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Drop Top Pair: 1967 and 1978 Volkswagen Beetle Convertibles

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.

Comments

  1. Avatar Mike

    Left 20 years to rot in NJ weather. Yikes. Even the tarp on the ’67 disintegrated.

    Like 5
  2. Avatar Racer-X

    I like them both. And, both shells look salvageable. It’s the unknown pan condition that I’d want verified. Particularly for an open convertible.

    Like 3
  3. bobhess bobhess Member

    The one underside shot shows rock surface they are sitting on. Could be with that proper drainage rust damage might not be that bad. Who knows, but after all the dirt and junk is cleaned off of them you just might have plenty to work with here.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar banjo

    What the heck happened to the drivers seat in the 79! It looks like a boulder dropped on it and exploded the drivers head all over the window!
    I would count on both of these needing floorpans and heater channels. the question is how high up into the body has the rot crept. both potential projects, but becoming unreasonable at the current price. Clean paperwork is a huge positive!

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Daniel Gavin

    $5 Large for this pile of crap?!!! Give me a break………is there $5,000.00 worth of usable parts here? That’s the only reason someone could possibly be considering buying this junk.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Erik

      Daniel…You are spot on. And at that it would take a long time selling each of the parts on these to make back the money. And then you are competing against all the others out there selling the same parts because there were so many of these on the roads at same time. I still have a ’78 convertible Beetle that I restored back in 1998. I have been thinking of selling it as it just simply sits under a cover in my garage. Maybe with prices like this for these basketcases, maybe it is time to sell mine!

      Like 0
    • Avatar stu

      I hate to say this but a lot of these old desirable cars are becoming fewer and fewer to get as time passes…For this reason people bid these insane prices!

      Like 0
  6. Avatar David Miraglia

    sad ,better for parts.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Steve RM

    That 67 is a good candidate for restoration. From the pictures that there are
    (not nearly enough) it looks complete and unmolested. The 79 is a parts car.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Captain RD

    SOLD at $5,100

    Like 2
  9. Avatar wardww

    After looking at all the pics on the listing, 5K is a bargain however you cut this.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar JMG

    I’d offer $500… end up somewhere close to… $500. And I have a 71 beetle ‘vert!

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Daniel Gavin

    I agree with JGM……..as I said earlier……this is a pile of crap!!!

    Like 0
  12. Avatar stu

    Daniel Gavin…..
    No my friend, a big huge pile of crap!!!

    Like 0

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