At first glance, it looks like a battered old Volkswagen hubcap.
Open it, though, and you discover one of the cleverest period accessories made for early air-cooled VWs.
This vintage VW HAZET tool kit is heading to auction in Essex, apparently complete, with an estimate of £600–£800.
For owners of early Beetles, Karmann Ghias and other classic Volkswagens, this little round toolbox is far more interesting than it first appears.
The unusual shape has a purpose.
HAZET produced round Volkswagen tool kits designed to fit neatly into the centre of the spare wheel.
Period HAZET literature shows exactly how the idea worked, with the case sitting inside the wheel rather than taking up useful luggage space elsewhere in the car.
That made it a wonderfully neat solution for owners who wanted to carry a proper selection of tools without cluttering the car.
It also explains why these kits are so distinctive today.
HAZET is a German tool manufacturer with a history stretching back to the 19th century.
During the post-war period, the company produced specialist tool sets for Volkswagen owners, including the now highly recognisable circular spare-wheel kits.
Different versions were produced over the years and HAZET catalogued them under several references as Volkswagen models and servicing requirements evolved.
Earlier sets are known under the 500 E designation, while later versions included references such as 2500 E.
That does not necessarily make this particular Reeman Dansie example one specific version.
Without closely inspecting the individual tool markings, case details and exact contents, we’d rather not pin an exact model number on it.
What is clear is that this is a genuine period-style Volkswagen HAZET spare-wheel tool kit with the VW emblem prominently embossed into the lid.
These weren’t simply boxes filled with generic tools.
HAZET selected equipment intended to be genuinely useful to a Volkswagen owner.
Period sets included combinations of open-ended spanners, pliers, screwdrivers, spark-plug tools, wheel braces and other specialist pieces arranged carefully inside the case.
Every tool had its own place.
That organisation is part of the appeal today, because a complete or near-complete kit is far more desirable than a case which has gradually lost its original contents over the decades.
Reeman Dansie describes this example as appearing complete, and the photographs show an impressively full set.
The case itself is a major part of the attraction.
This example carries a large Volkswagen roundel embossed into the black metal lid.
HAZET also produced Tourist-branded versions, and collectors distinguish between the different case styles, tool markings, layouts and generations.
That is why accurately identifying one of these kits can become surprisingly involved.
For enthusiasts, details such as logos, finishes, part numbers and individual tool types can all help establish exactly when a kit was produced and which Volkswagen models it was intended for.
In other words, there is considerably more to this little toolbox than simply counting the spanners.
Original accessories can make a big difference to the character of an early Volkswagen.
A period radio, dealer badge, luggage set or correct tool kit can add another layer of authenticity to a car that might already be beautifully restored.
The HAZET kit is particularly appealing because it was designed to be part of the car rather than simply stored alongside it.
Put one into the spare wheel of the right early Beetle or Karmann Ghia and it immediately looks at home.
That connection with the car is one reason surviving examples have developed such a following among both Volkswagen enthusiasts and vintage tool collectors.
With collectable tool kits, condition is only part of the story.
Completeness can matter just as much.
Individual tools can disappear over the years, and replacing a missing piece with exactly the right HAZET item can take time, especially when collectors are looking for the correct period markings and specification.
The Reeman Dansie example has plenty of visible age.
The black metal case shows wear, the VW emblem remains clear and the blue interior still provides the backdrop for the tools.
The contents also show the kind of patina you’d expect from equipment that was made to be used.
Personally, we think that suits it perfectly.
A highly polished restoration might look tidier, but this one still feels like a genuine piece of period Volkswagen motoring history.
The VW HAZET tool kit is Lot 1 in Reeman Dansie’s Classic Cars, Vehicles & Automobilia auction in Colchester on Saturday 12 September 2026.
Reeman Dansie gives it a pre-sale estimate of £600–£800 and describes the contents as appearing complete.
Because this is an automobilia lot rather than a car or motorcycle, the catalogue shows a 30% buyer’s premium.
At £600–£800, this clearly isn’t being treated as an ordinary old toolbox.
But for the owner of the right early Volkswagen, it could be exactly the sort of detail that finishes a car properly.
And for someone who collects period VW accessories or vintage tools, the case itself may be every bit as interesting as some of the vehicles appearing later in the sale.
You can see the full auction listing, photographs and bidding details at Reeman Dansie here.
We suspect the Volkswagen enthusiasts who recognised it immediately from the first photograph already understand why it could attract plenty of attention.
Interesting motoring history doesn’t always have four wheels.
We’re always interested in hearing about unusual cars, motorcycles, tools, signs, dealership items and other pieces of motoring history with a story behind them.
It doesn’t have to be immaculate or enormously valuable. Sometimes the forgotten things are far more interesting.
Whether you’re a private owner with something tucked away, or a business with an unusual vehicle, motorcycle or piece of motoring history for sale, we’d like to hear about it.
If it’s something our audience would be interested in, it’s newsworthy to us. Get in touch with UK Barn Finds and tell us about it.
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