Some say that an original Beetle is the most recognizable car in the world. Even young children know one when they see one! This beige 1967 “De Luxe”example is up for sale right now, here on craigslist, from sunny California. Big thanks to reader Pat L. let’s look closer at this well-kept original machine!
Skipping over the complicated history of Volkswagen, we can tell you that over 21 million Type 1 were made, worldwide. The last U.S. units rolled out in July of 1977, and the last ones from German factories came the following year. After that, production shifted to Brazilian and Mexican plants, and the very last of the originals came out of a factory in Puebla, Mexico, in 2003. We bet you didn’t know that they became known in Germany as the Käfer (German for “beetle”) and in France as Coccinelle (French for ladybug)…or that there was one Diesel beetle made in 1951 as a prototype, but it obviously didn’t take off.
Looking at the car presented, it looks really great on the outside, given its originality. Peeking through the windows, we can see that the interior has seen better days, but is in great shape compared to some that we’ve presented to you in the past. The seller gives us quite a bit of information, and shows us a cornucopia of paperwork and maintenance records, which will come along with the sale. We’re pleased to see pictures of the undercarriage, and notice little more than surface patina.
If I had the cash, it would probably already be on its way to me. My wife really wants one, and I want to get her one, on a budget, that doesn’t really need much to enjoy as-is.
That’s my two cents, what do you think? Let us know in the comments!
This beetle is in pretty nice shape, but the price is way too hefty for what it is. I guess it would have been too much trouble for the seller to take a Brillo pad and some Noxon and clean the rust off of the front bumper. Ugh!
My guess– it has been involved in some type of front end mishap. The reason I say this is because the front bumper is missing the over-rider bars “towel racks.” Additionally, the rust seen on the bumper is consistent with poor quality aftermarket bumpers.
Also, it appears to be repainted because the wheel color is incorrect for the vintage. They should be white with black centers. Many parts are “one year only” so a careful inventory and inspection of these items are in order. Just my two cents worth
Price might be a little high but in my opinion not too far off. 1967 is regarded as the best model year Beetle. 67 is the first year for the 1500 single port, first year for 12volt electrics, and the last year of the chair rail bumpers. The fact that it has a complete service history and is still original and not rusted out makes this one rare but indeed!
Looking at 67 Beetles that have sold recently on eBay you are right. It might be a little high, but not so much that it’s unlikely a deal couldn’t be reached. As always, buy the best car you can afford, it pays off in the long run. That looks to be the case with this one, it seems like it could be driven and enjoyed immediately, that’s worth something.
Steve R
I have seen several that were even prize winners at competitions for 7-10,000
All I would do to this Beetle is: replace the bumpers with originals or quality reproductions, install the correct front seats (unless this is a very early ’67, the seats should have release knobs on the sides of their backs), re-cover the rear seat, and paint the wheels in their correct colors. For those who are curious, check out http://1967beetle.com/one-year-only/ for a list of one-year-only parts; there are a lot of ’em! Potential buyers are also wise to inspect the battery tray and spare tire well.
I never should have gotten rid of my ’67 Beetle. If only I was able to bring this one home…
Wast makes it “de Lux ” ?
Is the front lid not closed all the way in a few of the pics or is something ‘off’ (i.e. that front end collision that Bob mentioned)? There appears to be a ever-increasing gap between the body and lid on the passenger’s side.
Trunk picture on Craigslist shows smooth edges and paint on the taped off rubber seals. Think maybe they didn’t latch the lid after taking the picture. An upholstery kit and new rubber trim and you’ve got something here.
Trunk lid looks like there’s a dent in it? Or just the light? As I recall, ’67 was the high-water mark in US Beetle sales. Good thing too, because, having had a ’67, I can tell you there are a LOT of one-year-only parts, including most of the body. The doors, hood & engine cover will not interchange with another year. Still, looks like a pretty solid car. Hopefully it finds a good home & a can of Never-Dull.
If the top went down I would be all over this.
Some might think the price is high but the VW line in general has done nothing but go up!! I see this as a good drivable investment!!!!
Pic her apart boys..All the tire kickers show up. She is still a keeper.
This ’67 Bug looks nice, the only thing I’ve notice is the front bumper is not the original style but that can be remedied. My first VW bug was also a dark blue ’67 as well. I believed that the 1967 Beetles were the BEST Beetle that VW made. Came with 12V electrical system and a larger engine-1500 I think. I managed to keep it for 20 years after I bought it in 1969 for $700 with as I recalled 145,000 miles and the engine was still tight and smooth. The only “mod” I had was the Saphire am/fm radio with a “Huge” 10 ounce magnet for the speaker…WOW! Such a before it’s time BOOMBOX ON WHEEL. This car had great memories attached to it…i met my high school sweetheart and later married her as well. Too bad old “Bertha” died of rust after 20 years. Sadly my sweet heart passed away 10 years after that :( I gladly buy this car except the asking price is way too steep!
I bought my step son a ’67 with a sliding sunroof from a VW garage owner friend of mine for, I think it was, 750 bucks ,back in 1992. No sooner had he had it that some cholos relieved him of it.and proceeded to paint the near perfect Robins egg blue with rattle can grey primer. The cops will never find it now I’m sure they thought. 5-0 got on the miscreants chop chop and eventually returned the car to the kid. A few weeks later one of the cholos appeared at my son’s apartment asking for his sweatshirt and some stuff they had stashed on the floor! Instead of a good beating, he gave them back their stuff! Go figure..
9500.00..wow.
I’ve got a 67 Bug I’ve had for 38 years.It was my daily driver for the first 15 years.
67 has always been my favorite year. It’s been a great car. It now has over 300,000 miles on it. I’ve rebuilt everything over the years. People always want to buy it. $9500 is reasonable depending on just how original it is and how well it runs and drives. I’d check out the front end carefully.
Actually, they’re not that bad so long as the mounting points are solid. My brother & I replaced the whole unit on his first Ghia after it kissed a curb & got bent. The worst part is swapping over the torsion leaves, & getting the gearbox set just right. Took a good solid weekend, tho.
Definitely a negotiable price. They did say or B.O.
My 1st VW was a used ’68 square back station wagon, I purchased in ’69..
On a trip to Palm Springs, from L.A. around ’74. The headers over-heated. Couldn’t get more than 35MPH.on the freeways. Returned to L.A. & took it into the VW dealership. I was shocked to find it under warranty, due to problems VW had, with this defect. After the car was repaired, VW turned the side louvers facing front, so the air could cool the engine better.
My next VW was a new ’69 Karmann Ghia, followed by a new ’76 Beetle. That car was equipped with a Blaupunkt radio. Great sound…
Last was a new ’77 white-on-white-on white super Beetle convertible. Retailed for $5200. Came with reverse chrome wheels & gold pin stripes..As many of you recall, back in the day, there was no price negotiation.You bought it for sticker. O.K.. Maybe you could get them to drop the price $5.00. LOL!!
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