This 1967 Volkswagen Beetle is said to have been part of a family collection since new, seeing very limited use that kept its mileage to a mere 1,500 kilometers. If I’m reading the listing correctly, this is a German market vehicle that remained in the same family ownership when it came stateside, and is now listed here on eBay with bidding at $9,300 and shockingly, no reserve.
Now, I could be wrong on the European versus U.S.-specifications – this could be a case of a U.S.-spec car bought new in Germany and kept there while a family was stationed overseas – so hopefully, our air-cooled experts can weigh in on any tell-tale signs. The Beetle remains in exceptional condition, with rarely seen details like the mint condition mudflaps.
The interior is so incredibly nice, even for a car with miles this low. This Beetle had to have been lovingly preserved from new, either because it was seen as a family member or a potential investment opportunity. Original details like the factory radio and rear wicker rack and straps are in perfect condition and rarely seen. The unusual factory paint color is a joy to see as well.
The seller mentions the Beetle comes with all of its German paperwork and documentation, along with a period-correct European license plate in the trunk – anecdotes which seem to support full European-market specifications. Said to run very well with a refreshed carburetor, there’s very little here to fault and it’s quite possibly an unrepeatable example.
Why would there be wear damage to the front seats, including where the seat belt attaches, at such low use?
Good question.
The seatbelts have been replaced. That’s not the correct style for 67.
Judging from the headlights and the electrical system being 6 volt, my guess it is a euro-spec beetle bug…US models were 12 volt and had different headlights…
This one also has a speedometer that reads in km/h. There weren’t so many differences between home- and U.S.-market VWs back then that I can recall, beyond electrical system and instruments.
I’m sure someone will buy this and display it. Just not me. If I bought it, mileage would increase quickly. That’s what cars are for, after all.
If I bought it, it would be on the Birdsville Track and the Oodnadatta Track sooner that you could say “Jack Robertson”!
I had a 66 with the 6 volt electrical system. I thought they changed to a 12 volt system in 68
My first new car was a ’67 VW. It had 12v system and the new vertical head lights.
I’d need to see this up close. What’s up with those seats? What’s up with the pictured doorsill? Looks bubbly to me. Beautiful, but…
Actually, 67 was the first year for 12 volt. I don’t get how this car is 6 volt though cause it was an across the board change for 67.
That’s why 67s are such a desirable car, 12 volt electrics with the classic pre 67 styling.
US models in 1966 had ‘VW 1300’ on the rear decklid, while the 1967 models just had ‘Volkswagen’ on the decklid and were 1500 cc in size.
My Oz ‘67 Krauty 1300 Custom was six volt, similar to this one. Inside door handles were different; Custom were cheaper models that didn’t have bumper overriders or fuel gauge. The ‘68 Oz models were 12volt, upright head lights and slightly curved windscreen. Plus, of course, correct hand drive.
And I believe back up lights?
Precisely. “American Beetles” in ’67 were the easiest to spot. Old-style bumpers and New-Style headlights. An obvious deviation here. I’m going with Euro-Spec 🙂
This particular Beetle does present well. However, a few points that I do challenge in the eBay ad. for such a proclaimed low kilometer car(survivor), are the need to replace the front bumper and the running boards. In addition, I also observed excessive dents on the interior, passenger-side threshold and the battery terminals appear to be more knarled than they should be. The wicker shelf located in the rear luggage area, actually is a Bambus(or after-market) under dash tray. Someone used the rear, seat-back strap to situate this into its current position. One has to also realize that there have been numerous accessories made for the Volkswagen Beetles over the decades. The very sought after ones that command high prices, will have some type of identifying marks i.e.(made in Germany, # stamping or a licensed recognized manufacturer). With this in mind, there are many “reproduction” accesssories floating around. These are usually practical and affordable. The point I am making here is that the author makes mention of the rarity of the items on this ’67. Speedometers are also easily replaced. The engine compartment does look factory and tidy. In conclusion, I am very skeptical of the low kilometer claim, after all this sale is being handled by an auto broker…
I agree with Tempo Matador Ray. Although it is in outstanding condition I would be very suspicious of the low mileage claim bearing in mind Ray’s comments. It would appear to have disc brakes judging by the flat hub caps.
A note of annoyance. Hi Jesse I typed out a comment then posted it and it gets dumped. I see it’s still in the box so I try to post again and it tells me it now being duplicated. This has happened on a number of occasions and it’s quite annoying. Why is this happening
@canadainmarkseh – I’m not sure why it’s doing that to you and we haven’t had any other complaints. We will look into it though. Thanks.
Thanks back for responding and looking into it.
That happens to me too, mostly late at night or early morning, it’s why I don’t write a novel in these posts, in case it doesn’t take. I just figured the computer recognizes my alias, and hates me,,,
BTW, Jesse, any membership specials coming up? I feel bad visiting here and not contributing. Not so much for the site, I think that’s doing ok, but I know it helps pay the writers and they do an excellent job.
You want less than $9 a month, Rube?
