A Pristine 1966 Volkswagen Beetle 1500 De Luxe with an incredible History File.

FOR SALE
A pristine 1966 Volkswagen Beetle 1500 De Luxe with an incredibly comprehensive history file.

EQUIPMENT
Chrome window trim. chrome bumpers. bumper guardians. bumper rails. bezel vents. sill vents. chrome wheel covers. chrome driver's door mirror. chrome waist strip. chrome bonnet line. running boards. horn pad with Wolfsburg crest. emergency flashers. interior light. padded dash. assist straps. headlight flasher. glove box. door pockets. twin sun visors. grab handle. Optional extras; White wall tyres. seat belts. vent wings.

EXTERIOR
This astonishingly beautiful Beetle is finished in Volkswagen Lotus White (code L-282). The stunning paintwork has a brilliant pure shine and a smooth high quality finish extending to all internal painted sections. This 1966 registered example is a factory correct 1966/67 model year crossover with components and specification shared between both model years. Pre '67 model year fitments include the older style push button door handles. red turn signal lenses. non-external fuel filler. absence of hood vents. absence of push button hood handle and the older style lower sited bumpers with ‘towel rail' extender rails. In contrast the revised '67 features fitted to the car include the emergency flashers. slotted wheels. rear window openers and larger blade two-speed wipers. Perfect originality can be witnessed in items such as the SD12 Hella headlamp rings and Hella reverse lights. A remarkable ‘hybrid' example that is wonderfully preserved and truly represents the factory build specification.

INTERIOR
The black leatherette upholstery has remained exactly as Volkswagen intended with no modification whatsoever. The original seats. remarkably well cared for throughout years of cherished ownership have suffered no damage at all and the structure of each seat has retained all integrity to offer surprising comfort! The factory original steering wheel with Wolfsburg crest and horn bar is immaculate. as are all additional functions and controls. All matching door cards and black carpeting is spotlessly clean. as is the headlining which is intact and free from discolouration. A delightful touch of originality in the form of the temporary km/h plastic overlay on the speedometer relates to the cars initial months of touring Europe and can either remain on proud display or be removed at the new owners discretion. A truly fantastic testament to years of fastidious and cherished ownership.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The air-cooled rear mounted engine is housed in a beautifully clean engine bay with an emphasis on originality and meticulous maintenance clearly evident. A power output of 53bhp and 78. 1ib. ft of torque from its 1493cc displacement delivers a top speed of 78mph and 32mpg. whilst the unmistakable VW Beetle engine note is delightfully pronounced but completely unobtrusive. The fully synchronized 4-speed gearbox of single plate dry clutch type operates perfectly offering light and precise progression throughout the range.

WHEELS. TYRES & BRAKES
Five pristine powder-coated pressed steel wheels feature the '67 model year slots for aided brake cooling and are shod in matching and factory correct (optional) Coker Classic 5. 60-15 whitewall tyres with masses of tread remaining. The chrome hubcaps are factory originals and show only the faintest pitting. Dual circuit braking system offers modest stopping power with firm pedal action a necessity. exactly as they were made!

HISTORY FILE
Rarely does any classic car come with such a vast and truly fascinating history file allowing the enthralled reader to become fully conversant with the cars lifetime. The affectionately named ‘Otis' was registered new on 10th August 1966 by VW-Werk AG of Wolfsburg Germany. a pre delivery stamp in the first of three service books is dated 7th July 1966. Further stamps in the books. some even with the oil change tags from the 1960's help to trace the European tour undertaken by the first keeper Commander Otis R Cole of the US Navy with entries from VW Main Dealers in Rheine. South Kensington and Madrid! After the family touring holiday the vehicle was imported to its long term US residence with the first of many US service stamps being at Rinehart Volkswagen in Miami in October 1967 at 15. 08 miles. Upon his passing. the Beetle was inherited by the son of Commander Otis Cole named Otis Cole Jnr where it remained largely unused until Mr Brian Hardy of California purchased the car and recommissioned it. Email correspondence between Mr Hardy and Otis Jnr recall fond memories of the car's travels. The final owner. a renowned UK VW collector. purchased the vehicle in from Mr Hardy and has continued to love this very special car.

MOT April 2015. Tax exempt. HPI Clear. Approved Used Car Check Certificate.

To see a complete set of photographs of this car please copy the link below:

https://www. flickr. com/photos/kgfclassiccars/sets/72157645621819641

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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