This vehicle is for sale by Silverstone Auctions at the Footman James NEC Classic Motor Show in Birmingham on Saturday 17th November 2012. Viewing is available on Friday 16th November, or on the morning of the sale day. Tickets should be purchased in advance through Silverstone Auctions, or the show organisers. Please call Will Smith on +44 7809 430 111 or +44 1926 691 141 for further details.

Registration: 885 YUK

Chassis Number: 1478102

Engine Number: H-5463742

Year of Manufacture: 1957

Estimate (£): 12,500 - 15,000

The story of the Beetle is well known; it was initially designed to provide cheap transport for the hard working German masses. Initially they were built in very small numbers before and during World War II, later the Beetle literally rose from the ashes of Volkswagen's bombed-out Wolfsburg factory to become an instant success across Europe, Britain, America and virtually every other country in the world.

The model evolved through ious facelifts and numerous mechanical changes - there were more than 70,000 identifiable modifications - and it also provided a platform for other models, including commercial vehicles and sporting derivatives such as those by Karmann-Ghia. It was this constant development and attention to detail which allowed the Beetle to maintain its sales position, and as production raced past the 15,000,000 mark, the Beetle went on to be known as The Best Selling' car of all time. However this record was eventually superseded by the VW Golf.

The car offered here today is a matching numbers 1957 model, which sports the rare oval rear window. These were only produced between 1954-57 and are considered one of the most collectable of all Beetles. The vendor informs us that 885 YUK spent the majority of its life in the warm climate of Texas and was discovered as a perfect restoration candidate. In 2008 the car was stripped and painstakingly restored over three years. All of the work was carried out by renowned marque experts MotorKars of Columbus, Ohio. A full folder of bills and receipts (totalling over $30,000) detail all work carried, out along with photographs taken from start to finish.

Having covered a mere 332 miles since completion, the car has only just been run in and is supplied with an MoT test certificate and V5 registration document. Finished in silver with blue interior, this '57 oval window is on the button and ready to be enjoyed.