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Every Month, A New Super Beetle Story
Standout 1302 and 1303 Super Beetles from the community featuring restorations, survivor cars, custom builds, and the personal stories that showcase the craftsmanship behind these classics.
The Super Beetle That Traveled Through Time - Owner: Mark Walters
Mark Walters’ connection to Volkswagens began long before he ever owned one. His earliest memory reaches back to childhood, playing with a small VW toy that sparked a fascination he never outgrew. That simple beginning set the tone for a lifelong relationship with the brand, one that would eventually shape his garage, his travels and his family’s automotive history.
Over the years Mark has owned a variety of Volkswagens, each marking a different chapter. His first was a 1302S purchased in 1991 for £1,100, a car he still owns today. A 1966 1300 Beetle followed, the same car his wife learned to drive in and used for her driving test. A 1993 Golf GTI 8v came next, later swapped with his sister for a 1967 1500 Beetle that eventually found its way to Rob Evans and was beautifully restored. A 2000 New Beetle joined the family, and today the driveway includes the 1302S, the ’66 1300, a 2005 New Beetle Cabrio, a 2010 Scirocco GT, a 2013 Beetle Sport and a 2016 Tiguan R-Line. Volkswagens have become part of the family story.
Mark found his 1302S in the local paper. The car had been passed through one family, originally purchased by the first owner and later inherited by the daughter who planned to travel. When she decided to sell, Mark stepped in. “I have lots of history for the car, including the original handbooks, service book and dealer book,” he says. That documentation made the car even more special and helped preserve its authenticity.
His plans for the Beetle were simple. Drive it, maintain it and use it as intended. In 1995 he restored the car, with paintwork done by Luke at Terrys Beetle Services. Mark stripped the car himself and rebuilt it afterward, choosing to refurbish and refit original components rather than replace them. The engine, rebuilt in 1993 or 1994, remains the original unit. The car once carried a large stereo system, but most of it was removed eight years ago, leaving only the head unit, door speakers and dash tweeters.
Accessories have been kept minimal. The Beetle remains largely stock, with the exception of the stereo and recently added Rallye gauges for engine oil and amperage. A 54mm VDO rev counter sits on the dash, and the car wears Marathon wheels with correct center caps. After thirty years in the same paint, a few small areas need attention, but the car remains remarkably well preserved. Future plans are simple. “I’d like to get the bodywork back to perfection, but apart from driving it and having fun with it, no real plans.”
Mark attends shows, though he prefers non-VW events. For his 50th birthday he decided to take the Beetle on a journey few owners attempt. He drove from Sussex to Wolfsburg and then to the Emden VW Factory. The trip was unforgettable. A blocked fuel filter, a cracked windscreen from a stone chip and a failed brake light switch were the only issues, all of which could have happened anywhere. The Beetle handled the long miles with confidence.
When asked if he would ever sell the car, Mark does not hesitate. “I don’t think I ever could.” For him, owning a vintage Volkswagen is not a hobby. It is part of who he is. “VW’s are my life. Properly in my blood and have been since 1991.” His Beetle reflects that devotion, carrying decades of memories, miles and meaning that continue to grow every time he turns the key.
