Volkswagen Beetle 1200 pastel blue engine overtakes 34 hp (1961)

Vehicle description

At the end of the 1950s, the VW Beetle already looked back on an existence that had led to two generational changes in other models. Not so with the Type 1, which was stoically built over all decades with crank handlebar front axle and pendulum rear axle, apart from the Beetles 1302 and 1303. All assemblies were subjected to cosmetic changes, usually several times, the engine power grew from 30 to 34 to 50 hp. Anyone who thinks of the Beetle usually has the 1200 in mind, the model designation 1200 is due to its displacement. In 1955, Volkswagen celebrated one million Beetles, and worldwide Beetle production did not end until 2003 with over 21.5 million vehicles built.

The VW Beetle offered in this auction is the Model 1200 from the year of construction 1961. This pastel blue beetle was originally delivered in the USA, it was first admitted on 21.06.1961. According to the seller, this Volkswagen ran until recently in the state of Maine before it was imported to Germany. How many previous owners of the car with the chassis number 3806301 had exactly, is no longer known – a history of the VW can not be presented. Therefore, it is also not comprehensible whether the matching numbers are still given. All that is known is that the last previous owner acquired this Beetle in 2013 and had the engine, brake system and fuel system overhauled, among other things. At the moment, this Beetle does not have a TÜV, an H-approval is sometimes not available: The seller has it mentioned that this can be offered on request. A vehicle key exists.

In terms of paint, this Beetle painted in pastel blue makes a good impression, whether the paint has already been renewed, the current holder can not say – the seller excludes an accident in its holding period in any case. Except for a few traces of use and a few porous rubbers, the exterior presents itself in good shape without serious deficits or missing parts. All chrome parts are also present on the car and are in brilliant condition. At the front and at the rear, the "bumpers", which were available as extra at the time, catch the eye of the beholder: These have no parking bumpers and are accordingly well preserved.

In 2013, the previous owner of the Beetle had the tires replaced in the USA, the original steel rims with chrome hubcaps are in good shape. In 2013, the brakes including the brake system were revised: the master brake cylinder, the wheel cylinder, the brake pads and the brake hoses were replaced. In terms of chassis technology, no deviations from the original condition can be objected to.

Also renewed in 2013 in the hand of the previous owner, the vinyl seats of the Beetle were renewed: These were re-upholstered with white vinyl. Furthermore, the two-tone vinyl door panels with pockets and the gray footwell carpet were new in the VW. In addition, the sky has also been renewed. Except for a slight patine, which can be taken from the seats, the interior of this Beetle presents itself in a very good condition without defects. In addition to the few buttons and switches, the steel dashboard painted in body colour also features a staggered horn button. On the white 2-spoke steering wheel is the chrome-plated horn bar, which according to the current holder does not work. In addition to the opening windows, this VW Beetle has an electrically operated car wash, which has been retrofitted and thus saves the manual pumping of a rubber bellows under the dashboard.

The only speedometer in the interior of the Beetle indicates 50,470 miles, which would correspond to a mileage of about 81,200. According to the statements of the current seller, the previous owner drove only 1,000 kilometers. There is no proof of the actual mileage, but the overall mileage could well be right due to the solid overall condition. All instruments in the interior are in perfect condition.

The 1.2-litre boxer engine in the rear of the Beetle delivers 34 hp and is shifted via a 4-speed centre shift. An overhaul of the engine took place in 2013 on behalf of the previous owner: Connecting rod bearings, pistons, oil pumps and valve guides were newly added. In addition, the carburetor, starter and alternator were overhauled. In the course of this work, the steering gear as well as the clutch, exhaust and heating bulbs were also renewed. The seller mentions that the air-cooled boxer engine starts immediately and runs very well, and the transmission can also be shifted perfectly. At the end of 2021, a final service took place.

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