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1968 Volkswagen 'Beetle' Cabriolet. Registration No. B1A 32E…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Sydney
Date:
3-May-2009
Lot No.
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Description:
1968 Volkswagen 'Beetle' Cabriolet. Registration No. B1A 32E Exp. 24/06/2009. Chassis No. 158396643. Engine No. N762437P. One of the 20th century's truly great automobiles, the Volkswagen 'Beetle' lived down its origin as Hitler's 'people's car', going on to become an all-time best-seller and cult classic. The Beetle was continuously up-dated from the time post-war production commenced, under British military supervision, in 1945, acquiring subtly altered coachwork, improved running gear and larger engines. By the time European production ceased in 1974 a staggering 21,000,000-plus Beetles of all types had been made. The 'Beetle' spawned a host of derivatives over the course of its life, the longest enduring being the Cabriolet. A single prototype was built pre-war but it was not until 1949 that production proper commenced, the bulk of which was entrusted to Karmann of Osnabruck whose four-seater Cabriolet appeared soon after the two-seater Hebmuller-built version. Only Karmann's would stand the test of time, outliving the saloon and remaining ever fashionable, an instantly recognisable motoring icon to this day and one ever popular with showbusiness celebrities. The 'Beetle' Cabriolet offered here is a factory-built right-hand drive model. Restored in 1999, the car was purchased at auction on the 23rd July 2007 having been in the same family ownership for several years, during which time it had been looked after by Vintage Vee Dub in Campsie, Nsw. Since purchase the Beetle has undergone $2,600-worth of work to solve a minor rust issue and been driven fewer than 1,000 kilometres. Whilst in the previous ownership it had a new soft-top, wider chromed wheels and whitewall tyres fitted, while a Pioneer radio/Cd player has been discreetly installed in the glove compartment, leaving the dashboard original.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Motor Vehicles: Motor Cars