1967 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE 1300 TYPE 1

This 1967 Australian-built VW Beetle 1300 Deluxe is a true barn-find example. It could continue to be preserved, mechanically refurbished with a rat-rod appearance, or even treated to a full-blown restoration. Powered by an air-cooled, horizontally opposed four-cylinder 1.3-litre engine coupled to a four-speed manual gearbox, it originally produced around 50hp. The odometer indicates 37,383 miles, though this is not warranted.

Having owned the car for approximately 25 years, the current owner has not driven or performed any maintenance on it for the last 18 years or more. Its preservation has no doubt been assisted by Perth’s drier climate over the decades. The car appears to be complete, original and unmodified mechanically and cosmetically, with only a few signs of damage or heavier wear.

The most obvious is a minor repair patch on the front right wheel arch, and the front bumper sits slightly askew. Some rust is visible in the lower front wheel arches, along with light surface rust in non-structural areas of the bodywork. There is a crack in the base of the left door frame where it meets the front guard. Panel gaps and fitment appear consistent, and apart from what is noted above, all panels are largely free of the dents and scars expected in a 54-year-old car.

Its glazing appears to be in good order, with the exception of the driver’s external mirror glass that is cracked. All external brightwork and rubber trim also looks to be present and in reasonable condition for its age, with minor pitting and bubbling in some plated parts, and the ‘Deluxe’ script on the engine lid is damaged. The tyres have fair levels of tread, but given their age and cracked sidewalls, are not considered roadworthy.

Looking inside, everything is spartan by modern standards, but quite in keeping with the trends and expectations of a mid-1960s economy car. The only obvious modification to the otherwise original, dusty interior trim is a lone aftermarket speaker alongside the right rear passenger seat, and a cavity on the opposite side where another once sat. There are numerous tears and seam splits in the discoloured blue vinyl trim of both front seats and rear bench seat, along with discolouration in the ill-fitting door cards. The driver’s side door card is also missing some trim. All carpeting appears to be in reasonable condition throughout, though above the occupants there is staining on the headlining and some small tears. The steering wheel is cracked and worn, and the right lower B-pillar trim shows significant wear.

No service documentation or history is included or known; however, both the engine and gearbox are believed to be original. There are two keys present; one of which is for the ignition, and another that the vendor believes is for one of the locks on the car.

Unlike in other markets, Volkswagen continued to use the smaller side windows in Australian-built Beetles until 1967 – due to the unfeasible expense of retooling for the relatively low volumes produced – before switching to CKD assembly in 1968. This vehicle represents an interesting chapter in Volkswagen history and provides the next owner with a range of choices for its future; whether by retaining its glorious patina or returning it to its former glory.

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This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.