Classic 1979 VW Beetle found stashed in a West Midlands garage from new has just TWO MILES on the clock - now it's heading to auction

  • One owner - a former car dealer - kept the classic VW Beetle Cabriolet under covers in his garage for 44 years
  • Having recently passed away, the 1979 motor has been unearthed in time-warp condition at his estate
  • It shows just two miles clocked with an almost untouched interior - a collectible Porsche 911 was also found 

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A classic Volkswagen Beetle found tucked away in a West Midlands garage from new after four decades will soon be sold at auction.

The time-warp motor was only recently unearthed following the death of its one and only keeper who had stashed it at their home and covered it in sheets rather than driving it.

The 'Bug' is a rare 1979 1303LS Beetle Karmann Cabriolet finished in 'Brazil Brown' paint and is believed to be one of the last examples produced in right-hand drive. 

And it might be the least-used example in the world, with the odometer showing just two miles in its 44-year existence.

The Beetle that's barely seen the light of day: This 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet has been unearthed from a West Midlands garage having been stored there from new. Its wheels have barely turned...

The Beetle that's barely seen the light of day: This 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet has been unearthed from a West Midlands garage having been stored there from new. Its wheels have barely turned...

It belonged to a former car dealer who has recently passed away. The classic motor was found tucked away in his garage

It belonged to a former car dealer who has recently passed away. The classic motor was found tucked away in his garage

The incredible car will go to the block at Classic Car Auctions' (CCA) Autumn Sale at the Warwickshire Event Centre near Leamington Spa on Saturday 30 September.

CCA said the 'garage find' came as a 'huge surprise' following the passing of its owner.

While it is being offered to the highest bidder without reserve, experts have placed on its convertible roof a guide price of £10,000 to £12,000.

However, for such a cult classic car with little use, a lifetime of dry storage and all its original parts, we wouldn't be surprised to see it surpass that estimate.

Incredibly, the car is showing as having covered just two miles from new, with the owner never taking it out for a drive in 44 years

Incredibly, the car is showing as having covered just two miles from new, with the owner never taking it out for a drive in 44 years

It will be offered to the highest bidder at the end of September with no reserve. Classic Car Auctions reckons it will make £10,000 to £12,000 - but it would come as little surprise if it sold for much higher

It will be offered to the highest bidder at the end of September with no reserve. Classic Car Auctions reckons it will make £10,000 to £12,000 - but it would come as little surprise if it sold for much higher

CCA describes it as a 'truly a once in a lifetime find'. It's very rare to be offered the chance to buy a cult classic car with little use, a lifetime of dry storage and all its original parts

CCA describes it as a 'truly a once in a lifetime find'. It's very rare to be offered the chance to buy a cult classic car with little use, a lifetime of dry storage and all its original parts

The story behind why the car has been kept locked away for so long remains a mystery, with the family of the owner - believed to have been a car dealer - now offering it to a collector after the keeper sadly passed away. 

What we do know is that the Beetle was originally supplied by JEM Volkswagen of Walsall as one of the last UK-spec Karman Cabriolets built with the steering wheel on the right. 

The Beetle's brown paintwork is married with an Oatmeal interior, matching roof and tonneau cover. 

Inside, the seats look barely sat in, the leather work in pristine condition and the door cards showing no sign of wear and tear. The ignition key still has a tag on it and the paper carpet protectors are still in place. 

A peek into the rear engine bay and the 1.6-litre boxer engine looks to be in perfect working order. However, because it is not known how long ago it was previously started and will need running in for the first time in 44 years, it will likely need an expert eye before being turned over. 

Simon Langsdale from CCA said: ''It has quite evidently been cossetted as it was covered in blankets in a sealed environment and has just recently been uncovered due to a bereavement'

Simon Langsdale from CCA said: ''It has quite evidently been cossetted as it was covered in blankets in a sealed environment and has just recently been uncovered due to a bereavement'

Inside, the seats look barely sat in, the leather work in pristine condition and the door cards showing no sign of wear and tear. The ignition key still has a tag on it and the paper carpet protectors are still in place

Inside, the seats look barely sat in, the leather work in pristine condition and the door cards showing no sign of wear and tear. The ignition key still has a tag on it and the paper carpet protectors are still in place

Simon Langsdale, who sourced the car for CCA, says it is 'truly a once in a lifetime find'. 

