My Standard 1303s

[robert_raw]

New to the world of VW's and classic cars, have ended up with this car after having to sell my Honda Integra Type R due to the credit crunch

It is a 1973 1303s with 51,000 miles, full MOT and totally standard.

As you can see from the pics, the body work is in need of a respray, although it is alright for general use at the moment. There is the odd bit of service rust around the lights etc. Luckily the because the car has barely been used ver its 35 year life, there is very little rust underneath, it has also been undersealed many years before i bought it. I have jacked it up many times, and there isn't a sound of any groaning or flaking of rust.

Th interior is also completly original and in very good condition (although a little faded) the dashboard has survived the sun well, with only 1 small crack visable. Everything works including the heaters (which i believe are prone to rust)

The engine starts up first time everytime, and has that lovely flat four air cooled rumble, so far it hasn't missed a beat. For a 60BHP engine it seems fairly nippy (possibly as quick as a 1.2 in todays standards) and will cruise comfortably at 65mph. Also, it seems suprisingly fuel efficient and seems to return 35'ish MPG. The engine is immaculately clean (although there is some sand in the engine bay to do the previous owner living on the beach)

The handling really suprised me, i was expecting really bad body roll but it is actually better than alot of modern cars on long sweeping bends. The steering wheel is a little out of line with the wheels and it has a little play, no doubt this can be easily rectified.

Insurance is massivly cheaper that any other car i have ever owned. Although i still have to pay tax on it (I thought cars over 25 got it for free )

I am not sure on my restoration plans yet, but i have restored the wheels since these pics were taken.

Overall, i am very satisfied considering I was forced to sell the car i loved.

[Ross]

I think you've got yourself a rare special edition 'Big Beetle' there dude, very cool and a few guys on here will be keen to speak to you I think

[robert_raw]

What is a big beetle?

Beetles are so confusing, there is so many variants

[68bay]

Nice bug m8 and nice pics of Birkenhead docks

Have you had a look at this site

http://www.wirraldubs.co.uk/index.ph...oard&Itemid=58

[Ross]

Originally Posted by robert_raw

What is a big beetle?

Beetles are so confusing, there is so many variants

Its a special edition version of the 1303 model which if I'm not mistaken came only in three colours, all metallic. Your Bug looks to have all the 'Big Beetle' kit, special carpets and velour seat trim, wood dash panel insert and extra rare 5.5 inch sports wheels, I'm sure there are more bits too

[robert_raw]

Oh right cool, being special edition, would that make it easier to sell do you think? I got a pretty good deal on it.

had a look at the wirral dub site, but there didn't seems to ever be any posts whenever i went on it will have another look

[Ross]

Originally Posted by robert_raw

Oh right cool, being special edition, would that make it easier to sell do you think? I got a pretty good deal on it.

Its a shame that you ask that.... probably not no, its still an unpopular model at the end of the day, its just a particularly nice version of an unpopular model is all.

Take a look at this thread, the guy is revamping a green Big Beetle http://www.volkszone.co.uk/VZi/showthread.php?t=484001

[Scotty_B]

Looks pretty good to me, it is indeed a Big Beetle special edition, loads of info on this site http://www.thedriverfamily.co.uk/

[Neon Night]

looks like you have a good find, it looks like it has an easy life, the handling is quite surprising, ok not up to your ex TypeR but, for 35 years old, not bad (certainly better than beam axle beetles)

good find, and enjoy it.

[robert_raw]

Cool, If there is no value in it i will still have a go at restoring it myself.

Thanks alot for the info - glad you like it