1980 Volkswagen Beetle - Last Edition

• UK-supplied, right-hand drive Last Edition Beetle built in 1977 and first registered 1980
• One of 300 Last Editions, the final Beetles to roll off the production line in Germany in 1978
• Showing just 432 miles (atoc), correctly dry-stored and today presented in remarkably well-preserved condition. Certificate from VW shows numbers matching
• Gleaming Jubilee Silver metallic paintwork over untouched Marine Blue velour trim
• Probably an unrepeatable opportunity to own a VW motoring icon presented in 'showroom' condition

You can now book a one to one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact us on 01926 691 141 to secure your appointment or steven@silverstoneauctions.com to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment.

The Volkswagen Beetle enjoyed staggering success for many years, and in 1972 became the best-selling car ever, 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 in the cars, VW 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 give just a few examples.

Despite all the special editions, with the Beetle now looking seriously dated, sales continued to decline and the last European-built car left the production line in Emden, Germany on the 19th of January, 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. The vehicles were each equipped with a 1200cc engine (the most famous of all), blue-corded velour trim, a flat screen (as a nod to the past), heated rear window, fresh air blower and a handbrake dash light. Finally, a dash-mounted plaque states the vehicle's number in the sequence. Unfortunately, these seem to have been supplied to VW dealers separately from the cars, and quite a number of LEBs never received the plaques intended for them.

Offered here is a UK-supplied, right-hand drive Last Edition Beetle manufactured in 1977 and first registered on 1st August 1980. Emerging from 29 years in warm dry storage, today this example's condition can only be described as remarkable. The Jubilee Silver paintwork presents beautifully and the Marine blue velour trim also appears to be in showroom condition.

Accompanying this rare Beetle is a history file containing the original VW instruction manual and service book, VW Certificate, original keys on a fob from the supplying dealer, copy of dealer application for a Licence for a new motor vehicle & Declaration for Registration supplied with the vehicle - 17/07/80, and an independent inspection report carried out prior to this sale.

This is a great opportunity to add to a collection of landmark cars or just take ownership of perhaps one of the most well preserved of the German manufactured VW Beetles.