10:22 am, December 15, 2017
PRESTIGE car dealership John Holland has taken delivery of a unique Volkswagen Beetle billed as ‘a collector’s dream’.
The custom-built converted 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Mendeola, which has modern enhancements, has arrived at John Holland, based near Meadowhall, Sheffield, after being engineered and constructed by a host of bespoke car manufacturers in the USA.
Originally the inspiration of southern Californian Volkswagen buff Tim Bockhold, the vehicle was fused to a modified S2 T1-style chassis by Mendeola Signature Motors in San Diego before being modified by several other leading American car customisation companies.
The bespoke Beetle features a VW AS41 Magnesium 2332cc engine, ignition crank fire EFI system, A-1 Muffler custom exhaust system and individually designed aluminium wheels.
The one-off model’s interior is inspired by Speedwell Racing/Bomber racers, with Speedwell embossed seat backs, custom Speedwell gauges and clocks, a custom-designed Jaguar S-style wooden steering wheel and an integrated roll bar.
John Holland has been instructed to sell the vehicle, priced at £59,500, by a long-standing customer and West Yorkshire-based car collector.
Tony Entwistle, general manager at John Holland, said: ‘This is so much more than a Volkswagen Beetle and we’re proud as a business to have taken delivery of it.
‘With its bespoke interior, custom-built body and one of the finest chassis ever made, it’s a result of some of the finest engineering and modifications in the world.
‘This custom-built Mendeola has had a “no expense spared” detailed conversion and is what can only be described as a work of art. It’s a credit to its previous father-and-son owners, who dedicated themselves to restoring it and have seen it transformed into the finest model of its kind.’
The special arrival follows news of John Holland’s latest major industry award win, with Entwistle being named Used Car Dealer Principal of the Year at the 2017 Car Dealer Magazine Used Car Awards.
Pictured at top: John Holland sales specialist John Bennett with the converted 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Mendeola
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