1967 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE 1300 TWO DOOR SALOON

1967 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE 1300 TWO DOOR SALOON

Registration No. RPO 790E
Chassis No. 117388938
Engine No. PLO45809
Silver grey

Engine: four horizontally opposed cylinders, air cooled, overhead valves, 1,285cc, 40bhp; Gearbox: four-speed manual; Suspension: front and rear, independent torsion bars with shock absorbers; Brakes: drums all round. Right hand drive.

Few cars have ever existed that have reached such iconic and legendary status as the Beetle. Designed by Porsche and produced in small numbers before and during the Second World War, the car captured the world-wide imagination during the Nineteen Sixties, ironically becoming a particular favourite among the peace movement. Production continued until very recently in Mexico. The 1300 was brought out in 1965 to succeed the eleven year old 1200. Predictably it used a bigger, more powerful engine which produced six bhp more than its predecessor, and it was identified by the "1300" tag on the engine cover. There were a number of other refinements, including a hazard light switch, ventilated wheel slots with flatter hub caps, and headlight dimmer switch mounted on turn signal handle instead of floor. The old king-pin suspension was replaced by ball joints at the front, and the torsion bars were uprated.

This example has not enjoyed its time in storage. Originally registered at the beginning of June 1967, its original silver-grey paintwork shows surface rust all over, but the original black interior has survived in slightly better condition. It is sold with its V5.