1972 VOLKSWAGEN GP BEACH BUGGY

KEY FACTS

• A very rare Mk1 GP short-chassis beach buggy, which has undergone an extensive body-off restoration and is now presented in very good condition throughout.
• It is powered by a rebuilt 1.3-litre Beetle engine, coupled with a four-speed manual transmission.
• It was used by Carriageway Cars as a promotional vehicle in the early 1980s and was kept in dry storage following the business' closure 30 years ago. There is just one previous keeper on the V5C.

EQUIPMENT AND OPTIONS

• The GP beach buggy kit for the VW Beetle chassis was of course inspired by the original Meyers Manx, and helped bring the pared-back design to the masses.
• Resprayed Porsche Light Yellow paintwork, this buggy has black vinyl upholstery and a three-spoke wooden-edged steering wheel.
• There are twin ‘mega cannon’ exhaust pipes by VW Heritage, and a rear frame guard around the engine.
• Renn Sport seats newly fitted in 2019

CONDITION

• No known bodywork damage.
• Its Porsche Light Yellow paintwork is in generally excellent condition, presenting with just a few light blemishes around the front registration plate and wheel arches. Some light spotting can be seen on the metal windscreen surround.
• Its black vinyl upholstery is in great shape, with no perceptible wear to either the front seats or the rear bench / luggage area.
• No electrical faults have been detected.

SERVICE HISTORY

• This VW beach buggy has been restored, with the vendor noting the body was stripped back and resprayed in Porsche Light Yellow.
• A new wiring loom made by mark specialist Todd Davies is installed, giving a proper earthed and fused bespoke wiring loom.
• The shortened Beetle floor pan was stripped back to its bare metal and resprayed with a POR15 rust-prevention treatment.
• The 1.3-litre Beetle engine was rebuilt with new barrels, pistons, main bearings, a new oil pump and a fresh clutch kit. 
• The brakes were given new shoes, drums, wheel cylinders and a new master cylinder, while a new handbrake was fitted.
• The front suspension ball joints and torsion bar arms were replaced, along with the steering arms and joints, while a new shock damper was fitted to the steering arms.
• The starter motor and dynamo were renewed, and an electronic ignition was installed.
• Its last routine maintenance was undertaken in March 2021, where Robert McGimpsey changed the engine oil and spark plugs.

SUMMARY

This VW GP beach buggy is an eye-catching classic, which has been cosmetically and mechanically restored and is now presented in excellent condition. Representing a great value option compared to an original Meyers Manx, it still draws a crowd and is of course no less enjoyable to drive.

Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.