The VW Type 1 (aka Beetle) may be the most produced automobile ever at 21.5 million copies. That’s 50% more than the Ford Model T of the early 20th Century. The first production “Bug” was built in 1949 and would continue through the end of the line in 2003. For whatever reason, the seller has accumulated at least nine of these little cars in drop-top fashion, all of them built in the 1970s. If you were to stroke a check for all of them, that would set you back nearly $120,000. They’re available here on craigslist and can be viewed in person in Miami, Florida.
From all indications, each of the seller’s Beetles is in great condition. No mention is made of any originality vs. restoration work. But considering that most Beetles have since disappeared into landfills, you’d have to think these vehicles have received some attention. Let’s do a quick snapshot of each Bug by model year:
1970 VW Beetle (Red) — $13,500. Type 1s built for the U.S. market were treated to 1,600-cc air-cooled engines that were rated at 57 hp. A new “luxury” package was available, but there’s no indication it applies to the seller’s car.
1971 VW Beetle (Orange) – $14,500. The Super Beetle was introduced this model year. A rework forward of the windshield (a hood with a greater bulge) resulted in 43% more luggage capacity. And the front suspension was reworked compliments of MacPherson struts.
1972 VW Beetle (Blue/White) — $12.500. The rear window was enlarged by 11% to help with visibility out the back. Production numbers would finally top those of the Ford Model T.
1973 VW Beetle (two: one Green, one Brown) — $11,900 or $13,500. The taillights got bigger, sometimes referred to as “elephant feet”. The bumpers started getting big, too, on U.S. models to adhere to changing Federal safety standards.
1975 VW Beetle (Yellow) — $12,900. U.S. models received Bosch Hl-Jetronic fuel injection and catalytic converters to run on unleaded fuel. The Super Beetle would be rebranded as the La Grande Bug in N.A.
1979 VW Beetle (three: one Blue, one Red/White, and one Yellow) — $13,500 each. This would be the last year of production of the convertible Beetle for any market and sales of the Beetle itself in the U.S. and Canada. They continued to be built for other markets through 2003.
Unusual collection. I like.
If you’ve never owned a Beetle raise your hand? Anyone? No one? Now, if your Beetle had adequate heat raise your hand. Anyone? Again, no one. Class dismissed.
Actually, I owned a ’74 Beetle in southern Arizona, and I can attest to the fact that the heater worked exceedingly well – in the summer!
My 74 Super Beetle has a pretty good heater and even a 2 speed fan for the defroster. My 79 bus also had a pretty good heater. I know what you’re saying though, because I owned a 59 and a 64 in high school and would only start feeling warmth upon arrival to my destination.
Had a Karmann Ghia. The heat worked very well. Every now and then tho, exhaust fumes would get in and I’d have to crack a window.
Unmentioned here is that all but the 1970 model, are based on the Super Beetle (1301/1303, post-1973). What’s the difference? Supers all have McPherson Strut front suspensions – with less robust control arms, and a rollbar/positioning anchor, for the front. The standard Beetle had the original-design axle with integral torsion-bar suspension. The Super was more roadable, but subject to expensive periodic rebuilds of the struts. It had more trunk space, but is deemed less collectible by enthusiasts.
From 1973 on, the Super/Cabriolet had the deeply-curved windshield, and a dashboard suggesting that of a more-normal car of the period. IMHO (and I owned a 1972 Super) the curved windscreen took a lot of character out of the package.
Also, FWIW, Supers do NOT lend themselves to Baja-Bug or dune-buggy conversions – not without a lot of adaptation and a conventional front axle. The strut suspension is nowhere near as rugged as the original design.
Just know what you’re bidding on.
Had a ’66 Bug- except for the 6V electrics I believe it was the best of them all. Ended up with jugs out of a ’65 Type 3 1500S with domed pistons and she could fly out to the North Shore. Minor note- bugs first produced in 1938, but not on the road in large numbers until the late 40’s. That pesky little WWII got in the way!
The most produced vehicle in history is the playskool tot car. The VW factory was pretty busy as well though.
I thought Fiat was the most produced car, the cinquo cinquo.
Well my 69 I got from my uncle, after fixing the heat exchangers it had good heat. Not enough to keep flour and defrost going at same time but one or the other. Cold feet clear windshield