2008 VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON W12 LWB - 23,200 MILES

This VW Phaeton W12 4Motion LWB is a luxurious and powerful saloon with a very high factory specification, and genuine low mileage. It is powered by the 6.0-litre W12 petrol engine producing 444bhp, with four-wheel drive via a five-speed automatic transmission. The odometer shows just 23,172 miles from new.

Registered in October 2008, this particular Phaeton W12 was first owned by Volkswagen UK, and was assigned the cherished registration ‘W12 VWW’. It is understood that the car undertook various press car and VIP transport duties, and was on the fleet for around six months. It was acquired by its first private keeper 11 years ago, who covered another 14,000 miles during his ownership. Bidders in or around London may be pleased to know that the car is exempt from the ULEZ charge in the city.

As the range-topping Phaeton, the long-wheelbase W12 came with a remarkable amount of equipment as standard. It has self-levelling air suspension, adaptive xenon headlights, and a tilt-and-slide electric sunroof. There are sun blinds for the rear screen and both side rear windows, power folding heated wing mirrors, and a power operated boot lid. The latter was an exemplar of the attention to detail by the engineering team, with its polished aluminium hinges manufactured especially for the Phaeton by Campagnolo.

The interior specification goes beyond even the luxury car rivals of its era, with full electric adjustment for the front seats, including heating, ventilation and massage functions. Even the two back seats are heated and ventilated, and the rear occupants also get their own individual climate control adjustment - not to mention the extra 120mm of legroom over the standard car.

This car’s bodywork remains in good condition, and is finished in the optional Tarantella Black pearl effect paint. During the last 10 years, it has served as luxurious city transport in London, and so does have some small scuffs on the bumpers and minor surface scratches. There is also a patch of bubbling on the top corner of the nearside rear door, which is shown in the photo gallery, and the offside headlight washer cover is slightly loose. The car rides on the optional 18-inch 10-spoke ‘Aristoteles’ alloy wheels, which have various kerb scuffs and are in need of refurbishment.

While the exterior would benefit from some smartening up, there is no such requirement in the cabin. The interior remains in excellent condition throughout, trimmed in the high-grade Sensitive Leather. The seat facings are free of damage and defects, and show only signs of light use commensurate with the very low mileage. The only note from the seller is that there is a very small nick in the back of the driver’s seat. All of the switchgear is in great shape, and there are no known faults with any of the electrics.

Its last scheduled maintenance was with main dealer West London Volkswagen in May 2020 at 23,156 miles. This consisted of an engine oil and filter service, as well as renewal of the transmission fluid - a particularly important service item on these cars. Despite the low mileage, this car has had regular maintenance visits, with the two previous services in October 2019 at 22,577 miles and in November 2018 at 21,542 miles.

The most recent MOT test was carried out on 17 October 2019 at 22,523 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories whatsoever. The car has never failed an annual MOT, and has evidently been kept in superb condition. The wheels are fitted with Dunlop SP Sport tyres all round, and the tread depths were measured during the May 2020 service at 5.5mm on the front axle and 6.5mm at the rear.

Accompanying the car are all of the original books, including the stamped guarantee and maintenance record. The tools, jack, and full-size spare wheel are still stored under the boot floor. Its original warning triangle and first aid kit are also present.

This VW Phaeton W12 4Motion LWB is an understated but immensely comfortable limousine. With its long wheelbase, this particular example also boasts first-class rear legroom, not to mention an array of convenience features. The car needs only minor cosmetic improvements to bring it up to a very high standard, and benefits from genuine low mileage and superb provenance. It makes for a wonderfully refined cruiser around town and on longer trips, and is sure to impress its next owner.

Summary of service history:

• 3 Jul 2009 - VW Colborne - 5,635 miles
• 22 Jul 2010 - VW Colborne - 10,246 miles
• 19 Sep 2011 - VW Colborne - 12,219 miles
• 21 Feb 2013 - Central Car Care Kensington - 15,864 miles
• 14 Oct 2015 - Central Car Care Kensington - 18,611 miles
• 3 Jul 2017 - Central Car Care Kensington - 19,945 miles
• 22 Nov 2018 - Central Car Care Kensington - 21,542 miles
• 31 Oct 2019 - Central Car Care Kensington - 22,577 miles
• 22 May 2020 - West London VW - 23,156 miles