1972 VW Beetle 1302LS Karmann Cabriolet Factory RHD UK car , incredibly rare!

This is an incredibly sad thing for me to do , but the time has come to offer my RHD Karmann Beetle convertible for sale.

The only reason for sale is the lack of use and I'd much rather it found a caring home where it can be used and appreciated more, rather than just sitting in my garage…..

I bought this vehicle in 2003 after looking for a genuine RHD model for ages and it has wanted for absolutely nothing since.

It has been used as a summer car only (not taken out if it's wet) and stored in a Carcoon storage bubble every winter in the garage.

As a consequence , it has only covered approx 15K miles during my ownership in the last 18 years.

Just to make it absolutely clear , this is not a saloon converted into a convertible but a genuine VW factory built Beetle convertible built by the coach building firm Wilhelm Karmann GmbH of Osnabruck.

It was treated to a light restoration in 2004/2005 when it had a few new panels & wings and a respray in the original L96D silver metallic paint, along with new seat covers and carpets.

The car is still in lovely condition, there are a few paintwork imperfections here and there but it still turns heads (and offers to buy!) wherever it goes!

This is an original factory produced RHD car which is incredibly rare to find in the UK.

Road tax and MOT exempt.

After purchasing the car back in 2003 I corresponded with all the previous owners including the first owner and they advised me that it took 3 months from ordering until delivery back in 1972.

The car itself is a 1302LS which has the far superior front strut suspension and double-jointed rear axle which gives it modern car handing, yet retains the flat windscreen for the classic look.

The 1302 Beetle saloon (only produced for the 1971 & 1972 model years) is a rare sight on UK roads these days, the 1302 convertible is even rarer!

It is estimated that less than 200 RHD convertible Beetles were sold by VW UK in the period 1970-1976 as they were made to special order for this country.

The L denotes that it has the ‘luxury' package comprising reversing lights , rubber bumper inserts , a fresh air fan and padded dashboard .

The ‘S' denotes that it has the more powerful 1584cc engine and front disc brakes.

In 2007 I fitted a full set of genuine fully polished Porsche Fuchs alloy wheels (6 x 16” front and rear) which required the fitting of new discs and drums front and rear in the correct Porsche stud pattern and slimline front struts which are about 2 inches lower than stock.

Other additions have been the genuine VW high back front seats (with integral headrests) which are totally correct for the year, a genuine accessory Sperrwolf locking gearshift for a bit of added security and a ‘Beetle Bouncer' guard on the front bumper which helps keep stones off the front end paintwork.

There's a Sony single CD player installed out of sight in the glovebox and there's also a 12v power socket.

The roof ( in black vinyl) was replaced in about 1997 and is still in very good condition, although I never drive it with the roof up!

When the roof is folded down, a lovely black German-made Sonnenland (Mohair) fabric hood bag covers the mechanism.

The engine has been replaced with a Laurie Pettit built 1584cc unit with twin carburettors around a brand new (not line-bored) Genuine VW engine case and has only done a few thousand miles since.

It drives and goes beautifully, please remember though that it is nearly 50 years old and as such cannot be expected to be perfect, it is however still a lovely car!

A massive amount of history is present (more than 4 lever arch files) , complete with original 1972 purchase invoice from supplying dealer Walter Scott of Sloane Square London and VW Museum ‘Birth Certificate' proving the genuine RHD build of the car.

Prospective buyers are welcome to view (indeed encouraged to do so!) but please note that I always let auctions run to the end, it's only fair.

Payment to be made by bank transfer only and sale to be completed within 7 days of auction end please.

Car is located near Bridgend , South Wales approx 5 minutes away from Junction 35 of the M4.

Any questions then please ask!

Thanks!On 18-Aug-21 at 07:20:14 BST, seller added the following information:

In response to a question, the Carcoon isn't included in the sale sorry!

Also realised that I haven't mentioned previous owners , it has had 4 before me .

Owner 1 1972-1995

Owner 2 1995-2000

Owner 3 2000-2002

Owner 4 2002-2003

Myself 2003 -present .On 18-Aug-21 at 13:49:04 BST, seller added the following information:

As I never really thought I'd ever sell this car over the years I have acquired  a collection of parts that I thought might come in handy one day.

These are available by separate negotiation to the buyer if they so wish.

Some of the parts include

New Old Stock (NOS) Genuine VW drivers side 1302 front wing , complete with original VW/NSU sticker.

NOS Genuine VW convertible roof glass rear window with de-misting elements.

A used 1302 IRS gearbox AH code.

1302 front bonnet in excellent condition.

Another 6x16 Porsche Fuchs wheel in excellent original unpolished condition.

I also forgot to state that the original factory front suspension struts are here too, and will be included in the sale.On 18-Aug-21 at 13:54:00 BST, seller added the following information:

Another of the items available by separate negotiation is a complete 1972 Karmann Beetle convertible folding roof mechanism, a bit rusty and needing some repair but complete.

These are like Hens teeth to acquire , have never seen another for sale!

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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