1968 Volkswagen Beetle (

For sale by auction on Saturday 01 June 2013 with Historics at Brooklands. Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit. Weybridge. Surrey. Call 01753 639170
The immortal character of 'Herbie'. Walt Disney's Volkswagen
Beetle. is easily recognised by its red. white and blue racing
stripes adorned with racing number 53. With the release of more
films in recent years. 'Herbie' is as popular today as it was when
the first film 'The Love Bug' was released in 1969. Due to this
popularity. 'Herbie' is often replicated by the addition of a few
stickers externally; however. the example on offer today has gone
much further than this.


Built in early January 1968 as stamped upon the gearbox tunnel and
registered on the 23rd July 1968. this change over right hand drive
Beetle has undergone an extensive restoration. verified by a
photographic record and invoices within the history file amounting
to many thousands of pounds. In brief; the shell was repaired with
new metal as required. replacement doors and wings have been added
and the original 1285cc engine was replaced with a rebuilt Vega
1600 air cooled unit. To ensure power is delivered smoothly. an
uprated clutch. to match the larger engine. has been fitted.
Further mechanical items were overhauled or replaced where
necessary. including the fuel pump. shock absorbers. wheel
bearings. trim items. seals etc. The interior has also been
re-trimmed with red and white seats. red carpets and a new correct
steering wheel fitted. A Clifford Immobiliser/alarm aids security
and matching red. front and rear inertia seat belts ensure safety
for four.


Such was the passion for 'Herbie'. that further enhancements to
the Beetle were made. A four disc 'Herbie' collection. 'The Love
Bug'. 'Herbie Rides Again'. 'Herbie goes to Monte Carlo' and
'Herbie goes Bananas' is included and may be played on the car's
CD/DVD player mounted on the dashboard. The DVD screen is
extendable and retractable with a cover for security whilst parked.
Correct racing overalls. with badges. are also included as well as
T-shirts and other memorabilia. together with a large box
containing photographs of the restoration. further VW Beetle DVDs
and an original Walt Disney cine film of 'Herbie Goes to Monte
Carlo'; a rare item indeed. And there's more; to keep our
'Herbie' safe from the elements. an Evolution Outdoor Carcoon is
included. In the forward boot is a specially made 'Herbie' tool kit
signed by 'Stevo' along with the original tools. car jack etc. in
their original red covers.


However. there is a downside and one that has been personally
experienced; be prepared to be swamped by adoring 'Herbie' fans
wherever you go! In fact. such is the popularity of this particular
Beetle. that it has been used to raise funds for the children's
charity. 'Make a Wish Foundation' which gives children with life
threatening conditions the opportunity to make their dreams come
true.


On a more practical level. this Beetle drives and stops very well
and easily keeps up with today's traffic due to its larger 1600
power unit. Presented in excellent condition. this Volkswagen
Beetle is ready for a lucky new owner/enthusiast. Complete with
current MoT test certificate and historic road fund licence; it's
more Monte Carlo than bust.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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