Coys Auction - Spring Classics
Royal Horticultural Halls
Elverton St
Westminster
London SW1
Tuesday 8 March 2011
Estimate: £17,000 - £22,000
Registration Number: NPO 187R
Chassis Number: 1572060385
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 d