1986 Volkswagen Beetle '50 Jahre Käfer'

The 1986 Volkswagen Jubilee Edition Beetle, also known as the "50 Jahre Käfer," is a remarkable tribute to the enduring legacy of the iconic Volkswagen Beetle. This special edition Beetle features a 34 bhp, single carbureted, 1,192 cc air-cooled four-cylinder boxer engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission. It is equipped with independent front suspension and swing axle rear suspension, along with four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. The combination of the engine, suspension, and brakes is a clear throwback, providing a driving experience reminiscent of earlier Beetles.

The legendary Käfer, or Beetle, remained a beloved model long after newer designs were introduced. Production of the rear-engine, air-cooled Beetle continued in Germany until January 1978, after which manufacturing shifted to Brazil and Mexico. The last Beetle rolled off the assembly line in Puebla, Mexico, in July 2003. The VW Beetle holds the record for the longest continuous production of a single design, with over 21.5 million units produced.

The Jubilee Edition Beetle, or 50 Jahre Käfer, was first shown at the IAA-Frankfurt show in September 1985 to celebrate the Beetle's 50th anniversary. This exclusive Germany-only model boasted Zinkgrau (Pewter) Metallic paint, green tinted glass, chrome bumpers and trim, and twin white side stripes. Other notable features included 4.5Jx15 sports wheels with 165SR15 tires, a Braunschweig Brunswick radio, a padded dashboard, cloth upholstery with grey and red stripes, head restraints, a four-spoke sports steering wheel, grey headlining, grey carpet, and a heated rear window. Only 3,150 units were produced, making it a highly sought-after collector's item.

This particular Jubilee Edition Beetle is an exceptional find, showing 40,037 km (24,877 miles) on the odometer. It left the Puebla, Mexico plant on August 9, 1985, and was purchased new on April 15, 1986, by Dennis Romer of Tring, UK, through Autohaus Stotz in Hademarschen, Hamburg, Germany, with just 18 km on the clock. Embarking on an 856 km journey back home, Dennis imported the car to the UK, where he settled the customs duties on April 22, 1986. The car remained with its original owner until 2017, when it was imported to the US. During this time, the front and rear decklids were expertly repainted and the car was serviced. Accompanying the car are its original owner's manual and service booklet, along with a meticulously kept notebook documenting all services since new, ensuring an accurate record of its mileage.

Click Here for the full image gallery on Google Drive

Car Highlights

• 40,037 km (24,877 miles) on the odometer

• Unrestored example with mostly original paint

• Purchased new on April 15, 1986, by Dennis Romer of Tring, UK, through Autohaus Stotz in Hademarschen, Hamburg, Germany, with just 18 km

• Remained with the original owner until 2017

• Original owner's manual and service booklet

• Meticulously kept notebook documenting all services since new, ensuring accurate mileage records

• One of only 3,150 units produced, making it a highly sought-after collector's item

Exterior equipment

• Metallic paint

• Green heat-insulating glazing

• Laminated glass windshield

• Chrome-plated bumpers at the front and rear

• Chrome-plated headlight rings

• Chrome-plated exterior mirror

• Chrome-plated lid handles at the front and rear, black operating buttons

• Door locks on the left and right

• Silver "50 years" plaque on the front left side panel

• Decorative strip on the belt line

• Decorative strip on the running board

• Double silver-colored decorative strip above the running board

• Window decorative frames on the front, rear and side windows and decorative strip on the front lid

• Tires size 165 SR 15

• Sporty styled steel wheels

• Protective preservation for the underbody and wheel houses

• Cavity preservation in the lower body area

Interior equipment

• Radio "Braunschweig"

• Padded dashboard

• Fresh ventilation system and forced ventilation

• Hinged window front

• Black driver and passenger sun visors (driver's side can be swiveled to the side)

• Fabric seat covers with gray-red stripes in the seat center panel

• Front seats with individual seat adjustment and reclining seat, safety backrest lock

• Adjustable headrests in the front, with fabric mirror and gray synthetic leather on the sides

• Three-point automatic seat belts for the front seats

• Static lap seat belts for the rear seats (the Beetle is approved as a four-seater)

• Door armrests with handle opening

• Storage compartment with lid on the passenger side

• 4-spoke sports steering wheel

• Dimmable safety interior mirror

• Grab handle on the passenger side

• Two coat hooks, two holding loops

• Gray headliner

• Gray door and side paneling

• Gray carpet covering of the side footwell and the

• Backrest of the rear seat can be folded down to enlarge the rear luggage compartment

• Ashtray front and rear

Functional equipment

• Heated rear window

• Reversing lights

• Two-stage switch and touch-wipe contact for the windshield wiper system

• Electric windshield washer system

• Interior light with door contact switch on driver's side

• Indicator light for brake circuit failure

• Adjustable instrument lighting

• Fuel level indicator

Technical data

• Engine: air-cooled four-cylinder boxer engine

• Gearbox: 4-speed manual gearbox

• Length (mm): 4060

• Width (mm): 1550

• Height (mm): 1500

• Permissible Total weight (kg): 1180

• Empty weight (kg): 780

• Top speed (km/h): 115

• Acceleration 0- 100 km/h (s): 32

• Fuel consumption (regular petrol, at least 87 RON, l/100 km according to DIN 70030): at a constant 90 km/h: 6.7; in the city cycle: 9.9

Inquire via CabiglioGarage@gmail.com