Lot 322 - 1961 Volkswagen Beetle

• Original 'survivor' example
• Recently re-commissioned

The Käfer, Bug or Beetle was created by the need for a people's car (‘Volkswagen’ in German). Its concept and functional objectives were formulated by the leader of Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler, who wanted a cheap, simple car to be mass-produced for the country's new road network. Lead engineer Ferdinand Porsche and his team took until 1938 to finalise the design and the result was the first Volkswagen, one of the first rear-engine cars since the Brass Era. With 21,529,464 produced, the Beetle is the longest running and most manufactured car of a single platform ever made and from those rather contentious beginnings has fast become one of the world's most loved classics. For 1961, significant technical advances occurred in the form of a new engine and transmission. The engine remained at 1200cc but the power increased to 40 hp and the traditional semaphore turn signals were replaced by conventional flashing directional indicators worldwide.

This delightful example of the second generation Beetle was recently found in the garage of its former keeper by a local enthusiast. This former keeper, now deceased, had purchased the car in good original condition showing little or no corrosion but with the paintwork flat and interior headlining sagging. He therefore decided to have the car repainted and new bespoke headlining fitted. In its new resplendent paintwork, the car was, sadly, only used for a few years until he passed away. Not knowing what to do with the car, and for sentimental reasons, his wife kept the Bug untouched in the family garage for 15 years until our vendor stumbled upon it late last year.

With just three previous family owners from new and the correct period interior, rust free doors, steel wings, correct headlamps, old registration plates and original keys, this true 'barn find' is in fantastic condition and described as without rust. The panel gaps are all very good and the doors shut well. This is a real solid and genuine righthand drive example and, since being rediscovered, new fuel lines and brake pipes were fitted, the fuel tank cleaned and flushed, a new starter motor and 6 volt battery were installed and, upon a turn of the key, this 57 year old workhorse fired into life.

Unsure what to do with the Beetle after recommissioning, the owner decided that the original features on the car were far too good to mess with and that the car that should belong to a genuine VW enthusiast. Currently complete with dust and cobwebs at no extra cost, this Beetle is a fabulous find for any potential new owner.