VW launched its first special edition - the Jubilee Beetle - in 1972, marking the 20 millionth of its kind. There were numerous other special editions, with the “Ice Blue” (aka the “Winter Beetle”) following in 1983 and 1984 in the autumn of the Beetle’s life. It was only available in ice-blue metallic with an interior in blue/green tweed. A Braunschweig radio, rear window heating and wheels with chrome-plated decorative rings were series features. The edition was limited to around 3,800 units.

This ice-blue Beetle was purchased by a Viennese pensioner in November 1983, who kept it lovingly for more than 20 years. The second owner, an engineer from Vienna, held onto the Beetle from 2003 to 2016. He was also determined to ensure that the car was well looked after, and regularly took it to the garage for servicing by a Beetle enthusiast. Somewhat aged and requiring a touch of restoration, this mechanic purchased the ice-blue vehicle in 2016 and gave it a complete overhaul. The first step was to strip all of the neuralgic points, revealing the Beetle to be in an astonishingly healthy condition with only minimal rust damage. A fresh coat of paint has restored the Volkswagen to its resplendent frosty blue, while the extensively reworked engineering promises endlessly carefree trips, accompanied only by the comforting growl of the boxer engine. The Beetle is and will undoubtedly remain the undisputed, unrivalled popular classic.

VIN: WVWZZZ11ZEM005884, mileage: 29.602 km (read), displacement: 1.192 cc/B4, power: 34 hp, colour: ice blue/shepherd’s plaid (fabric), gearbox: 4-speed, papers: Austrian registration document