1960 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

This incredible 1960 UK supplied right hand drive 1200 De Luxe Sedan was produced at the Wolfsburg factory on 18th May 1960 and registered new in Mayfair, London on 20th May where it was assigned the number plate 29 AXP. It has covered just 21,754 miles since. It was reportedly used around London until 1965 and then stored away for over 50 years before its resurrection in 2016, the story of which can be read in the August 2017 edition of Volksworld magazine where this car was featured.

A stunningly original matching numbers example, 29 AXP remains in incredible condition and is complete with factory Bilstein jack and optional dealer accessory VW Hazet spare wheel tool kit. It even still retains the original dealer fitted number plates as supplied by S Norrish, Great Portland Street, London, which is stamped in the bottom corner of the number plates. The original dealer plaque is also still inside the glovebox.

1960 was the last year of semaphore indicators for UK market cars making this a very rare and desirable VW indeed. A VW Birth Certificate accompanies the car confirming the production date, vehicle specification, engine number, Pebble Grey paint code (L440) and Steel Grey Leatherette interior colour (70). The certificate also shows the special M Code options specified when the car was ordered such as the locking engine compartment handle. What is interesting is this car was ordered with American spec bumpers.

Being a De Luxe model 29 AXP wears lovely chrome work which is all in good condition including the opening front quarter-light windows and Wolfsburg bonnet badge. It still retains all its original Duro-Glas Sekurit marked window glass all round and the original VW logo headlamps, original Hella rear lamps and ‘Popes Nose’ on the decklid which houses the original Hella number plate light. The car retains its original 6 volt electrical system. The semaphore indicators work correctly and again, are marked with the VW logo as is the functional interior light.

The Steel Grey Leatherette interior is original (we had some of the stitching repaired on the drivers seat). A correct replacement headlining and carpet set has been fitted.

The engine bay is just as it left Wolfsburg. Bar the service items such as plugs, points, condenser etc, which we had renewed as part of a major service, it retains all of the original parts it left the factory with. The factory sound deadening, which is all in good shape, remains in place. The 30hp original engine runs superbly having just received a very in depth service including removing, vapour blasting and rebuilding the original Solex 28PCI carburettor. The gearbox has synchromesh gears on 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear and shifts smoothly having just received a fresh oil change. The brakes and suspension are also all in good order, having all just had a thorough inspection and adjustment as required.

The wheels and tyres are all in great shape including the spare. The chassis and floor pan are in superb order and are as clean and well presented as the top of the car. The stamped chassis number on the tunnel is present and clear as is the original chassis plate which is still affixed to the body with the correct factory rivets.

The magazine feature and write up in 2017 states that this car is all original factory metal having never received any welding, nor does it need any. This is evident when viewing the car. It is hard to convey just how good this car presents. We have been through the car thoroughly and added some miles to it too. It is an absolute joy to drive and a wonderful experience. Everything works as it should including the heater which is quick to act.

29 AXP is correctly registered as a historic vehicle therefore is MOT exempt and benefits from zero cost road tax. Despite not needing an MOT we feel it is good practice to do so therefore the car comes with 12 months MOT with no advisories.

Other documentation accompanying the car includes the VW Birth Certificate, a copy of the magazine featuring the car, an original VW drivers manual, maintenance records, ownership history and the tax disc from the windscreen when the car was removed from the road in 1965. This is all beautifully presented in a personalised 29 AXP box file.