Possibly the UK's earliest RHD Beetle?

[Stetoppingphoto]

Good morning all

I have a friend who has a 53 factory RHD with matching numbers, this car was manufactured on the 23rd August 1953 and was registered on the 23rd August. He thinks/hopes its a possibility this car could be the earliest UK factory RHD Beetle manufactured? The car has been in storage since the 90's and requires restoration. Towel rains are a later add on!

(Photo from 1988)

Can anyone help? I can ask for any more information.

Thanks
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stetoppingphoto

[RichOakley]

Hi Steve,

944 Beetles were imported into the UK in 1953 with the first ones being shipped in on 10th June.

The number plate on that car (8457 FM) was issued in 1964 so it must have originally been registered on a different number.

Is the car still in the UK?

Rich.
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1947 Beetle
1956 RHD Karmann Cabrio
1956 RHD Beetle
1957 RHD Pitt-Moto Type 2 Camper
1959 RHD Beetle
1966 RHD Type 3 Fastback
1976 RHD Sun Beetle

[Stetoppingphoto]

The car is still in the UK yes, its in storage at the moment
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stetoppingphoto