Beautifully Restored: 1971 Volkswagen Super Beetle

One thing we’ve learned over the years is that some restorations produce better results than others. The finished product often depends on the owner’s eye for detail, because even small imperfections can stand out like a sore thumb. That isn’t the case with this 1971 Volkswagen Super Beetle. Its presentation is superb, and doesn’t appear to have a single weakness. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting the VW listed here on Craigslist in Yuma, Arizona. The seller set their price at $13,500 for a car that is guaranteed to turn heads.

I have been scratching my head, trying to think of another vehicle like the Volkswagen Beetle. I’m not thinking about cars with similar mechanical layouts, but one that spent so many years in production without receiving significant styling changes. Volkswagen followed an evolutionary approach with its updates, and even with changes to the windows and exterior sheetmetal, it remains one of the most immediately recognizable vehicle silhouettes on the planet. The first owner ordered this Super Beetle in 1971, and the seller recently completed a meticulous restoration. They dismantled the body, removed any existing rust, and massaged the steel until it was laser-straight. They then applied a fresh coat of Blue Metallic paint before reassembling the vehicle. That process involved replacing every body seal, and the results speak for themselves. Finding anything to fault in its presentation seems impossible. The paint shines beautifully, the trim is excellent, and the glass is crystal clear. I believe that if the new owner arrived at a Cars & Coffee behind the wheel of this VW, it would instantly draw crowds like moths to a flame.

The Super Beetle’s exterior sets a high benchmark, but its interior easily matches it. The restoration included a retrim in Black leatherette, new carpet, and the refreshing of every painted surface. Once again, finding fault is virtually impossible. The interior is in as-new condition, and there isn’t even wear on the wheel. The build included adding a modern Bose Bluetooth stereo, allowing the occupants to bop along as this Volkswagen “dak-daks” down the road. The seller’s confidence is reflected in their active encouragement of in-person inspections. They say that anyone doing so will be impressed, and I see nothing to suggest otherwise.

The seller’s restoration didn’t end with this Super Beetle’s cosmetic needs. They treated the drivertrain to a rebuild, making this classic a turnkey proposition. The Super Beetle left the line with what had already become standard Volkswagen fare. The rear-mounted, air-cooled four-cylinder engine sends its power to the road via a four-speed manual transaxle. With a capacity of 1,584cc, the refresh should allow it to easily produce the 60hp quoted by Volkswagen in that year’s Sales Brochure. The engine bay presentation is as impressive as every other aspect of this classic, with no evidence of leaks or other problems.

There was a time not too many years ago when it was possible to buy a pretty nice Beetle for under $1,500. Those days are far behind us, and the tiny Volkswagen has become a desirable staple of the classic scene. The seller’s price for this 1971 Super Beetle is above the market average, although it is fair to say that it is anything but average. The buyer won’t need to spend a dime beyond the purchase price, and the seller’s willingness to entertain in-person inspections suggests they have total confidence in this classic. That’s why I won’t be surprised if it finds a new home fairly quickly.