1978 Volkswagen Beetle Last Edition

• One of 300 Last Edition cars, the last Beetles to roll off the production line in 1978
• Offered from single ownership, just 21,166 miles (atoc), correctly dry-stored, a real survivor
• Jubilee Silver metallic paintwork, excellent Marine Blue velour trim. Time-warp condition
• Retaining its limited-edition plaque (135/300) supported by a letter from Volkswagen
• Possible unrepeatable opportunity. A VW motoring icon presented in showroom condition

The Volkswagen Beetle enjoyed staggering success for many years, and in 1972 became the best-selling car to date, with total production worldwide exceeding 15 million vehicles. However, by that time, the Beetle was starting to seem dated compared with much of the modern competition, and sales were flagging. In an attempt to maintain interest, Volkswagen produced numerous special edition models during the final years of European production. These included the Jeans Beetle, City Beetle, Sun Bug and Marathon Beetle, to name just a few.

Despite these efforts, the Beetle was now effectively past its 'sell-by-date' with sales continuing to decline and the last European-built car left the production line in Emden, Germany on the 19/01/1978, immediately taking early retirement in the Wolfsburg Auto Museum. In 1978, to mark the occasion, the final run of 300 German-manufactured, right-hand drive Beetles were all finished in the very special Jubilee Silver, a colour unique to this batch and never used on any other model year. They were all fitted with a 1200cc engine (the most famous of all), blue-corded velour trim, a flat windscreen (as a nod to the past), heated rear window, fresh air blower and a handbrake dash light. Finally, a dashboard-mounted plaque stated the vehicle's number in the sequence. Unfortunately, these seem to have been supplied to Volkswagen dealers separately from the cars, and quite a number of LEBs never received the plaques intended for them.

The example we have on offer was purchased new by our vendor in February 1980 and has been enjoyed over the years, only covering 21,166 miles at the time of cataloguing. Dry stored correctly from new, this car presents in showroom condition. The original service book is present within the history folder along with old MOTs and other supporting documents. It will be at our sale freshly serviced and, although not required by law, with a new MOT.

This is a rare opportunity to own one of the last VW-built, right-hand drive Beetles. With sensible mileage and simple mechanicals, we can't think of a better car to keep, show and enjoy, a true icon that will have a place in the hearts of many motoring enthusiasts for many years to come.