1972 | Volkswagen Escarabajo 1300

The Volkswagen Beetle (officially the ‘Type 1’), although a product of the Nazi regime to create a people’s car – suitable to mobilise a nation and use the country’s growing road network but simple to mass produce and repair – went on to become possibly the most widely recognised car in the world. Designed in the 1930s, volume production did not commence until after the War – initially under British control – and, such was its enduring popularity, production only ended in 2003 after more than 21 million cars had been built. Whilst the car went through various style changes in the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, and acquired larger, more powerful engines, it retained its original distinctive shape – giving rise to the ‘bug’ and ‘beetle’ nicknames.

As part of the model evolution, Volkswagen introduced the 1300 in late 1965. With an enlarged engine of 1285 cc, the appearance of the car was notably altered from earlier variants with an increase to the size of all windows – front and rear screens, side and door windows. Other updates followed – revised bumpers front and rear; redesigned head and tail lamps; 12-volt electrics; dual circuit braking; radial ply tyres and, in 1971, a modest power increase to a claimed 44bhp. Production of the model ended in 1975.

The 1300 offered here was first registered, new in the UK, in August 1972. We have no early history for the car until June 2005, when the then owner commissioned a full professional restoration with Woolleys of Norwich. The car remained in the UK until 2012, when it was purchased by a Jersey resident and re-registered in the island, with around 77,000 miles recorded. Having changed hands once more in Jersey, the 1300 has been maintained in excellent condition, with limited use and now shows a little under 81,000 miles.

The extensive restoration work 20 years ago included the fitment of a reconditioned engine and new front axle. Most recently, in May 2025, a front brake disc conversion was fitted together with new rear drums and wheel cylinders. With an history of careful maintenance and servicing, the Beetle runs and drives very well.

Having been treated to bodywork and panel repairs together with a bare metal repaint during restoration and well cared for subsequently, the car remains in very good, solid shape. The light grey paintwork is in good order, as is the brightwork – bumpers, hubcaps, lamps. The engine bay is clean and tidy.

The black vinyl interior and seats are in excellent condition, as is the headlining. The simple, painted dashboard is complete and smart, with the discrete addition of a modern Sony radio/CD unit. A pair of rear passenger seat belts have also been fitted.

Very popular to this day, the Beetle’s long-running and record-breaking production bears testament to its practicality and durability as a true ‘people’s car’. This is a smart, tidy and eminently usable example of the one of the World’s most recognisable cars.

The car is currently Jersey registered and we can assist with worldwide shipping and importation processes if required.