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2014 Shannons Sydney Late Spring Classic Auction
Lot
1

1965 Volkswagen Beetle Sedan

$12,500

Sold

Specifications

Engine Flat 4-cylinder, 1300cc
Gearbox 4-speed manual
Body Work Sedan
Colour Grey metallic
Interior Red
Trim Cloth
Wheels Cast alloy
Brakes Discs/Drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

Designed by Dr Ferdinand Porsche as mass transportation for a heavily industrialised Germany in the mid-1930s, the Volkswagen (literally translated ?The People's Car?) entered production in 1939 but it wasn't until 1945 that Beetles began rolling off the line at Wolfsburg in large numbers. With the characteristic air-cooled flat-four engine mounted in the rear, the Beetle - as it became universally known - was simple, well made and virtually unbreakable. The Beetle sold in record numbers, particularly in the United States where it proved immensely popular as the second car for many a household. By the early 1970s, the Beetle had surpassed the Model T's incredible total of 15 million cars and ultimately remained in production until very recently - testimony to the qualities inherent in Dr Porsche's original design. Development of the Beetle was continuous, the original 1100cc model giving way to 1300 and 1500 versions in the mid-1960s with the extra power matched by an all-synchro gearbox. As a 1965 model, the Beetle on offer here also benefits from a host of improvements made over the long production history of the model, including the all-synchromesh gearbox, larger glass area for improved visibility, better ventilation and heating and many other changes. Volkswagen enthusiasts often note these cars are the best compromise between the classic styling and purity of the original design and the later, more usable cars.