Lot 401: 1972 Volkswagen ‘Beetle’ Saloon

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 up-dated from the time post-war production commenced, under British military supervision, in 1945, acquiring subtly altered coachwork, improved running gear and larger engines. One of the most significant mechanical developments occurred in 1970 when MacPherson strut front suspension was adopted on the 1302 model in place of the original swing axles, and in 1972 a major styling development saw the introduction of a wrap-around windscreen and other cosmetic changes on the 1303. There were further minor improvements made during the car’s fifth decade, by which time the Beetle was selling as much on style as practicality, and today the car continues to attract an avid following of customisers, modifiers and tuners.
Although its external appearance remains standard, this 1972 Beetle incorporates a host of desirable performance enhancing modifications beneath the skin. The car has undergone a total ‘last nut and bolt’ restoration and is painted in correct-for-the-period VW Kansas Beige. Its engine is a 1974 Porsche-based 2.2 litre Type 4 unit featuring stock crankshaft, connecting rods and camshaft, which has been fitted with up-rated barrels and 96mm pistons, reworked Type 4 cylinder heads and valves, oil cooler, up-rated fuel pump, HAS exhaust system, Bosch electronic ignition, twin Dell’Orto DRLA 45 carburettors, and Porsche 911 fan and alternator. The transmission comprises a Beetle 1303S up-rated long-ratio gearbox and Type 1/2 van clutch disc, while the running gear benefits from an IRS kit at the rear, Sway-A-Way adjusters, Koni steering damper, KYB gas shock absorbers and Beetle 1500 front disc brakes. As featured in various VW magazines, this car is a work of art and huge fun at the traffic light Grands Prix, where its ability to surprise the opposition is unrivalled. The car is offered with a quantity of expired MoT certificates and Swansea V5 registration document, and is expected to possess a fresh MoT at time of sale.