Back in 1964, my family “moved on up” and became a two-car family. Dad drove a ’60 Pontiac Catalina and Mom was given the second car: a used ’55 Rambler Cross Country station wagon. Unfortunately, the Rambler wasn’t too reliable, and after leaving Mom stranded on the roadside one night after picking me and my twin brother up from a Cub Scout meeting, the Rambler’s days were numbered. In the spring of ’65, Dad purchased a new Ruby Red VW Beetle that became his daily driver. About that same time, the owner of Wood Motor Company in Mason City, Iowa, gave his wife, Rhonda, a brand new Beetle. Rhonda drove it for 25 years (but never in the winter), always kept it garaged, and had it maintained and serviced by the dealer. The Beetle was purchased in 1990 from Mrs. Wood’s estate and has been pampered and treated as a collector’s vehicle ever since. This amazing survivor is located in Vancouver, Washington, and is for sale here on craigslist for a firm, cash-only price of $23,000. Our super-spotter, Curvette, has come through again and sent us this terrific time capsule to feature here on Barn Finds.
Buyers had a choice of eight paint colors for the ’65 Beetle Sedan, and this one is finished in L87 Pearl White. The original paint is described as “like new” and it looks very presentable with no thin spots or rust visible in the photos. The chrome, trim, running boards, and glass (the ’65 Beetles had larger windows all around, especially the rear glass and windshield) look great for their age. It’s obviously seen the inside of a garage the past 60 years.
The original window sticker is included and it shows that Mr. Wood paid $30 extra for the Mesh Red/Oxide Red leatherette interior. Yes, it’s faded and has some splits visible in the driver’s and passenger seats, but a complete seat upholstery kit is included in the sale. The matching Pearl White instrument panel and white steering wheel look as new and the rest of the interior is in good “survivor” condition.
The Beetle’s rear engine compartment is clean and tidy and houses the VW’s original air-cooled, 4-cylinder 1192cc engine which the seller says “runs and drives great.” Horsepower was rated at 40 and gas mileage was estimated at 32 mpg. With its 12.5 gallon gas tank, you could drive about 400 miles between fill ups. The current seller has had this nice survivor for about 15 years, only drives it a few times a year, and is looking for the next caretaker to give it a good home and continue the pampering and preserving. How would this look in your garage?
I’ve been looking for a clean bug, but will have to keep looking. Prices are crazy. Small note, the VW engines were 36 HP, not 34 HP and were upgraded to 40 HP in 1961, not 1965.
D’Oh! Thanks for pointing out my horsepower history error. It has been updated in the article…
Super nice beetle. Small note, the VW engines were 36 HP, not 34 HP and were upgraded to 40 HP in 1961, not 1965.
This is a nice clean bug, no doubt but that amount of money seems a little steep and if Firm/Cash Only is the force, they may be searching a while. I am guessing that a local buyer face to face can sit and negotiate and settle on something.
The seat upholstery kit is handy if it matches. Pulling the seats and installing is not overly difficult and you can add new ‘innards’ to make the seat more comfortable. All the parts are readily available also (I have done two such makeovers in recent years and removing all the batting, cleaning up the metal and springs, respraying, then installing the seat covers is a little time consuming but easy for anyone).
If one does buy a vw to work on, be sure and always investigate the heater channels and the running board connections. These are places that notoriously rust and are not the easiest repairs. Good luck to this seller, it is a nice VW for sure.
Clean one here. My Dad had a 1972 back in the early 1980’s in New Jersey and said the would also rust out under the rear seat where the battery sits.
Dad bought a green ’65 Beetle new when I was in 2nd grade. Mom learned how to drive a stick on it. Unfortunately, It was totaled a few months later when we were struck head-on by a drunk driver on our way home from mass one Sunday morning (Mom was driving, I was in the back seat, and my grandmother rode shotgun–my brother and dad were at home because my brother was sick). We all survived (greatful for the rear engine). Dad replaced it with a ’61 Beetle canvas top, and he and a neighbor switched out the 61’s engine and directional signals for the ’65’s in one afternoon. I’d give anything to have that car today.
Not many beetles were loved and preserved like this one. Would love to have it.
$23K seems a might steep. And “firm/cash” at that. Let’s see how long he has to sit on it before reality sets in.
One of these is parked next to a garage in rural AZ. Owner won’t part with it! Same year, and color.
I have a ’67 Euro VW Bug that has ~29K kilometers (~18K miles) and is totally and completely original inside and out – including 5 original tires! Bought it from the original owner in Germany 45+ years ago. Have Kraftfahrzeugbrief and Cert of Authenticity form VW. Never drive it – maybe it needs a new owner???
Send it in and we will auction it for you!
Please send me your email address Jesse. Also what is the procedure and what is the cost? Thank you
Here’s a link with more info: https://barnfinds.com/auctions/about/
The 65′ VW had to a one year only vinyl upholstery pattern,hopefully the seat kit is the same. I had a 65 many years ago. My car needed some work on the interior,and I could not find that vinyl anywhere. I was told since it was very rare and one year only that it probably would never be reproduced. If the tears can be sewn and repaired,that’s the direction I would go. I was living in Laguna Beach when I had my 65. The car was perfect for the hills and canyons. Keep it properly tuned and it will run a long time.
Regarding the Rambler’s lack of reliability, I remember back in 1970 on a trip out west to California from Ohio, we counted how many Ramblers were broken down by the side of the road compared to other cars.
Those rubber seals between the fenders and the body should be black – this car has been sprayed. The color seems a bit off for a ’65, too.
Funny you should mention that. I thought also the color looked a bit off but I thought maybe it was the photograph. The rubber seals should have ‘sealed’ it. Good catch. Definitely been sprayed.
As I look closer….the front hood doesn’t quite look right but it may simply not be latched all the way down. But still a fine looking example of a beetle.
Phil, I have a ’67 Euro Bug and as an option, the fender welting and running board rubber covers match the paint. It also has cloth interior (which was only available on German models not for export, so I don’t know if the fender welting on this overseas (USA) version had an option to be color coordinated. I think not but can’t say for sure.
Boy you know time has passed when a bug you used to buy for a couple a hundred bucks, and drop the engine in your driveway and swap it out because it threw a rod :), is asking 23 thousand dollars!!
I know its a timeworn complaint but it is somewhat amazing. Given the aversion to ‘danger’ and emphasis on safety that permeates our soft culture and especially the younger folks ( they didnt raise themselves), driving one of these basic tin cans would probably give them a stroke
That said its great to see the original seat fabric which brings back memories as well. Good luck to the seller