He told This is Money: 'The car has literally been in storage all its life and has an incredible two miles on the odometer which we are told is correct. 

'It has quite evidently been cossetted as it was covered in blankets in a sealed environment and has just recently been uncovered due to a bereavement. 

'It is in effect a 'new' 1979 Karman Beetle, surely an unrepeatable opportunity. 

'It's supplied with its original handbook and service booklet, clearly with no stamps!'

And, incredibly, it wasn't the only classic car of value found lurking at the West Midlands property... 

The story behind why the car has been kept locked away for so long remains a mystery, with the family of the owner - believed to have been a car dealer - now offering it to a collector after the keeper sadly passed away

The story behind why the car has been kept locked away for so long remains a mystery, with the family of the owner - believed to have been a car dealer - now offering it to a collector after the keeper sadly passed away

What we do know is that the Beetle was originally supplied by JEM Volkswagen of Walsall as one of the last UK-spec Karman Cabriolets built with the steering wheel on the right

What we do know is that the Beetle was originally supplied by JEM Volkswagen of Walsall as one of the last UK-spec Karman Cabriolets built with the steering wheel on the right

While the 1.6-litre engine looks to be in perfect working order, it is not known how long ago it was started and will likely need an expert eye before being turned over

While the 1.6-litre engine looks to be in perfect working order, it is not known how long ago it was started and will likely need an expert eye before being turned over

A desirable Porsche 911 was also located at the same premises.

It is one that will be of significant interest to UK collectors, despite the fact it's in need of quite a lot of work before being put back on the road.

It's a UK-supplied, right-hand drive, matching numbers, 1968 911T with just 46,000 miles on the clock.

These early 2.0-litre A-Series cars with the Sportomatic gearbox are becoming very rare - and the Bahama Yellow paint with black interior will be a huge attraction to Porsche enthusiasts.

It was originally delivered to Scotland when new to a Mr Adrian Henderson as detailed on the Buff Logbook.

However, further details about its history, especially in the hands of the previous owner, is relatively unknown. 

Also found at the same property is this collectible - if not dilapidated - 1969 Porsche 911T. While it's not in the best condition, these cars are very desirable

Also found at the same property is this collectible - if not dilapidated - 1969 Porsche 911T. While it's not in the best condition, these cars are very desirable 

It's a UK-supplied, right-hand drive, matching numbers, example of the 911T with just 46,000 miles on the clock

It's a UK-supplied, right-hand drive, matching numbers, example of the 911T with just 46,000 miles on the clock

Its condition is a contrast to the Beetle, with the Porsche seemingly kept outside and showing plenty of signs of deterioration as a result of the British weather.

A rusting exterior, faded paintwork and flat tyres combine with a dirt-covered interior that's been used to store some of the spare parts of the car.

The rear-mounted 2.0-litre engine has also seen better days and will need plenty of attention.  

While it needs quite a lot of time and money spent on it to bring it back to a gleaming standard, CCA says it is 'ripe for restoration' and still features many of its original components.

It is believed to have been off the road for at least 35 years and was found by the family following the owner's bereavement. 

Again, it is offered to the highest bidder without reserve, though the auction house believes the winning figure should be in the realms of £15,000 to £20,000. 

Simon Langsdale says a 911T with matching numbers, in right-hand drive and low mileage 'very rarely come to market' and would be a 'worthwhile project''

Its condition is a contrast to the Beetle, with the Porsche seemingly kept outside and showing plenty of signs of deterioration as a result of the British weather

Its condition is a contrast to the Beetle, with the Porsche seemingly kept outside and showing plenty of signs of deterioration as a result of the British weather

A rusting exterior, faded paintwork and flat tyres combine with a dirt-covered interior that's been used to store some of the spare parts of the car. The rear-mounted 2.0-litre engine has also seen better days and will need plenty of attention

A rusting exterior, faded paintwork and flat tyres combine with a dirt-covered interior that's been used to store some of the spare parts of the car. The rear-mounted 2.0-litre engine has also seen better days and will need plenty of attention

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