds to what the car came out of the factory with and/ or the V5. A 1200 model such as our example here should have a D0 or D1 engine code, while a quick online search will tell you what codes other models should have. Check for crankshaft end float – significant movement means a full rebuild is on the cards in the near future. The strength of the Beetle is in the integrity of its chassis, so any significant corrosion here is bad news, while top quality replacement floorpan halves will set you back over £400 a pair. Rotten heater channels are another common ailment on cars that have spent four decades or more on UK roads – removing the body is the only way to make a proper job of replacing them. But all parts are available, so if you’re handy with a welder then everything can be done at home.