Coys Auction - True Greats
Royal Horticultural Halls
Elverton St
Westminster
London SW1
Tuesday 7 December 2010
Introduced in 1949, the Karmann-built Beetle Cabriolets were an extraordinarily long-lived model and the last example left the Osnabruck factory in January 1980. During the ‘70s they benefited from many improvements, notably the fitting of McPherson front struts and a larger bonnet, allowing the deletion of the front torsion bar suspension and also significantly improving luggage capacity.
They also received disc brakes, a steering rack and a fiercely efficient heater; curved windscreens and larger rear lights distinguish the exterior from earlier models. Of course, as with all VW machinery, all components, especially electrical, were built to last. The multi-layered soft top (including heated glass rear window), with superb open/close operation, is second to none. These cars date from the days when German car makers earned their reputation for exceptional quality.
This 1978