1977 Volkswagen 1,584cc Karmann Cabriolet

Registration no. RYO 5l8R  Chassis no. 1572076239  Engine no. AS468447. Estimate: £6,000 - 7,000

Footnote: In production from 1970 to 1979, Volkswagen’s Beetle Convertible featured a body shell by Karmann, one of Germany’s oldest and most respected coachbuilders, and was offered with either 1493cc or 1584cc flat four, overhead valve, air cooled, rear mounted engine. This 1584cc example, to U.K. right-hand drive specification, is one of 330,281 examples sold during the production period. Something of a cult car, particularly in the USA, the convertible has the same endearing styling, performance and chassis fittings as the saloons, while offering all the advantages of open motoring and a snug cabin in closed form for the more typically English climate.

Remarkably this car, first registered in May 1977, has been the property of just one lady owner, (the second owner), for the last thirty or so years. Much loved, it has been regularly serviced and maintained, the last service bills are on file from November 2008 at which time the car was MoT tested. The engine has been reconditioned quite recently since when little mileage has been covered. The car is strikingly presented in metallic maroon livery with beige leather interior piped in maroon. A new radio has been fitted recently. We are advised that the heater requires attention, as do the back window winders, however otherwise this charming car is offered in good working order and comes with a Swansea registration document and MoT certificate valid to November 2009.

Bonhams. Collectors' Motor Cars and Automobilia, 20 Apr 2009. RAF Museum, Hendon www.bonhams.com (Copyright © 2002-2009 Bonhams 1793 Ltd., Images and Text All Rights Reserved)

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