Well, I ‘m on social security and it ain’t much and was paying $3,,,and quite frankly, I don’t feel a membership is really worth it for me, I don’t use any of the features, I know the writers spend a lot of time on the descriptions, and the only reason I’d re-up.
The engine in this car is not original. The ignition coil is not the stock coil. The carburetor is not the stock carburetor it is a replacement. The air cleaner is not an original 67 air cleaner and there is a carburetor bracket that attaches to the air cleaner that is missing this car is not an original euro spec or even US spec 67.
Looks like a 12volt generator
in addition to the headlights, the “1300” badge on the engine cover is a ’66 feature….
The fuel line clamps and coil have been replaced, probably the fuel pump too. The color is a very common original color. I don’t think the 1500 and 12 volt was used in Germany in ’67. The flat hubcaps have nothing to do with disc brakes, but I have seen VWs from other countries with disc brakes back then.
To answer some the questions from above, In Europe, they had 1200, 1300 and 1500 Beetles. 1500 would have been 12v with disc brakes and the 4×130 bolt pattern. 1200 & 1300 would have been 6v, drum brakes and the 5×205 bolt pattern.
All would have had the sloping headlights. Only us spec cars would have the upright headlights.
The flat hubcaps on this car would be consistent with a drum brake 5×205 car with a ball joint front end and only used on ’66 and ’67 Beetles.
The fuel pump is not original as it would have had a square top pump.
The seat belts should be the lobster claw style.
The lack of a side release for the seatbacks indicates that this is an earlier ’67
my 1967 US Beetle has 12 volt system, drum brakes all around, 5 bolt wheels, upright headlights, lobster claw seatbelts, flat hubcaps, Volkswagen emblem on decklid, and side release on the setbacks. I didn’t know there were so many variations of US and European beetles!
I had a 67 beetle and this example isn’t it headlights a wrong as are the taillights, mine also had a 12 volt battery and the bigger Motor. 67 was a one year only transition car. First year for 12 volt, last year for these bumpers, first year for the upright round headlights. One year only interior window crank arms and door handles. There seems to be something fishy about this car.
US Cars were specced as you point out. Only US spec ’67s had the upright headlights. European specced cars still had the sloping lights.
for such a low mile (km) survivor, why is the hose from the windshield washer tank to the spare tire missing?
this is laughable….
I like it a lot, except the price, of course. I highly doubt the mileage too, just not clean enough, and it’s simple to unhook a VW speedo cable. It is a very nice bug, these people are nuts to pay 5 figures for a bug, I don’t care if it’s new. I’ve been looking for a bug for a while now, drivable ones go for around $1500 to maybe $3g’s, a like new one, maybe $5, but these people will be in for a rude awakening, spending $15g’s on a bug, when you could have a TR6, a GS 455 or more. One thing is clear, however, you can’t get much past this crowd.
@Rube. A friend of mine used to buy a new one ton pickup and drive it until the first service was due, normally after about 5000 miles. After the service he would disconnect the speedo cable (very easy in those days) and drive it all over South Africa for the next 40,000 miles, reconnect the speedo, and take it in for it’s 50,000 mile service when it became due. He would do this for several years before trading it in for a new truck with the speedo still under 100,000 miles, thereby getting a good trade in price for it.
Your comments about pricing are somewhat close for a ’68, but not remotely close for a ’67 (or even a ’66). I have a ’67 and I can tell you from close firsthand monitoring the market, a halfway decent driver quality ’67 will set you back about $7,500 in 2019. A show quality one with lobster-claw belts, proper mirrors, and solid channels is $20k. Add about 30-50% for a documented low-mileage one with its original engine. The ’67 made Hagerty’s 2018 list of top 10 fastest appreciating vehicles, let me add ( https://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/articles/2018/12/18/2018-winners-and-losers ). If my figures are off, send me whatever vehicle you find with significant deviation and I swear I’ll buy every car you identify.
You’re right, I guess that’s for Super Beetles, which seem to be below the radar,,,for now. To be honest, I’d much rather have a Super, than these anemic slugs.
The car presents a a 66. Even in Europe the 1300 was one year only. After that it was 1500 cc and THEN, in response to the economy, the 1200 was reintroduced as a lower cost option. 67 is a one year only rear lid, lock and rear apron. I can’t tell from the photo if this car has that. The OTHER thing to keep in mind is that when eurospec cars came over here, the speedo was often swapped out for a US spec with miles not KM. As they appeared to have kept all the paperwork, is it possible that the low KM speedo unit was ALSO kept and then swapped back in for this sale? Not an accusation but sit back and look a a well cared for car with the speedo swap being a possibility…. You’re starting to nod……Yeah…..hmmmmm
I had a US spec 67 with the 1300 engine, 12 volt, etc. It even had the 1300 on the 67 one year rear hood. So some US market 67’s did have the 1300. It was not a one year engine, but I do think that is was only on the early 67 builds.
