1970 VW Beetle 1300 Semi-Auto A very original example, suitable for a collector

Lot details Registration No: FDH 133H Chassis No: 1102517765 MOT: Exempt Very original and rare in this 'survivor' condition Rare and desirable Cobalt Blue with White interior Just c.39,000 from new and with the original 'F code' engine Enthusiast owned and maintained for regular use at classic VW events New for 1968, the semi-automatic Beetle was available on 1300cc and 1500cc models. Think of it as 3 gears (plus reverse) but without a clutch. The semi-auto has many fans and is mimicked by modern cars today. The Beetle utilised a torque convertor in simple but clever set-up. VW brochures of the time described it: "Drive 1, you can drive around town all day, Drive 2 is for the open road. Once you’re cruising above 55mph, you can shift or stick into it. And save extra gas. Another good thing about our new automatic stick shift is that you also can use it as a manual transmission. You simply shift through all 3 forward gears (Low, Drive 1, Drive 2) using the stick without a clutch." An unmodified 'survivor' Beetle with extensive originality, it began life as a 'special order' from Willenhall Coachcraft Volkswagen by Mrs H. Meads of Aldridge, aunt of the next and long-time custodian, Derek Crowther of Ludlow. 'FDH' was ordered in Cobalt Blue with a White interior and delivered on 10th March 1970. Displaying just some 39k credible miles, this is a 'never been pulled apart' true survivor which has merely had its original paint maintained, replacement wings, a front valance, and new running boards. The body and panel gaps are exceptional and just goes to show the pampered life it’s had, and garaged most of its life too, certainly by the vendor. The vendor advises us "it does have some paint chips on the edge of the driver's door along with a few other very small marks on the car, but all in all it’s truly stunning and so very original, please don’t get this confused with a restored car, it does have some patination, but that certainly adds to the car. Finding these original unrestored cars is next to impossible". The White interior being testament to how clean this car is now and how it has been cared for over the years and its low mileage. All the interior is in excellent condition with no damage apparent. A real rarity to find in such a genuine condition, the interior is original and very fresh and rarer to find an example that has never had a radio fitted. 'FDH' still retains its original warranty sticker in the passenger side window. In the words of the vendor: "It’s a 1300 semi-auto that’s incredibly easy to drive but can easily be converted to manual if that’s what you want. I think the semi-auto cars will have a much different appeal in years to come due to the next generation driving all these new auto cars". 'FDH' will be driven to Buxton by its VW collector/enthusiast owner; only selling due to space being made for an earlier car. Offered with the original sales receipt on file along with other history. It comes with a box full of all its history from day one including its original purchase receipt, there’s lots of other bits about it such as newspaper clippings. 'FDH' has won a few trophies in the past and those come with it. Accompanied by a current V5C. For more information, please contact: Andrew Talbot andrew.talbot@handh.co.uk 01925 210035