Cars

The 1972 Beetle 1300 Convertible is one of the most iconic models from Volkswagen’s illustrious automotive history. Its history began long before its own birth, in the 1930s, when Ferdinand Porsche designed a car “for the people” for Adolf Hitler: the Volkswagen, literally the people’s car. After World War II, production resumed under British control, and the Beetle – so named due to its rounded silhouette – became a global success story.

The convertible, for its part, made its debut in 1949 thanks to a collaboration with the German coachbuilder Karmann, based in Osnabrück. This partnership would give birth to a convertible version of the Beetle, which retained all the personality of the sedan but with an added touch of pleasure: driving with the wind in your hair. Unlike other often more exclusive convertibles, this one remained accessible, reliable, and cheerful.

The 1972 1300 version marks a pivotal stage. It is a transitional model, combining the charm of a design that has remained virtually unchanged since its origins with notable mechanical developments. Its 1,285 cm³ engine develops approximately 44 horsepower, allowing the car to reach a top speed of close to 125 km/h – more than enough for relaxed road driving. The engine, still at the rear, remains an air-cooled flat-four engine, renowned for its robustness and characteristic sound.

Aesthetically, the 1972 model retains the vertical headlights, chromed bumpers with overriders, and a minimalist-style dashboard. It’s a car that appeals as much for its simplicity as for its timeless silhouette. The manual canvas soft top folds down quite easily and adds to the vehicle’s retro charm. The finishes remain modest but well-thought-out, with a few touches of comfort that remind us we are already in the 70s.

The 1972 Beetle Convertible is now a true collector’s item, sought after not for its sporting performance, but for its authenticity and personality. It evokes an era where people took their time, where the journey mattered as much as the destination. It’s a car that makes you smile, brings generations together, and has managed to cross the decades without ever losing its soul.

This example is in perfect condition, body, interior and engine. It shows no corrosion, the chassis is sound. The car runs perfectly. It comes with a partial service history.