This 1968 Volkswagen Beetle convertible was left by the seller’s father in the family barn after beginning a restoration and never completing it. The drop-top Bug is generally sought after by VW enthusiasts, but this one may have a fatal flaw: it’s an Autostick car, which can be a turn-off for a buyer who wants the simplicity of a conventional manual. Still, there’s plenty of other good news here, including what the seller believes to be is a largely rot-free shell. The Beetle supposedly also comes with numerous spare parts, including some new in the bag, that are still up in the rafters. Find the Beetle here on eBay with one bid to $2,500 and no reserve.

Now, the rust-free condition isn’t entirely accurate, as there’s plenty of surface rust visible. I realize some people assume that as long as there are no holes in the frame, it’s “rust-free.” Surface rust isn’t a big deal, especially on a car that needs to be painted, but this Beetle is located in Connecticut where most vintage cars that weren’t preserved 40 years ago have all begun to rust away. The seller reports that the “…..rear seats, bumpers, trim rings, running boards and everything that isn’t present in the photos is (supposedly) in the loft,” where his dad stuck it years ago in preparation for restoration.

Disassembly is always the easiest part, as I’ve found in numerous junkyard cars, but putting it all back together is less enjoyable. The interior has been stripped of its door panels and rear seat, as noted above, but the front buckets remain and in surprisingly good condition. No word on whether the pas has ever been replaced or if they need attention now, but it seems unlikely that a Beetle in New England has survived with its original floors intact. The Autostick is not the end of the world, but other air-cooled enthusiasts have told me converting an Autostick to a traditional manual is no small task.

The engine bay is mostly complete, but it’s a mystery as to whether this Bug’s mill will fire up again. The seller admits he doesn’t know much about it, so it sounds like dad has retired to Florida and left the Beetle behind for his offspring to figure out. I’d love to know what’s up in the rafters, as the seller alludes to “…bumpers and trim were all new in the plastic” and still in the barn. The droptop Beetle is a desirable specimen, and this one would look great on white-wall tires with polished hubcaps in what is one of the more classic looks for a convertible of this vintage. Bidding is low at the moment; will the Autostick keep it cheap?