To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The Taj Ma
Garaj Collection event, 28 September 2019.
Estimate:
$30,000 - $50,000
- Sold new to Lorin A. Wheeler of San Jose, California; retains
California black plate
- Amazing two-owner example; only 6,135 miles, believed to be
original
- Fitted with its matching-numbers engine
- Documented by Volkswagen Museum CoA, dealer distributor card,
and invoices
- Includes owner's manuals and owner's card in Spartan Volkswagen
pouch
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. Production began under British
occupation in Germany before the end of 1945, with worldwide
exports beginning in the early 1950s. Despite its initial lack of
refinement, the car became known for its impressive quality and
reliability. Continual improvement marked its sales success
throughout the '60s and early '70s.
According to the Volkswagen Museum production certificate, this
Beetle was built on 30 July 1966 and finished in Ruby Red with
black leatherette upholstery, Lotus White wheel rims, and hinged
side windows. On 11 August the car left the factory destined for
the San Francisco, California, port of entry, where distributor
Reynold C. Johnson Co. would handle its allocation. Upon arrival at
the San Francisco port, the car was trucked to Spartan Volkswagen
in San Jose, California. Following a pre-delivery inspection, the
Beetle was sold to Lorin A. Wheeler of San Jose on 28 February
1967.
The car returned to Spartan Volkswagen on 5 April 1967 with 292
miles on the odometer for its 300-miles engine and transmission oil
change and free maintenance service. On 12 June 1974, the car
returned to what had become Bob Himsl Volkswagen for its
3,000-miles service. Following a few services at Bob Himsl, Lorin
began taking the car to Stevens Creek Volkswagen. Numerous invoices
show the Beetle was lovingly looked after. Incredibly, Lorin
Wheeler would own the Beetle his entire life, running the same
California black plate UGX 708. In June 2003, John Dixon purchased
the Beetle from Wheeler's estate, where it has resided in the Taj
Ma Garaj ever since.
Today the Beetle remains in largely original condition. A two-owner
example, the odometer displays 6,135 miles, which is believed to be
original. The car still wears a Ruby Red finish with evidence of
some repainting over the years as needed. The interior also appears
to be original, though the beige leatherette color differs from the
VW Museum records. In addition to retaining its original engine,
the car features numerous period accessories, including a Saphire V
all-transistor radio with rear speaker, under-dash storage tray,
driver headrest, and wind deflector.
A wonderful example of the marque, this 1967 Vee-Dub stands out
among the rest as a largely original, two-owner example with only
6,135 miles on the odometer. While Volkswagen produced a
significant number of Beetles over the years, few have remained
this original, and fewer yet have passed through only two owners.To
view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/tg19.