Volkswagen 1303 Käfer Cabriolet (1977)

Kickdown Check

• Inspection report available (August 2017)
• Verifiable mileage of 103,340 kilometers
• 164 photos
• Video including engine run
• Kickdown inspection conducted on-site
• Extensive restoration photo album available, including full repaint and complete engine overhaul

Facts & Specifications

• Year of manufacture: 1977
• First registration: USA (California)
• Engine: 1.6-liter four-cylinder, air-cooled, 50 hp (37 kW) – matching numbers
• Transmission: 4-speed manual transmission – Matching Numbers
• Exterior color: Dark blue (re-painted)
• Interior: Blue, combination of fabric and faux leather
• Convertible top: Dark blue with white interior lining
• TÜV valid until 04/2026 (renewed prior to sale, according to the seller), H-license plate
• Whitewall tires, registered single-pipe exhaust system

Condition

Exterior

• Exterior color: Dark blue – the vehicle was completely repainted as part of the restoration
• Body in generally well-maintained condition; isolated stone chips present, touch-up paint included
• No known accident damage
• Underbody shows signs of wear appropriate for its age; slight corrosion on the exhaust system and attached parts
• Rubber elements on the bumper are porous due to age
• Dark blue soft top in apparently good condition; seal on the front soft top frame shows signs of wear and a small tear
• Classic steel rims with hubcaps and Hankook whitewall tires; the tires were replaced as part of the German TÜV inspection and have a tread depth of approx. 7.5 mm

Interior

• Blue interior in a fabric-and-faux-leather combination, overall in well-maintained condition
• Steering wheel with age-appropriate signs of wear
• Convertible top can be operated easily by one person

Mechanics

• Ready to drive and registered
• Engine completely overhauled; starts reliably and powerfully; smooth mechanical operation with a clean fan noise from the air cooling system; unobtrusive, rhythmic valve train without any disturbing background noise
• Transmission shifts flawlessly; no known transmission or clutch work
• Engine and transmission are original and matching (matching numbers)
• Work performed: Complete engine overhaul; full repaint; fuel sender replaced; side mirrors secured
• Last service: September 2023, Ravensburg specialist workshop

History

Ownership history

• Approx. 3 owners in total (according to seller)
• First delivery: USA (California)
• Other known locations: Netherlands, then Germany
• Current owner for approx. 6 years

Service history

• Regular service every 2 years at a specialist workshop in Ravensburg
• September 2023: Service including repair of fuel sender and exterior mirror mounting, specialized workshop in Ravensburg
• Service booklet available, not complete

Documents

• Vehicle registration certificate & title
• Appraisal (August 2017; last appraised in the Netherlands at €27,500 – approx. 5 years old)
• Service record (not complete)
• Original documents from the previous owner
• Restoration photo album
• Original license plates
• TÜV report

Summary

This 1977 VW Beetle 1303 Cabriolet stands out above all for its documented restoration history: the body and engine were completely rebuilt from scratch, as evidenced by an extensive photo album. The air-cooled 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with original matching-numbers transmission runs smoothly and reliably; the last service was performed in September 2023 at a specialist workshop in Ravensburg. First US delivery from California, an H-license plate, and the characteristic combination of dark new paint, a matching soft top, and whitewall tires make this Beetle a harmonious package. Age-related details such as slight signs of corrosion on the underbody and porous rubber components are present and transparently documented—overall, the vehicle is in a well-maintained condition appropriate for its age and history.