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The 26-year-old worked round the clock to transform the battered 1969 VW, which she bought for £200 as a student more than six years ago, into a sleek £25,000 sports car.

Lt Ashton, a Royal Navy aerospace engineer, spent £4,000 and two years getting the car up to scratch after her husband Rob Ashton, 26, a captain in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, proposed in 2009.

The bride, from Amesbury, Wiltshire, stripped the Beetle to its chassis before fitting larger cylinders and pistons to the engine.

Mrs Ashton, whose father Viv Beal, 54, runs a garage in Barnstaple, Devon, said: ‘I know people might think it is quite unusual for a girl to be interested in cars but I have always grown up surrounded by it.

‘My Mum and Dad have been buying various parts for the car for birthday and Christmas presents for the past six years – so I am looking forward to getting some girly treats now.’

Her father added: ‘We’re all into classic cars and it was a very proud day for all of us. Megan’s Porsche replica is her pride and joy.’