For sale: Vintage VW Beetle belonging to Ewan McGregor

The Volkswagen Beetle was built in the 1960s. Picture: Instagram/bugnboxThe Volkswagen Beetle was built in the 1960s. Picture: Instagram/bugnbox
The Volkswagen Beetle was built in the 1960s. Picture: Instagram/bugnbox

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A VINTAGE Volkswagen Beetle belonging to Scots actor Ewan McGregor is currently up for sale on eBay - after the Crieff-born star decided to part with the car.

McGregor bought the 1960 Ragtop Patina Monster two years ago, after coming across photos of the car online.

According to the seller’s notes on eBay, the car had spent ‘many, many years baking in the hot Texas sun with Mother Nature giving it her touch’.

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The Beetle was rescued and restored by Chadd McGee in Atlanta, who posted photos of the ongoing renovation online.

McGregor pictured at work on the car. Picture: Instagram/McGregor_EwanMcGregor pictured at work on the car. Picture: Instagram/McGregor_Ewan
McGregor pictured at work on the car. Picture: Instagram/McGregor_Ewan

A self-confessed VW nut, McGregor reportedly negotiated with the owner to buy the car and had it shipped to Pennsylvania, where he was directing and starring in American Pastoral, scheduled to come out later this year.

The 44-year-old actor is said to have used the Beetle to get to and from the set each day, and after filming finished, took it home with him to California.

Videos on the star’s Instagram page show him working on the Beetle with a pal, but McGregor, who is also working on the sequel to 1996’s Trainspotting, has put the iconic car up for sale as he has a ‘new four wheel toy’ on the way and a ‘shortage of garage space’.

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The extensive description of the car reveals that it has had several new parts added to bring it back to life.

Ewan McGregor used it during filming for American Pastoral. Picture: Instagram/McGregor_EwanEwan McGregor used it during filming for American Pastoral. Picture: Instagram/McGregor_Ewan
Ewan McGregor used it during filming for American Pastoral. Picture: Instagram/McGregor_Ewan

The seats and panels are originals, with ‘minor wear and ageing’ while the window rubbers, body seals, headliner and sunroof are all new.

The engine is a newly rebuilt 1600cc single port engine with 12 volt electrics while the brakes, shock absorbers and suspension have all been replaced.

The current bid for the car is $15,100 (around £10,670), with five days left on the auction.

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Last year, Volkswagen fan McGregor launched an online hunt for his first ever car - a lime green Beetle that he had bought for £500 in the late 1980s.

The unique paintwork is the result of several years in the hot Texas sun. Picture: Instagram/McGregor_EwanThe unique paintwork is the result of several years in the hot Texas sun. Picture: Instagram/McGregor_Ewan
The unique paintwork is the result of several years in the hot Texas sun. Picture: Instagram/McGregor_Ewan

McGregor wrote in an Instagram post: “The day I bought my first car. I was 16. I’d washed dishes for two years and saved the £500 she cost.

“It seems she’s gone now, old ESL380V - I can’t find her. If you ever come across her let me know. Cheers.”

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