About this Volkswagen Beetle

SUPERB ORIGINAL RHD CAR IN A1 CONDITION THROUGHOUT - *SOLD 05/03/2026*

1974 Volkswagen Beetle 1303 Karmann Cabriolet - Beautiful, Low-Mileage Example with Exceptional Provenance

Few cars capture the spirit of motoring joy quite like the Volkswagen Beetle. Conceived in the 1930s under Ferdinand Porsche’s direction, the Beetle was designed as a practical, reliable, and affordable “people’s car.” After World War II, it became a global success story — a timeless icon beloved by millions. By the end of its production in 2003, over 21 million had been built, securing its place as one of the most recognisable cars in the world.

The Cabriolet version, hand-built by Karmann between 1950 and 1980, brought open-top motoring to this legendary design. The later 1303 models, introduced in the early 1970s, featured notable upgrades including a curved windscreen, rack-and-pinion steering, and a more powerful 1600cc engine delivering around 50 bhp.

This particular 1974 Volkswagen Beetle 1303 Karmann Cabriolet is an original right-hand drive example, first registered new in Australia and is powered by its original 1585cc 4 cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox and has its original Black Vinyl Seats with Headrests, original Steering Wheel, a Goodmans Stereo Radio/Cassette player, an 'as new' Black Vinyl Soft top, 15" ATS Alloy Wheels with new BF Goodrich Tyres and excellent Chrome-work. 

It was a ‘personal import’ to the UK by a Mrs Noreen Bridges who relocated from Australia to Bedfordshire in 1989 and it was registered here on 26th May 1989. It was purchased by the current owner 27 years ago in July 1999 and he had the car repainted from its original Grey to this lovely shade of Pink with a new Black Vinyl Soft Top fitted and it was then presented to his wife as a Wedding Anniversary present upon completion.

It has not covered very many miles during their ownership - just under 5,000 miles to be exact, but it was regularly maintained and MOT'd by Knightsbridge Garage in Kingsclere, Berkshire for 10 years from 2007 through to 2017 and then by Absolute VW in Castle Donnington in October 2018 @ 53,720 miles who carried out a major service including new brake drums, shoes and hoses, various re-wiring and new tyres and more totalling - £2,914, and again in December 2022 @ 54,858 miles when they removed the engine and fitted new heat exchangers, a firewall kit, new ignition items, a battery and various other parts totalling £3,205. The car has been serviced and MOT’d annually and the current MOT is valid until August 2026, and it has now covered a believed genuine 55,565 miles from new.

Mechanically the car is excellent and it is cosmetically superb, and it really does drive beautifully. It is accompanied by an extensive history file, including all MOT certificates dating back to 1999 and comes with a wealth of service records and invoices since its arrival in the UK.

Prior to delivery, the car will receive a new MOT and come with our own comprehensive 55-point pre-delivery inspection and a 6-month mechanical warranty, extendable at additional cost if required.

A truly superb example of a rare RHD Karmann Beetle Convertible.

On display at our showrooms in Mortlake, South West London.

Please Note: Classic Chrome Ltd makes every effort to ensure that the information in this advertisement is accurate. All details are supplied in good faith based on the vehicle’s history file and previous ownership records. Prospective buyers should satisfy themselves as to its condition and suitability prior to purchase. This does not affect your statutory rights.