The first question everyone asks about this incredible Super Beetle is: why so few miles (1786, which is a true reading)?

Well, the story goes like this: Christmas Eve 1971, Hans Hermann of Dayton, Ohio bought this bright little Beetle as a Christmas gift for his 17-year-old daughter. Unfortunately, Mr. Hermann never thought about the fact that the Beetle only had a manual transmission, and his daughter did not know how to drive a 4-speed. Apparently she had no desire to learn, but was simultaneously unwilling to part with the cute little car because it was a gift. So it remained in the Herrmann family until 1998 when a neighbor, Arthur Enyart, who had long known about the immaculately preserved old Beetle, was finally able to convince the Hermanns to part with it. At that point, it had just 1036 original miles. In November 2005, Mr. Enyart sold it to a gentleman in Missouri with 1049 miles on the clock, and the fourth and most recent owner purchased it in 2019 with 1776 original miles.

It seems that after a certain point, driving this remarkable specimen seemed like the wrong thing to do, so it remains extremely well preserved and in entirely original condition. The paint is factory code L30B, “Kasan Red,” and it remains in fantastic shape—say what you want about Beetles being cheap, but it certainly was not reflected in the quality of their construction. There’s still a great shine to the finish, zero evidence of rust or accident repair, and as always, original paint means no nasty surprises hiding underneath. As you would expect, panel gaps are exemplary and the doors close with a remarkably solid-sounding THUD. 1972 was the final year of flat windshields and small taillights on the Beetle, so it has a delightful old Beetle look, and even the headlights are original. You’ll also note that the chrome and stainless trim is original, and aside from some very minor signs of age on the bumpers, it’s excellent throughout. Although there are a few extremely minor signs of age (light polishing marks, primarily), this is surely as close to a new 1972 Volkswagen as you will find.

The black leatherette interior (which was actually optional) is likewise as new with extremely crisp detailing on the seats that reproduction seat covers can’t quite match. Carpets, door panels, and the dash pad are in as-new condition and it’s obvious that this car has never been stored outdoors or in the sun. Controls are simple and options are few, but they all work, including the factory-installed AM radio in the center of the dash. The seat belts might look curious to some onlookers, but we have verified that they are correct and original to the car. The headliner is bright and clean and aside from some a little discoloration at one of the seams (probably glue from the original installation) it, too, is as new. Rubber floor mats have protected the carpets from new and all the weather seals remain supple so it seals up quite well. The forward trunk is beautifully detailed with a correct rubber mat, under which you will find the original never-used spare tire whose air is used to power the windshield washer system.

The engine is the original 1585 cc air-cooled flat-four and it can serve as a blueprint for future restorers. Every clip, every hose, every marking is completely intact making it an accurate representation of how this car looked when it was new. The gold cadmium plating on the various components is still bright, the distinctive Bosch ignition components look like new, and all the heater ducts are in place—that alone should be worth studying by someone putting their own car back together. It also runs like new, starting easily and making those distinctive VW sounds. It has been correctly maintained all its life, with fluid changes at appropriate intervals, but we suspect that even the air filter inside that metal housing is original to the car. It doesn’t need anything serviced to be driven immediately, but you and I both know long drives aren’t in this particular Beetle’s future.

Underneath, it is likewise beautifully preserved and entirely original. The pans are excellent with a light dusting of dealer-applied undercoating and the hardware is largely as the factory intended. There’s some surface scale on the heavy metal parts and exhaust system, but that was likely there moments after it came off the boat in Toledo, Ohio in late 1971. Obviously rust is a non-issue on a car like this and while the components are original, none of them are deteriorated or in need of replacement. You will note original factory markings on the brake and suspension components, original cotter pins in the steering linkage (note to restorers: the pins’ legs are bent to either side, locking on the flats of the nuts), and factory flex tubing for the heater. Original 15-inch steel wheels are unmarked and carry original hubcaps and factory-installed 5.60-15 Continental tires which are fast approaching their 50th birthday.

Documentation includes the window sticker, a complete set of manuals, title history (with a series of ACTUAL MILEAGE titles), brochures, receipts, and more. It also includes a full tool roll and a set of accessory wheel trim rings that have never been installed.

Remarkable survivors like this with extraordinarily low mileage are always exciting finds. The opportunity to study their factory details, the remarkable chain of loving owners, and the window into exactly what these cars were like nearly 50 years ago make this Super Beetle a wonderful find for the dedicated VW enthusiast. Other super low mileage Beetles have already changed hands for considerably more than we’re asking for this one, suggesting that serious collectors prize authenticity above almost everything else. Highly correct, beautifully preserved, and offering an appealing combination of great history and bright color, this is an opportunity to own a genuinely special Beetle. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any car in our inventory.