WARNING.— The person in whose name this vehicle is displayed may or may not be the current owner of the vehicle. Readers are warned, therefore, that this entry is not proof of ownership.
Details
- Registration Mark
- 7949 ZB
- (a) Type:
- Type 1
- (b) Year:
- 1976
- (c) Colour:
- Lofoten Green
- (d) Paint code:
- L61H
- (e) Engine CCs:
- 1200
History
- (a) Country of origin:
- Ireland
- (b) County first reg'd:
- Cork
- (c) Current or last known location:
- Cork
Model information
1200N Base Model Beetle
Info
Seámus O’Floinn took the photos (February 2023) while picking up another car. He was drawn to this poor old Beetle as it sat, slowly disintegrating in the corner of the owner’s farm.
This Beetle is or was, an Irish assembled Beetle, built to the 1200N or Base Model specification. The Base Model was offered by MDL at a time when sales were falling and money for new cars wasn’t so plentiful in this country so what some jokingly called the ‘poverty spec Beetle‘ became an instant success. No window rubber trim, no bonnet trim, no through flow air system, no crescent vents, short headlining, a non padded dashboard and the skinniest of skinny steering wheels all combined to make a very affordable Beetle.
This particular Beetle was ordered by Paddy O’Callaghan for one of his customers. O’Callaghan’s of Kanturk was one of Ireland’s first Volkswagen dealerships and supplied many Beetles to Cork customers, and even some beyond the county lines. This Lofoten Green (L61H) 1200N was assembled in MDL in March 1976 and was delivered to Paddy’s Kanturk dealership in April. The Beetle was then registered to its new owner at the end of April 1976 and believe it or not, it is still with that very same family today, albeit in a very sorry state.
This Beetle reminds the family of a very happy time in their life and although it is beyond restoration, having last been taxed in 1994 and has been sitting outside in the elements for 30 years, the Beetle has massive sentimental value for the family so 7949 ZB will be staying where it is, in full view, as the family come and go every day.
Not every Beetle has to be shiny, or even driving, to evoke fond memories and I think this Beetle is a perfect example of that.
Submitted by: Seámus O'Floinn
Additional Photos
