1973 Volkswagen Beetle 1.6L Petrol · 1005 VW
1973 Volkswagen Beetle (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01/10/1973. Recorded mileage 15,348 miles. MOT status: Expired. Taxed until 01/04/2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
- Year / Origin
- 1973
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 29/01/2024
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/04/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 15,348 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 1973
- Engine
- 1600cc
1005 VW Key Findings
- 1 MOT test recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 30/01/2023
- 15,348 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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1005 VW MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
1 MOT test are recorded for this 1973 Volkswagen Beetle (1005 VW) between January 2023 and January 2023.
The record contains 1 pass and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 1 advisory notice notes an item to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 1 advisory notice is recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A highly attractive prospect for a classic car enthusiast, provided the mechanical integrity matches the low mileage. The exceptionally low recorded mileage and clean recent MOT history make this a standout example of a 1973 Beetle.
When purchasing a classic vehicle like this, the primary focus should be on verifying the authenticity of the 15,348-mile reading. Request any available documentation that supports this low mileage, as discrepancies in classic car odometer readings are common.
Because the last MOT was recorded in early 2023, you should check if the vehicle has been in storage and ensure all rubber components, such as tyres, fuel lines, and seals, have been inspected for age-related perishing. Even if a car has low mileage, components can degrade due to lack of use.
Running costs for a 1973 Beetle are relatively low compared to modern vehicles, primarily because it falls into a lower insurance group and avoids many modern emissions-based taxes. However, as a classic car, insurance should be sourced through a specialist provider to ensure appropriate coverage.
Maintenance costs will depend heavily on whether the car is used for occasional leisure trips or regular motoring. While parts for the 1600cc engine are widely available and generally affordable, specialist mechanical attention may be required to maintain its classic status. Expect an annual budget that accounts for periodic specialist servicing and classic car insurance premiums.
Start by inspecting the chassis and floor pans for any signs of corrosion, a common area of concern for air-cooled Volkswagens of this era. While the 2023 MOT recorded no defects, a physical inspection of the underbody is essential to check for structural integrity.
Check the condition of the 1600cc engine, specifically looking for oil leaks and the quality of the exhaust system. Given the low mileage, pay close attention to the condition of the tyres; they may have plenty of tread but could be too old for safe road use. Finally, verify that the yellow paintwork is consistent across all panels to rule out any undocumented body repairs.
This 1973 Volkswagen Beetle presents with a very low recorded mileage of just 15,348 miles. The most recent MOT from January 2023 showed no defects, which is notable for a vehicle of this age. Given its yellow paintwork and 1600cc engine, it appears to be a well-preserved specimen, though the low mileage requires careful verification against service records.
No aggregate reliability data is available for this specific model to provide a statistical comparison.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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Plate Neighbors
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