Year: 1961
Built: Clayton, Victoria, Australia
Engine: 1200cc / (40bhp) 30kw@3000rpm
Colour: Black
Interior: True red / silver beige
Status: Active club registration
History of the "Black Bug"
Special thanks to Fotografo.net.au for the images
This vehicle is 100% Australian made and a unique history.
The "Black Bug" was manufactured new in Centre Road, Clayton, Victoria in 1961 by Volkswagen Australia's ultra modern manufacturing plant and delivered new in Hobart, to a microbiologist at the University of Hobart. It was fitting to be studying all day what looked like black bugs through microscopes, and to also drive a “Black Bug”. Soon afterwards it became a popular and amusing inside joke throughout the University and it stuck.
The Microbiologist drove and serviced the “Black Bug” himself for 20 odd years and performed his own servicing. This is evidenced in the notes he has made in the original instruction manual which is a very unique and rare inclusion of vehicles of this vintage of any kind. In 1981, the “Black Bug” was handed down to his daughter, who drove the vehicle as a daily drive for over 30 years. The Daughter also caught the “bug” as she too became a microbiologist and relocated to Melbourne, Victoria. The name "Black Bug" continued to stick in Melbourne to great amusement.
A restoration was performed in 2016 and the “Black Bug” was sent into storage. With mounting associated costs, the owner decided it was finally time to close the family chapter in the remarkable life of the “Black Bug” with this loving family.
Today, the special “Black Bug” has been caught and gone to a selected home carefully chosen by the previous owner. The vehicle still resides in Melbourne, is much loved and once again has become a significant part of its new loving custodians.
The vehicle has original owners manual with hand written notes throughout of milage and servicing performed by the original owner, suplementary owners manual books in original VW wallet, original sales brochure stamped by Doanld Goringe Hobart (the selling dealer), colour & trim Australain brochure and original 1960's road maps and more!
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