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Description
This 1961 Volkswagen 1200 Cabriolet has a very special history. The car was purchased new in Pasadena, California, by the Langton family – according to the current owner, a family with ties to one of IBM’s founders.
When their son Bob was born in 1961, the family bought the car for their nanny to use for school runs and family errands. When Bob turned 17, the nanny left the family and was offered the car, but declined. Instead, the Volkswagen was parked under a carport, where it remained for around 40 years.
In 2018, a Swede discovered the car through Craigslist. At that time, it had covered only around 24,000 kilometres. When it arrived in Sweden, its remarkably original condition impressed the vehicle inspector, who had rarely seen a Volkswagen of this age so well preserved.
The car remains largely original, including its period Porsche Spider wheels. Following its import to Sweden, it received the necessary mechanical attention, including work to the brakes and exhaust system as well as new tyres.
The current owner purchased the car in September 2025 and has since taken great care to preserve and improve it. Among other things, the engine has been fitted with a new oil cooler, spark plugs, ignition leads, gaskets and fan belt, while the valves have been adjusted and the engine cleaned. Details such as the rubber seals, headlights, manual window regulators and bumper mounts have also been attended to.
A selection of spare parts is included; see pictures.
The body retains its very attractive period patina. The bonnet and wings have been repainted to match the car’s untouched original paintwork, with the colour carefully matched to the original body.
Over the past year, the car has covered approximately 1,500 kilometres, mainly on shorter journeys.
This is an exceptionally charming Volkswagen with a truly unusual provenance – sold new in Pasadena in 1961, used by a nanny, then forgotten under a carport for four decades before eventually being rediscovered through Craigslist.
A genuine time capsule, with a story that can be traced all the way back to its first owner.
When their son Bob was born in 1961, the family bought the car for their nanny to use for school runs and family errands. When Bob turned 17, the nanny left the family and was offered the car, but declined. Instead, the Volkswagen was parked under a carport, where it remained for around 40 years.
In 2018, a Swede discovered the car through Craigslist. At that time, it had covered only around 24,000 kilometres. When it arrived in Sweden, its remarkably original condition impressed the vehicle inspector, who had rarely seen a Volkswagen of this age so well preserved.
The car remains largely original, including its period Porsche Spider wheels. Following its import to Sweden, it received the necessary mechanical attention, including work to the brakes and exhaust system as well as new tyres.
The current owner purchased the car in September 2025 and has since taken great care to preserve and improve it. Among other things, the engine has been fitted with a new oil cooler, spark plugs, ignition leads, gaskets and fan belt, while the valves have been adjusted and the engine cleaned. Details such as the rubber seals, headlights, manual window regulators and bumper mounts have also been attended to.
A selection of spare parts is included; see pictures.
The body retains its very attractive period patina. The bonnet and wings have been repainted to match the car’s untouched original paintwork, with the colour carefully matched to the original body.
Over the past year, the car has covered approximately 1,500 kilometres, mainly on shorter journeys.
This is an exceptionally charming Volkswagen with a truly unusual provenance – sold new in Pasadena in 1961, used by a nanny, then forgotten under a carport for four decades before eventually being rediscovered through Craigslist.
A genuine time capsule, with a story that can be traced all the way back to its first owner.
Free history (8)
Technical data
Year
1961/1961
Registration date
2019-07-23
Mileage
58 201 km
Registration Number
SGM65P
Chassis Number
3557092
Kw / hp
31 / 42
Fuel Type
Petrol
Transmission
Manual
Interior finish
Vinyl
Colour
White
Condition
-
Mechanical condition
The engine and drivetrain perform well. The car’s various systems and ancillary equipment appear to function as they should.
-
Interior condition
The interior is in good overall condition with an attractive patina, showing the expected signs of use and age.
-
Exterior condition
The paintwork has a well-developed patina and remains in very pleasant condition. There are a few minor dents to the bumpers, and the chrome is somewhat pitted. The chrome trim along the top of the driver’s door is missing.
The underside is in very good condition. The car appears to be unwelded; I inspected it carefully and found no signs of previous welding repairs.
A new outer hood fabric is included in an unopened box; see picture. The car’s current soft top is functional but worn.
