Finding an affordable project candidate can be challenging, especially if the car of your dreams is desirable. That makes this 1978 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible worth more than a passing glance. It has sat for years but is complete, and fairly solid, and the price may not break the bank. The seller has listed the Beetle here on eBay in Snellville, Georgia. Bidding has already passed the reserve at a modest $1,247 with time remaining for potential buyers to stake their claim.
Volkswagen developed and marketed the Beetle as affordable transport for the masses, but a cult following that developed during the 1980s saw prices for used examples climb considerably. This 1978 example currently falls within the affordable category, although the winning bidder faces a long list of tasks before it graces our roads again. The Ancona Blue paint is heavily oxidized, making it difficult to determine whether it would respond positively to concentrated work with polish to return it to a presentable state without resorting to a repaint. The panels are straight and, apart from a few rough edges, the top looks quite good. The seller indicates that while the vehicle is essentially solid, it will need new floor pans. This is one of the more common issues with these classics, but replacement pans are easy to locate. The trim is intact, and the glass looks quite nice.
The seller’s poor-quality photos make it impossible to make an accurate assessment of the Beetle’s interior. However, there are no obvious gaping holes in the vinyl upholstery, and the dash hasn’t cracked or split. It appears that it could be acceptable if the new owner elects to perform a survivor-grade revival. Otherwise, retrims are surprisingly affordable, and returning the interior to a showroom fresh state should cost under $1,500 if the buyer craves perfection.
The image shortcomings in this listing extend to the engine because there are no photos supplied by the seller. However, it appears that this classic features the fuel-injected version of Volkswagen’s rear-mounted and air-cooled 1,585cc flat-four. It should deliver 48hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transaxle when in good health, allowing the Beetle to cruise effortlessly on the open road. The seller emphasizes the fact that this Convertible doesn’t run, and hasn’t done for years. The fuel injection system may require attention if it is contaminated with dirty fuel. However, the rest of the mechanical components are bulletproof, meaning that reviving the engine may not be difficult.
Beyond the relatively low current bid figure, this 1978 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible could represent an excellent project candidate. These classics are ideal for anyone with DIY leanings because dismantling and reassembling them is child’s play. Parts are readily available and affordable and, since they continue to enjoy popularity in the classic world, these cars often make excellent investments if the restoration costs can be kept in check. This Beetle has only attracted three bids, but I would expect the price to climb during the auction’s final moments. What would you be prepared to pay for this promising project?
These late Beetles (in this case, the Super Beetle) lost most of what made them so appealing, simplicity. With emissions and safety requirements needing to be met, these cars became overly complicated, and their demise was written on the wall. Fun fact..the first Super Beetles (’72) were one of the first cars to offer onboard diagnostics!
Nice car. These are fun cars regardless new or old. Never owned a Beetle but did own 3 vans, 2 Notchbacks, and a Thing and had fun with all of them.
Yes, I was going to comment this is a Super Beetle. You can tell by the windshield (not flat) and the dashboard (there actually is one).
So these were slow to get going, huh? Don’t know about that. Had family members (cousins) who bought nothing but VWs. Beetles, microbus’, even Karmann Ghias.
In the 60s that’s all you saw on the streets & highways, VWs. Brother-in-law bought a Square back and then traded it in in a year for a VW bus. Then traded that in for a ’70 Camaro and then a ’72 Oldsmobile 98 4 door.
He was weird.
An everyday driver that is what it is. An easy to repair and maintain car that will run forever. I’ve always loved the VW Beetle. I loved the simplicity of these cars in a rear engine set up plus its a convertible. Super Beetle? Someone is going to get a good deal without having to invest the house to restore.