9871 ZA

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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
9871 ZA
(a) Type:
Type 1
(b) Year:
1971
(c) Colour:
Laguna Blue
(d) Paint code:
L50C
(e) Engine CCs:
2000

History

(a) Country of origin:
Ireland
(b) County first reg'd:
Dublin
(c) Current or last known location:
Carlow

Model information

Beetle Deluxe

Info

Following on from Entry Number 1200, which is Beetle registration number FZC 555, we are very proud to bring you Brian Kehoe’s last race spec Beetle. Brendan McCoy tells us the story of a very special car, owned by a very talented driver.

This was Brian’s last motorsport prepared Beetle. The Retro Rally car was built in Northern Ireland for Brian Kehoe in early 1990s. It was fitted with a larger capacity modified engine, uprated suspension, Recaro seats etc. As Brian’s co-pilot I was very lucky to partner him as we won the 1992 TDC Droichead Nua Retro Rally (B Kehoe / B McCoy)
These photos were taken in Killarney at the Killarney Retro the same year.

The car was very solid, loads of torque (1.6 I think but maybe 2 litre) and thoroughly prepared (but I can’t remember by whom in the North). It has gone through a number of owners and never used in anger as it was intended so it’s a shame to think its been sitting in a shed unused for so many years.
Brian was a great guy, incredible car control in that Beetle and one of the quickest brains I’ve ever seen. He died suddenly in the mid 90s when he was only 60 years old. The car was sold when Brian passed away soon after.
I would guess our win in the 1992 TDC Retro was the last outright win by a Beetle in a motorsport event here. Great to have known guys like Brian, Larry Mooney and Paddy O’Callaghan back then.

Additional Photos