This 1967 Volkswagen Beetle is a project car that has some issues that need addressing. It has traveled in excess of 300,000 miles, but the 1600cc engine only has 25,000 miles since it underwent a rebuild. You will find it listed for sale here on Craigslist. Located in Tallahassee, Florida, it comes with a clean title. The asking price for this Volkswagen is $2,399.
This little Beetle has had a varied life, from being originally owned by a novice driver who inflicted all of the existing dents and dings on the car, through to a university professor, and finally, to its current owner. The current owner was using the car as a daily driver up until it was placed into storage in a pole barn 15 years ago. Apart from the dents, dings and surface corrosion that is visible. The car has substantial rust in the floor pans, and these will all need to be replaced. Apparently, the heater channel is also rusted and will need to be replaced.
The interior of the Beetle seems to be largely complete, and the dash and trim seem to be in good condition. There is no carpet, but this just means that any potential buyers can get a clear look at the rust issues. We can’t see the state of the headliner, and these were known to deteriorate and shred in Beetles of this era.
The 1600cc engine had only clocked 25,000 miles following a rebuild before the car went into storage. The owner was then getting the car out about once a year for a short drive, but this all ended about 5 years ago. The car hasn’t been started since, so will need to be checked. The 4-speed transmission is believed to be the original unit, so has clocked about 300,000 miles. These transmissions were massively under-stressed, so it may be fine to operate after a service. The brakes are not functional, and the seller suggests that they will require a full rebuild before the car is driven. The seller also states that the car tracks straight and true, which tends to indicate that the steering, suspension, and frame are all in sound condition.
The VW Beetle is an economical car that, if driven within its mechanical limits, could provide years of reliable motoring. This one needs some work, but replacing the floor pans in a Beetle has become pretty common. There is some mechanical work to be completed, but if the engine is still good, then none of it is particularly difficult or expensive. The Beetle remains popular today, and nice examples usually start at around the $11,000 mark. The majority of the cosmetic work would be able to be completed by a competent DIY-er, so there is some potential in this little car.
From April 27, 2017
https://barnfinds.com/forgotten-type-1-1967-volkswagen-beetle/
Good memory
Nice! 33% off just by waiting a year.
When I was young, I thought these cars were unattractive. But as I look across the landscape of today’s cars style wise, it doesn’t look so bad.
On one hand, 300,000 miles is impressive for this car, but it makes it equally worn out to restore, not so good.
Get the welder 👨🏭 fired up as this car has got it bad….
Pans and heater channels are a pain
in this unique frame car as the channels
Help as part the of structure .
I would buy one in better shape in a dry place like zona or Cali to get a better car.
I agree with Classic Steel– skip this one and start with a better car.
67- last of the good ones. This ones a ruffian but price is ok. Good luck!!
Cheers
GPC
If they still were making the Mexican Beetles, this would be a good source of a VIN plate to turn one of those into a “vintage” Beetle. (Up until the early 2000s, there was at least one shop buying brand new Mexican Beetles, then taking old US-market Beetles down to the absolute bare chassis and bolting on all the parts from the new car; during the later years of this, I think they were selling in the US for about $12,000.) As it is, it’s pretty shot. On the bright side, almost everything is still available for these cars at pretty reasonable prices.
Pretty sure if memory serves seller also had a green ’67 in better shape with great Patina for sale on ebay last year, which I bid on. It was a solid car with a look you can’t replicate.
Hubcaps for this year are unique. First year of flat cap design. Last year of 165:15 tire size. Look also for the back up light on rear bumper. Inside the overrider. Rear deck lid if original, had chrome VW piece attached. Door handles had a redesign, with the index finger tab release inside the handle.
Doorlocking mechanism went to button up down from all earlier years with the chrome inside lever pushed forward. The paint on this car is original. I believe it to be a color only used for that model year.
original tires would have been bias ply 560/15
hub caps were same 66 and 67
Best year for the Bug IMO, first year for 12v and the sealed beam headlights, among some other items as mentioned above by Edward. Owned and drove the VW Bug for many years, a ’56, ’68, and ’70 model with factory A/C. Great cars and easy to maintain and work on.
In South Africa the 67 had the older slant headlight, but in 12 volt.
It also had a 1500cc engine.
This is my favorite model and after owning some 70 cars , which included some 3 series BMW, Golf GTis , sports Mercedes and Porsches – including a early Speedster – this car is still my favourite.
DF
Wasn’t the ’67 the first year of the 1500, not the 1600? I had a 66 with a 1300, wish I’d waited one year for the 12 volts and 1500. If memory serves me right, 1971 was the first 1600.
yep….1967 was a good year……..
Best year, period. Id buy and restore this Vee Dub, no problem..
one big problem with this year are parts. many are one year only. try to buy a door!! i’d go ‘66, although i am biased.