Description
Volkswagen Beetle 1600i | 1996
Highlights:
– 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with Bosch fuel injection, petrol, manual transmission
– Late Mexican-built Beetle in highly original, unmodified specification
– Factory-fitted air-conditioning from new
– Retained by the same family since new
– Around 76,000 miles
The seller offers for sale this 1996 Volkswagen Beetle 1600i, powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with Bosch fuel injection, paired with a manual transmission. This example is finished in its original factory red and is presented as a highly original, unmodified car that has been kept in the same family from new, showing around 76,000 miles. It is a late, Mexican-built Beetle fitted with the fuel-injected 1600 engine and an ECU mounted under the rear seat, and it retains what the seller describes as a rare factory air-conditioning system fitted from new. According to the seller it is the original engine and original gearbox.
The seller reports that the car has recently received a professional service, including new brake shoes and fittings, wheel cylinders and fluid, an engine service with oil filter and spark plugs, and a cleaned and flushed fuel system, together with four new tyres. As a late Mexican-production car, it reflects the specification of that era, with colour-coded bumpers, black painted hub caps, black handles and colour-matched wing mirrors in place of the earlier chrome trim, along with the original “City” model decal on the engine lid. The interior retains its original cloth seats, door panels and trim, original rubber floor mats and carpets, and the original air-conditioning unit under the dashboard.
The seller openly notes that, as with any car approaching thirty years of age, there are areas that will need attention. The rear apron panel below the engine lid shows corrosion, and the top of the left-hand rear wing shows some surface corrosion, both of which the seller suggests can be repaired locally rather than by replacing the whole panels. The original headliner was damaged in one area and has been covered, and the new owner may choose whether to retain or replace it. The paintwork shows some age-related defects and chips consistent with the car’s years, and some of the lower edges could benefit from preventative touching-up.
The Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most significant and instantly recognisable cars ever built, produced in various forms for more than six decades. By the 1990s production had moved to Mexico, where the classic air-cooled Beetle continued for buyers who valued its simplicity, charm and enormous cultural legacy. These late fuel-injected cars are of particular interest to enthusiasts, combining the timeless original shape with more modern touches such as electronic fuel injection and a catalytic converter. For the collector seeking a genuinely original, well-documented late Beetle with single-family history, this 1600i is an appealing and increasingly rare find.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Condition of the interior
4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical condition
4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.
Overall condition
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
