The Volkswagen Type 1 (aka Beetle, Bug) was the world’s most-produced automobile. From 1938 to 2003, the air-cooled version saw 21.5 million copies built and sold all over the world. Seen less often than the little coupe is the convertible like this beautiful 1969 edition that may only need tires and brakes. Located in Seattle, Washington, the West Coast lifer is available here on craigslist for $15,500. An attaboy goes to “Curvette” for the tip!
Total Beetle production exceeded one million units in 1969 alone. Which is likely one reason why U.S. automakers were all in a hurry to add their own subcompacts in the 1970s. Yet less than 16,000 of these are thought to be rag-tops, and we don’t know how many of them were exported to the U.S. With its rear-mounted, air-cooled 4-cylinder engine and a 4-speed manual transmission, these were (and still are) fun little cars to buzz around in.
This Beetle has only resided in Montana and Washington during its 57 years. The odometer has rolled over, suggesting the mileage is 157,000, but the cosmetics and mechanical bits don’t show it. All of the sheet metal is original, and there is no rust or dents. We’re told the red paint was reapplied, but that was years ago, and it still presents well with a black top and grey interior. The upholstery was redone some time back, too.
The little engine is said to do its job well, and some bling has been added along with a Solex carburetor. The 4-speed is also up to snuff, but the brakes and tires may need refreshing, and there’s some issue with the gas cap door to sort out. Since most of the 1960s Bugs have long since gone to the big automobile graveyard, this one looks like a great survivor-ish edition.
Did a ground up restoration on a rust free car that included AC and complete replacement of the interior and top. Husband wanted to surprise his wife on her birthday with a”new” Beetle. While he and wife were out for her birthday dinner we put the car in his big carport with a big red bow and a birthday card on the hood. Car was white on white on white so it was pretty bright around there.
What a delightful and charming story!
That had to have been the most memorable present she ever got!!
Sounds really nice.
This one looks great.It would be fun to run around town with the top down for sure.
Husband said wife went nuts when she saw it. It was about 10 pm and she jumped in and drove around the neighborhood blowing the horn. First call we got next morning was from her.
My friend had one of these, he said when he had the top down and a semi truck came towards him on a two lane road it made him drop about twenty miles per hour as it came by.
Have to drop a gear to compensate !
Very fair price for one of the solid model years. Great find and write up
Nice car, worth the asking price in good condition value is only going up
As is the case for all makes, the rag top versions sell faster than hard tops. GLWTS.
This is a “super beetle” which means it drives/handles a lot better than a beetle, but they are worth a little less. Later one have a curved windshield. Because it is a convertible one needs to check carefully for rust.
Negative. Super Beetle didn’t come out until ’71 and had a more bulbous nose to accommodate the MacPherson front suspension and roomier trunk. Engine would be a 1500 single port, rather than a 1600 dual port, unless it’s been upgraded (very likely, judging by the shiny bits). My brother & I have been playing with these cars since the late 70’s and know them inside out. Oddly enough, I’ve never been fortunate enough to get a Super Cabrio for myself. Whenever one was available either funds or storage have been an issue. Hopefully that changes when I retire, and I can find a decent one for reasonable money. :)
Super nice looking bug, great way to get into the hobby or try something different.
Awesome.
bobhess: How do I get on your good side?