To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Monterey
event, 15 - 17 August 2019.
Estimate:
$40,000 - $60,000
- Showing only 128 original miles
- Likely the lowest-mileage example in existence
- Delivered new to Pete Lovely Volkswagen
- Fascinating ownership history; virtually as-new condition
- Final model year for the Beetle sedan in North America
The car offered here is an extremely special example of the
legendary Volkswagen Beetle. Though millions of Beetles were
produced, only a limited few can claim to be essentially brand-new.
This Beetle, from the final year the sedan was offered in North
America, is offered with just 128 original miles on the odometer.
It is powered by a 1,585 cc overhead-valve flat four-cylinder
engine. Fitted with a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel
hydraulic disc brakes, it offers an enjoyable, as-new driving
experience.
In addition to being virtually as-new, the car boasts a known and
highly significant history. On 26 July 1977, the Importer's and
Manufacturer's Statement of Origin was issued to Pete Lovely
Volkswagen. Upon arriving at the dealership, the car was given its
window sticker and dealership's license-plate frame and inserts
extolling "Another Lovely Volkswagen." It featured an optional
sunroof and leatherette upholstery, chrome wheels, radial tires,
and carried a sticker price of $3,949. Though highly desirable at
the time, the car never had a chance to sell, as it went directly
into Lovely's private collection. And there it remained until 2013.
During Mr. Lovely's ownership, it accumulated just 87 miles.
Pete Lovely was no ordinary car dealer. Having opened his
dealership in 1954, Lovely was heavily involved in racing for the
next two decades. In 1955 he won the F-Modified SCCA Championship
in a Porsche-Cooper Special, which was affectionately known as the
"Pooper." He repeated the result the very next year, further
cementing his notoriety. He was eventually asked to drive for team
owners John Edgar, John Fitch, and Jack Nethercutt. In 1959, Pete
Lovely was asked to join Team Lotus. Driving for the team and,
later, as a privateer, he made a handful of Formula 1 appearances
for the team, including the 1959 Monaco Grand Prix before retiring
from the competition in 1971.
With just 128 miles on the odometer and with long-term ownership in
the hands of a noted racing driver and Volkswagen dealer, this
final-year Beetle sedan is essentially brand-new and is thoroughly
deserving of continued preservation in the care of a dedicated VW
enthusiast.
Please note that due to California emissions, this vehicle must be
sold to a dealer or out-of-state resident.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo19.