A few quick notes from someone who still has in the family a 67 convertible bug purchased in Germany and shipped back to the states. To be honest, I think it is a 1300 but that would not match what Rich said as ours is a 12 volt from the factory so maybe it is a 1500. That said, the carpeting under the mats do not match the VW we have. Different nap, different color, but it just doesn’t match. Secondly, the door panels have definitely been removed more than once which seems odd for a car with these few miles proclaimed. The window cranks though do NOT look original, certainly they are a different type plastic/look than ours. In my general opinion, the cranks were replaced and maybe the door panels. Oddly they do appear dirty. Now admittedly ours has a black interior without chrome so maybe that is the difference but it doesn’t look factory component compared to ours.
and it has US-spec bumbers
Speaking of the bumpers. The uprights are not what was generally on US spec cars. The towel racks are also not consistent with what was seen on US spec cars
Gary, that’s incorrect. Those bumpers are representative of what came on US spec Beetles from 1955-1967. It appears to have the correct 67 rear overrider tubes. The black rubber strip on the uprights though aren’t factory. Those wouldn’t be seen until the following year, 1968.
The condition of all plastic and rubber components is also a good way to tell a VWs age. The rubber grommets around the windows say a lot to a discerning eye, together with the rubber around the fenders. If any have paint on them it has been damaged and restored by somebody who just doesn’t care.
Buy it for its condition not the claimed low mileage. Put differently, assume it has a 100,000 miles and has been restored. Whatever price that is, is the correct price.
For the record, price and authenticity issues aside, it looks beautiful…
Realistically, It is nice. There are plenty out there that better fit the “beautiful” description.
Those seats…and why no underside pics? Caveat emptor!!
B.S. for sure…. look close at front seats…a little torn up for mileage claimed…lots of incorrects on this one.
Never came from factory with that fuel filter!!!
I think Rick Meredith’s post answers a lot of the questions the other “experts” should observe.
It’s wonderful to get all the expert input on this. The selling broker of a VW should realize how many very knowledgeable folks there are before representing a car.
It’s a nice clean little car but after reading the comments I’m skeptical of what it is!!! There’s lots of con men out there and people that would do anything for a buck!! It’s sad to me that it has to be this way but it is a nice car nevertheless!!!
Survivor? There is just something odd about the paint. Not a scratch or a rock chip or a dent or ding ANYWHERE. But what is REALLY odd to me is that they make a point to NOT mention that the paint is original. They don’t even mention the paint. If it is an original survivor, the paint would be original; in my world anyway. Too many things out of sync for me to bid on a car lke this without a face to face inspection.
Ray….How many rock chips do you think you would see in the posted mileage??
In the ad, they mention EVERYTHING that is original on this car, from the seats to the chrome and so on. NEVER do they say it is the original PAINT. There is a reason for that. I am no bug man so I do not know the value of this car. Original paint is worth more than repaint if presented as original survivor. It looks like a super nice car if it is all original and correct. Having said that, I just sold a 1987 El Camino SS with 900 original miles. This bug does not start to compare. That can probably be attributed to how each car was stored. Besides, I have seen original paint bugs and I have never seen one with this much orange peel. Still a nice car though. Just saying.
Reminds me of the 67 sunroof I bought my stepson back in the late eighties. All original. Being a half fast young man, the car was stolen by some enterprising cholos who in their zeal to avoid apprehension by 5-0, rattle canned the original almost perfect paint with grey primer.
Screaming down the street one day they were apprehended by a keen eyed officer who spotted the license plate from a bolo and was undeterred by the equally half fast paint job.
About a week later , once the car was returned in its sorry state to said half fast stepson, the unrepentant cholos appeared at his door from whence they had liberated the car………apparently they left some of their personal belongings in the car, and wanted them back
Said half fast stepson actually gave them their stuff back. May he rest in peace.
Really cool color on the car btw
I guess I’m losing touch with English language or maybe Western slang. What pray tell is a “half fast stepson,” bolo or cholos?
I’m sure there are experts who will know more about the exact details, but as a few commenters already have said, this car is generally correct for a European -67. I think they did 1200, 1300 and the new 1500. Old headlights and dash. The 1300 had the drum brakes and old 5-lug wheels, the 1500 had discs and 4-bolt. Pretty sure also the 1500 was 6-volt. I did own a one -owner -67 sunroof 1500 for a while back in the 1980’s, best driving Beetle I ever had.
The bumpers here would not have been there on a European car, they didn’t have those overriders (or as they were called in Sweden “America bars”)
Beetles never came with disc brakes in 1967
Why do you think it has disc brakes?
2 people before me mentioned Disc Brakes!!
Only in the US did Beetles not come with discs. It was available as an option and later standard equipment in the 1970s.
Sold for $16,200.
Too bad this car is SOLD! The ’67 bugs(U.S.) were 12 volt system. F.Y.I. the ’67 bugs were the best(my opinion) bug that VW ever came out with! My first car was a ’67 bug….the engine was really good-1500cc and 50 hp and 12 volt. Unfortunately my old “Hilda” rusted out after 12 years….I missed that old gal. Another F.Y.I. another great year for the Beetle was the ’71 Super Beetle, it had a bigger trunk and larger windshield and WOW! 60 horses. McPherson strut up front. Too bad they don’t make cars like they used to!