1977 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE LAST EDITION - 435 MILES FROM NEW

This Volkswagen Beetle is an exceptionally rare car, being one the 300 ‘Last Edition’ European-built cars for the UK, and with remarkably low mileage. It is powered by the 1.2-litre air-cooled flat-four engine, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows just 435 miles.

The very last original shape Beetle to be built in Europe rolled off the production line on 19 January 1978, and prior to this one of the final batches of cars manufactured there was the ‘Last Edition’ car for the UK. This comprised 300 identically specified cars, equipped with the 1.2-litre engine, finished in Diamond Silver over Marine Blue velour, and with a flat windscreen.

Understood to have been completed at the factory in late 1977, a plaque in the cabin shows this as number 103 of the 300 identified ‘Last Edition’ cars - though in reality these are not sequential to the chassis numbers because the plaques were issued separately to the cars among the dealer network. Given that this Beetle was not registered for the road until 1 August 1980, it perhaps remained on show in a dealership until that point. It is understood to have had four previous owners, and is now part of a significant private collection.

A check on the registration shows that it was only taxed for its first year of registration, with the expiry date still recorded as 1 August 1981. Since then, the car has evidently been kept in superb dry storage, safely preserved from the elements as a remarkable ‘reference’ car for the last European-built production models.

Its bodywork is pristine, with no dents, scrapes or other damage in the panels, and essentially presenting as a brand-new car throughout. The insides of the wheel arches are immaculate, and all of the brightwork remains in superb order. Its Diamond Silver paint has a wonderful glossy finish, with no stone chips or other blemishes. The car rides on 15-inch steel wheels, capped with polished hubcaps, which are all in outstanding condition.

Inside, the Marine Blue velour and vinyl seat coverings are in great shape, with absolutely no damage or discolouration. There are no cracks or chips on the dashboard or other interior plastics, and both door panels present in excellent condition. It is wholly original and unmodified, even down to the period stereo unit.

At the back of the car, the engine bay is in remarkably clean condition as you would expect given the exceptionally low mileage. It was fully inspected in July 2020 by Silsoe Classic & Modern Ltd. The most recent MOT test was on 21 December 2020 at 435 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories or defects. All of the tyres - including the spare in the front boot - are believed to be the original Continental items from 1977, and they all appear to be in good order.

Accompanying the car is the original owner’s manual and service book, as well as a number of older MOT certificates, plus the independent inspection report produced by the workshop in July 2020.

This Volkswagen Beetle ‘Last Edition’ is a remarkably well-preserved example of one of the very last of these classic icons to roll off the marque’s European production line. Having been meticulously stored, this Beetle presents in genuinely outstanding original condition, which belies its 43 years of age. This must surely be the closest any buyer could get to acquiring a brand-new European-built classic Beetle in the modern era, so represents an unmissable opportunity for a fan of this world-famous model.

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. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.

Car Overview

  • 435 miles
  • manual
  • RHD
  • Diamond Silver
  • Marine Blue velour
  • 1.2L


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Lot Overview

  • Lot #02147
  • private Sale
  • Swansea, United Kingdom

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1977 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE LAST EDITION - 435 MILES FROM NEW1977 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE LAST EDITION - 435 MILES FROM NEW1977 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE LAST EDITION - 435 MILES FROM NEW1977 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE LAST EDITION - 435 MILES FROM NEW1977 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE LAST EDITION - 435 MILES FROM NEW1977 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE LAST EDITION - 435 MILES FROM NEW1977 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE LAST EDITION - 435 MILES FROM NEW1977 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE LAST EDITION - 435 MILES FROM NEW
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