Only circa 63 miles from new
1978 Volkswagen 'Beetle' 1200L Saloon
Registration no. not registered
Chassis no. 1182007364

One of the 20th Century's truly great automobiles, the Volkswagen 'Beetle' lived down its origin as Hitler's 'people's car', going on to become an all-time best seller and cult classic. The Beetle was continuously updated from the time post-war production commenced, under British military supervision, in 1945, acquiring subtly altered coachwork, improved running gear and larger engines. By the time European production ceased in 1977 a staggering 21,000,000-plus Beetles of all types had been made. To mark the occasion, Volkswagen produced 300 'last edition' models, designated 1200L and painted Diamond Silver Metallic with a Marine Blue velour interior.

The 1200L offered here, number '167' of the 300, may well be the finest and most original example in existence, having covered only 63 miles from new. A plaque on the dashboard verifies the car as one of this limited edition. Factory fitted options include a heated rear window, padded dashboard and rear parcel shelf. The car was originally purchased on 11th January 1978 by Mr P Ellis of Hailey, Hertfordshire but was never registered. Instead, the Beetle was placed in storage in February of that year with Hailey Motor Co, an authorised Volkswagen and Audi dealer (see letter on file). Intended as an investment, the car was sold by his brother-in-law on Mr Ellis's death to D C Cook Motors Ltd, in whose showroom it remained on display until its acquisition by the Ecclestone Collection. In October 2007 the Beetle was offered for sale from the Ecclestone Collection at a UK auction where it was purchased for the private collection belonging to British entrepreneur, the late James 'Jimi' Heselden, OBE, from which it was subsequently acquired by the current vendor.

Given the Volkswagen Beetle's enormous popularity and the hard use so many endured, it is most unusual to find one in such outstandingly original and unmolested condition. One of the last examples produced, this limited edition 1200L represents the swan-song of the much loved Beetle in the UK and thus will be of especial interest to collectors.