1962 Volkswagen Beetle Karmann Cabriolet

History

We are honoured to have been appointed as official agents for the sale of the esteemed collection of Mr Drew Pritchard, antique dealer extraordinaire and star of TV show ‘Salvage Hunters’ 

This charming Karmann Cabriolet was acquired by Drew in 2020 having been previously imported from California

This highly original example was the subject of an extensive and sympathetic ‘body off’ restoration in 2022 by marque exponents Irvs VW Restorations Ltd of Cumbria, UK at a cost in excess of GBP 22,000

The body was removed and the floor pan stripped and blasted. Following any necessary metal work, a new half floor pan was fitted and the car attached to a rotisserie where both sides of the floor pan were painted and poly coated to preserve it for future use

The engine was fully reconditioned by ‘CoolAir VW’ with new ancillaries and new old stock parts wherever possible. The carburettor was replaced, new clutch fitted, new brake master cylinder, 12 Volt electrical conversion, refurbished wheels with new Michelin tires and various switches, badges and trims

During the rebuild a number of additional parts were replaced with new items for safety which include a front axle mounting block, body mounts, rear brake hose, wheel bearings, trailing arm seal kits, firewall seal, brake pipes, track rod end, brake shoes, fuel filter, fuel lines, accelerator cable, gearbox mounts etc

The interior also benefitted from new interior cards, rear quarter panel cards and new full carpet set. The paintwork remains largely original with some small localised repairs in places and the convertible top is both operational and original, the California sunshine has indeed been kind to the car!

Following the restoration the Cabriolet was featured on ‘Salvage Hunters Classic Cars’ and now presents and drives extremely well. Supplied with UK road registration and multiple restoration invoices, this delightful Cabriolet is ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian