A 1974 Volkswagen Beetle that’s only travelled 90km since new and that’s lain dormant in a barn since 1978 will go up for auction at the end of this month.

AN ‘AS ORIGINAL’ 1974 Volkswagen Beetle has been discovered in a barn in the Italy with only 90km on the clock. Quite possibly the lowest mileage Beetle anywhere on the planet this one was purchased on 23 January 1975 by Armando Sgroi in Italy. According to his family, he’d never owned a car before and didn’t actually want to buy this one…

Indeed, Armando purchased the Beetle to help him get to and from his local church every Sunday. But, as he became more and more frail his visits to church became less frequent until 1978 when the car was retired to his barn. And there it remained until it was rediscovered recently. It has been “lightly recommissioned”.

The 42 year old Beetle will go under the hammer in Denmark on 28-29 May at the Silverstone Auctions’ Classic Race Aarhus Auction in Denmark on 28^th and 29^th May. For sale for only the second time in its life, it will head to auction with an estimate of €35,000 to €40,000.

Speaking ahead of the sale, Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions commented, “The VW Beetle is one of the most successful and loved cars worldwide, and we’re no strangers to them at Silverstone Auctions, but this one is a very special example and something we rarely see. With such an incredibly low mileage it is in virtually new condition, 42 years after it was first bought.”

Finished in blue with a black leather interior and all its original features, this left-hand drive, manual example still holds the original oil in the engine and is shod with its first set of tyres. The original books and invoice, along with its unwrapped tool kit, are also supplied with the car.

Question: Have you ever had a good look around your family’s farm… any hidden gems? Let us know in the comments below.