This pair of Volkswagen Beetle convertibles are in rough shape, but it’s still a potential bonanza of parts or restoration projects for an adventurous air-cooled enthusiast. The Beetle on the right is a desirable early model, and if it’s not too rotten, is likely to be restored. The Beetle on the left, a 1979 model with fuel injection, looks a fair bit more tired – but it’s hard to discern what is rust and what is just general filth on the body. You can see where the remnants of the tent that once protected them is just the bare frame now, so these drop-top Beetles have been left to the elements for quite some time. Find the pair of Beetles listed here on eBay with no reserve and bidding just over $5,000.

The seller claims to not know much about the cars, as he has listed them on behalf of a property owner. It sounds as if the current owners of the property are renovating and that the Beetles came with it. See, this is where I wouldn’t be smart if this were my property – I’d want to hold onto both cars and attempt to bring them back. Almost certainly the ’67 model, as I love the old-school Beetles with the small taillights and big chrome bumpers with overriders. The bodywork doesn’t look that bad, to be honest, but it obviously only tells one side of the story when you’re sitting on the other side of the computer monitor. Even if by some miracle it wasn’t super rusty, who’s to say there’s not ugliness hiding in the form of previously repaired bodywork?

The ’79 model likely makes it one of the last air-cooled Beetles made, and these convertibles in pristine condition can bring big money. Obviously, that’s not the case here, but a Beetle with the “Fuel Injection” script across the engine lid isn’t something you see every day. The tops on both cars are clearly trashed, and if they weren’t in tatters before the outdoor shelter fell apart, they certainly were afterwards. The Beetles are still in New Jersey, which isn’t exactly a kind place for vintage automobiles, especially if they’ve been used down by the shore and the salt air got into the bodies, which then likely spread like wildfire throughout the chassis once the cars were left outside for years at a time.

Still, getting two potential projects for one, low, no-reserve price will likely tempt even the most skeptical air-cooled fanatic. If these cars involve just the relatively simple matter of a floor pan replacement, and the bodies can be salvaged, then you may have a worthwhile project on your hands. The demand for Beetle convertibles has remained quite strong throughout the last several years, and these two being an early model and a final year edition are two of the more desirable eras you can find. The interiors are likely just as trashed as the tops are, so bringing these two Bugs back won’t be cheap – but I doubt you’ll have a hard time finding a buyer once they’re done.