To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The Guyton
Collection event, 4 - 5 May 2019.
Estimate:
$5,000 - $10,000
- Rare optional sliding canvas sunroof
- Includes original owner's manual
- Fitted with Motorola AM radio
With more than 21 million sold worldwide, the Volkswagen Type 1 (or
Beetle, as it became known soon after its 1939 debut) is the
best-selling car of all time. Originally designed under the
direction of the German government to build a "people's car," Dr.
Ferdinand Porsche set about building prototypes in Stuttgart in the
mid-1930s. Production began under British occupation in Germany
before the end of 1945 with worldwide exports beginning in the
early 1950s. Despite its initial crudeness and lack of refinement,
the car became known for its impressive quality and reliability.
Continual improvement marked its sales success throughout the U.S.
in the'60s and early '70s.
Power is supplied by a 47-hp, 1,584-cc rear-mounted air-cooled
engine. Volkswagen sold Beetle sedans (though technically coupes)
in the U.S. until August 1977 and the cabriolet model until January
1980. Production ceased in Mexico on 30 July 2003 when the last
Type1 Beetle rolled off assembly lines.
This rare sunroof model is described as being in good, usable
condition with solid paint and close panel fit. It was purchased by
Mr. Guyton on 25 May 1992 with the title reading 29,100 miles at
that time. Today, the odometer reads 29, 214 miles indicating
little use over the last 27 years. Mr. Guyton bought the car from
Robert Gairing of Wadsworth, Ohio, who purchased it from Erminie
Willams of Columbus, Ohio, on 23 May 1986 according to paperwork
that remains with the vehicle.
The red Beetle has thin whitewall tires, a black and white interior
including a Motorola AM radio and its distinctive ivory Wolfsburg
steering wheel, four-speed manual transmission, and the desirable
sliding canvas sunroof. The exterior chrome and brightwork is
aging, however, it appears complete as built from new. Included is
the original owner's manual. It is reportedly a "good runner,"
though it has not been actively driven is some time.
The relative simplicity of Beetles, the wide availability of parts,
the car's overall complete condition, and the desirability of the
rare sliding canvas sunroof make this an excellent opportunity to
enter into classic Beetle ownership.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/gc19.
