Volkswagen 1303 1978

This Volkswagen Beetle 1303S Cabriolet is a wonderful classic drop-top, presented in superb restored condition, and formerly owned by a famed British car designer as part of his collection. It is finished in the smart colour combination of metallic dark blue (Porsche blue) with a cream leather interior, and a faultless blue soft top. With tasteful upgrades fitted, this Beetle is an ideal European cruiser. The odometer shows 79,501 miles. Open to offers and a cheaper part exchange potentially. An original left-hand-drive example, this car is understood to have been first registered overseas in May 1978. Around 10 years ago, this car went through a total ground-up restoration, which included upgrading the engine to a 1.8-litre block with twin Weber carburettor now producing around 100hp. A Porsche cooling fan system has been installed, along with a high-performance oil cooler. Uprated springs have been fitted at the front, and adjustable shock absorbers and a strut brace. There are also disc brakes all round. Approximately 20,000 miles have been covered since the restoration. The car presents very smartly today, with a smooth and glossy appearance throughout the deep blue paint. The bodylines and door shuts are sound, and the brightwork is in excellent condition. It has a set of 17-inch Fuchs-style wheels, with a staggered front-to-rear setup, which are in superb order. At the back of the car, a CSP performance exhaust system has been fitted to allow the uprated engine to breathe more freely while broadcasting a fabulous sound of the air-cooled engine. In the cabin, the full cream leather interior is a luxurious upgrade over the factory trim, and is in fabulous condition. The black carpets have been trimmed to accommodate the upgraded Pioneer speakers to the front and rear, which offer much improved sound quality. The car has a three-spoke Nardi steering wheel finished in perforated leather. As a 1978 model, this Beetle is tax and MOT exempt on the basis of age and the car is in great mechanical condition. The chassis and suspension mountings are in also in good condition, having been completely replaced and updated in the restoration process. The car as “beautiful to look at and great to drive, solid and thoroughly sorted throughout”. The wheel are fitted with a set of Goodyear tyres in size 195/40 R17 at the front and 225/45 R17 at the rear and in very good condition with plenty of as new tread. This VW Beetle 1303S Cabriolet is a superb 1970s classic, which has been tastefully modernised, it is a fantastically usable and eye-catching air-cooled Volkswagen that is ready to hit the road for many more happy miles, and would make a fine addition to any collection.