- Entered from the Gilder Group Collection

- 17,700 miles from new

From Europe's perspective, the 1302/1303 'Super' Beetles were the last of the breed and, in many ways, the best too. Though to most eyes visually similar to the many versions that had gone before, they arguably featured the most radical updates imposed on the model during its amazingly long existence. These included MacPherson Strut front suspension which improved the handling and created more boot space and also permitted the fitment of front disc brakes. From 1972 the 1303 had a more safety-oriented padded facia and wraparound windscreen, plus larger tail lights. Power came from the usual air-cooled options of 44bhp 1285cc flat-four and a 50bhp 1584cc unit in the same configuration. It is true that purists don't currently reserve the same passion for these cars as the earlier ones, but those attitudes are softening. It was in this form that the immortal Beetle remained in production in Mexico as late as 2003, giving rise to a total production figure for the model of an astonishing 21,529,464 spread over 65 years.

Acquired for the Gilder Group Collection in 2002 and since registered to its Chairman, this lovely-looking 'timewarp' Beetle has driven just 17,700 miles from new (that's an average of just 421 miles a year!) - a fact corroborated by the accompanying stamped service book. It is finished in an eye-catching shade of bright Metallic Green, trimmed in contrasting Beige corduroy cloth and is being offered complete with MOT valid until June 22nd 2017.