The rubber running-board covers are in poor condition. New replacements are included; see picture. -
General condition
A very appealing Volkswagen with a beautifully preserved patina. Hopefully, this is a car that will remain unrestored and continue to retain its character. It is a real pleasure to see such a solid Beetle that, despite being 65 years old, remains in such good condition.
MOT (tech. insp.)
Fordonsstatus: Itrafik 2019-07-23
Ursprungsbesiktning: 2019-07-01 (regbes)
Datum i trafik första gången: 2019-07-23 (610101)
Senast godkända besiktning: 2019-07-25
Besiktningsbefriad: Ja
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Nej
Antal ägare: 2
Ursprungsbesiktning: 2019-07-01 (regbes)
Datum i trafik första gången: 2019-07-23 (610101)
Senast godkända besiktning: 2019-07-25
Besiktningsbefriad: Ja
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Nej
Antal ägare: 2
Facts about the model
The 1961 Volkswagen Cabriolet holds a special place in automotive history. Based on the legendary Volkswagen Beetle, it is known for its charming design and open-top body style, which has made it a true classic among convertibles.
With its distinctive rounded shape and timeless appearance, the 1961 VW Cabriolet is instantly recognisable. Its simple yet practical interior reflects the straightforward engineering of the period, while the folding roof adds a sense of freedom and makes the car particularly enjoyable on sunny days.
Under the rear engine lid is an air-cooled engine that provides suitable performance for relaxed motoring in town and on country roads. While outright performance was never the main focus, the Cabriolet offers a distinctive and engaging driving experience that is difficult to replicate in a modern car.
Thanks to its attractive design and enduring cult status, the Volkswagen Cabriolet remains popular with collectors and enthusiasts around the world. Its unmistakable character, historical significance and classic styling have made it a sought-after model that continues to appeal to lovers of vintage cars.
With its distinctive rounded shape and timeless appearance, the 1961 VW Cabriolet is instantly recognisable. Its simple yet practical interior reflects the straightforward engineering of the period, while the folding roof adds a sense of freedom and makes the car particularly enjoyable on sunny days.
Under the rear engine lid is an air-cooled engine that provides suitable performance for relaxed motoring in town and on country roads. While outright performance was never the main focus, the Cabriolet offers a distinctive and engaging driving experience that is difficult to replicate in a modern car.
Thanks to its attractive design and enduring cult status, the Volkswagen Cabriolet remains popular with collectors and enthusiasts around the world. Its unmistakable character, historical significance and classic styling have made it a sought-after model that continues to appeal to lovers of vintage cars.
Location and viewing Information
Location: Storvik
For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:
Nisse Brandt
+46 707 50 89 99
nisse@bilwebauctions.se
For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:
Nisse Brandt
+46 707 50 89 99
nisse@bilwebauctions.se
Pick up
Collection must take place before: 2026-09-23.
NOTE! Payment (deposit to our account) must be made within 5 days and before collection.
NOTE! Payment (deposit to our account) must be made within 5 days and before collection.
Auction information
General information about the condition of the vehicles .
- At this auction, many vehicles have been included in car collections and have been stored (mothballed) for a long time. For this reason, they are described from a collector's perspective and may need technical reviews and maintenance service - oil, battery replacement, new tires, brake review, etc. - before they can be used. .
- During the auction days information about a vehicle may be updated up to the day before the auction ends. When you bid at the end of the auction period - and also if you have made an earlier bid - we therefore ask you to read the descriptions carefully, in case something has been changed due to new information.
Important to know before placing your bids!
- Once you have called in an item and the reservation price is reached we want you to deposit the entire purchase amount into our client funds account before retrieval can take place.
- When you need to retrieve a called in object we want you to examine it carefully. If you consider that the item does not match our description you do not need to complete the purchase. In this case the deposited purchase sum and the entry fee are refunded.
- If you do not examine the item on the spot the call charge will be debited, but you do not have to complete the deal.
- If you make the entire purchase exclusively at a distance you have 14 days to cancel, but must return the item at your own expense.
- Your shipping costs and other costs are not reimbursed when the right of withdrawal is exercised. Swedish court applies.
- For items that have not been collected within 14 days storage costs may be charged.