Registration: XSV 797
Chassis: 1088234
Odometer: 7,523
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt

• Imported from Southern California to the UK in 1990
• Rare ‘bullet indicator’ US market specification
• In current ownership for some 34-years

The Volkswagen 1200 was internally designated the ‘Type 1’, though to the public it became universally known as the ‘Beetle’ - a colloquial nomenclature that Volkswagen itself did not officially adopt for many decades. Early examples of Dr Ferdinand Porsche’s ‘People’s Car’ featured a split rear window and are now known as ‘Split Window’ models, followed by the ‘Oval Window’ cars produced between 1953 and 1957. From 1958 onwards, the Beetle gained its more familiar rectangular rear window.

In the United States, the ‘Oval Window’ Beetle was distinguished by its distinctive ‘bullet’ front indicators, while European-market tastes retained semaphore indicators mounted within the ‘B’ pillar. This American specification gives a particularly attractive and rare appearance, making such examples sought after. The feature also signifies ‘XSV 797’s’ roots in the USA - specifically, in this case, Orange County, near to Los Angeles, California, one of the cultural heartlands of the American Volkswagen scene. Famous for its VW drag racing, vibrant car club culture, and the customising movement of the 1960s, Orange County played a key role in the development of the iconic ‘Cal Look’-style Beetles. The ‘Oval’ Beetle has also enjoyed celebrity association over the years, including with Ewan McGregor, whose own ‘Oval’ appears to be the similar shade of Metallic Blue to ‘XSV 797’ offered here.

Imported into the UK around 1990 and first registered here in July 1991 as ‘XSV 797’, this Type 1 ‘Beetle’ has remained in the same ownership for over 34 years, and affectionately known as ‘Bluebell’ by its lady owner. An original bill of sale on file shows the vendor purchased the VW on 10th May 1997 from Mr Hughes of Ruabon, Wrexham - the only other UK keeper on record. The vendor hasn’t used it for classic car events or such-like, she has merely enjoyed short drives and ownership of one of the prettiest eras for the VW.

The Beetle retains many original features, including its 6-volt electrical system, and its well-preserved condition is likely due to many years spent in the dry, car-friendly climate of Southern California.

‘XSV 797’ began life at Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg factory before being exported to the United States. While a complete history is not available, elements of its American past can be pieced together. In the 1980s, it is believed to have been owned by Ronnie Burdette, associated with the California licence plate ‘LCA 932’. Paperwork from the California Department of Motor Vehicles shows a change of ownership in September 1982 to T.M. Palmer, who appears to have been a committed Volkswagen enthusiast, working for Renfrew Motors Inc. in Orange, California. Further documentation records that in September 1989 the Beetle passed to Tom Allen of Santa Ana, California.

A substantial history file illustrates the maintenance, parts replacement, and ownership changes over time. Notably, on 26th January 1998, the original engine was replaced by Tom’s V-Dubs in Runcorn, Cheshire. Encouragingly, the replacement is a correct period flat-four air-cooled unit (engine code 11077028), likely dating from the late 1955 model year. In more recent years, ‘Bluebell’ has benefitted from a sympathetic respray in a shade closely matching its original colour - believed to be Volkswagen’s Stratos Silver, which presents with a distinctly Blue hue.

Driven to our premises, ‘XSV 797’ is offered with an extensive history file, including US documentation, previous V5 registrations, and its current V5C in the vendor’s name. Supporting invoices represent some of the work carried out both in the UK and the USA, alongside historic MOT certificates. Invoices from respected Volkswagen specialists such as Karmann Konnection, Tom’s V-Dubs (Runcorn), Henley Beetles, and The German Car Company further support the maintenance history in the UK. A small box of spares includes the original air cleaner.

PLEASE NOTE: The speedometer is currently inoperative. The Beetle has reportedly covered approximately 150 miles since the odometer stopped, which is typically due to a faulty cable or internal mechanism within the gauge.