Volkswagen had a quirky, charming, we-follow-our-own-set-of-rules image for many, many years. And their groundbreaking “Think Small” advertising campaign still looks fresh today. To thwart growing competition in the economy car field as the 70’s decade dawned, Volkswagen decided to expand their lineup in 1971 with a Beetle that was a bit longer, a bit wider, roomier (especially in the up-front storage compartment), and with the promise of a better driving experience. Instead of calling it the Beetle II or something more conventional, they named it the Super Beetle (probably with a wink and a nod thrown in). That name selection was so Volkswagen. My dad bought a new Beetle in 1965 and handed it down to me when he purchased a new ’73 Super Beetle. He loved that car and I can attest to the fact that after driving both, Dad’s Super Beetle was definitely a better driving, more comfortable car.
The Super Beetle Convertible was at the top of the price list at about $2,600 and here’s one that’s fresh off a recent restoration. Six colors were offered for the Super Beetle in 1972 and this one is showing off a pleasant shade of Marina Blue. The seller claims everything is in new or like new condition and has only been driven 17.8 miles since the nut a bolt frame-off restoration completed by Elite Customs in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Everything sparkles and shines and the new beige/off-white manual convertible top is a tasteful compliment to the Bug’s baby blue finish. One thing I noticed is that the spare tire has the standard silver-colored slotted wheels, but those aren’t present on the front and rear blackwall tires.
There’s still something charming and comforting about a Volkswagen Beetle’s interior. Especially a brand new one. The Bug’s cabin is spotless and the beige synthetic leather seats and door panels and carpeting look showroom new. This was the first year that Beetle’s had VW’s safety steering wheel with four padded spokes. I know it had to change in the name of safety, but I still prefer Volkswagen’s old-school steering wheel.
Even though the Super Beetle was 3.2” longer, 1.4” wider, and 100 pounds heavier than a standard Beetle, there was nothing Super-Duper about its engine. Super Beetles were still using the same 1600cc air-cooled 4-cylinder engine as standard Beetles, but behind a wider rear lid that now has 26 louvered vents. This one has the standard 4-speed manual transmission. Located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, this cute and clean ’72 Super Beetle Convertible is for sale here on craigslist for $30,000. A special thank you to Mallory D. for spotting this Baby Blue Beetle and sending it our way. It looks Super.
In looking online for the other differences between the regular and Super Beetle, I’m reading that the Supers are snubbed by the VW crowd. In fact anything post-’68 seems to be less desirable. Beautiful restoration but seems like collectability may be limited. Would make a nice fair weather runabout, but at the ask, there are lots of better options, unless you just have to have a “Bug.”
Very fine restoration but $30k? It’s still just a VW convertible. I don’t mean to diss the fine work but rebuilding it doesn’t always make it highly desirable. Having owned 7 Vdubs, 6 bugs and a square back, they aren’t all that fun to drive after you get past the initial uniqueness. Quite a bit of money for a cars and coffee vehicle. Lot of other cars I’d rather have…..
However, as always, just my opinion. To each his/her own.
Bug convertibles always looked frumpy to me. At $30k? Isn’t he into oval window money?
They’re dreaming !
My first convertible was a ’68 Beetle. It was Savannah Beige with a black top and beige interior. I drove the wheels off it for four years when I was in college. I would love to drive another one someday, so this car, even though it’s newer, sparks an interest for me. The price, however.
Wow, 30k, pricey. Back in “72 I purchased a a brand new super beetle convertible here in the states and flew to Osnabrook Germany at the factory where they make them. I paid less than 3k for it including shipping it back to the states. Had a ball with my new beetle putting over 10 thousand miles on it driving all over Europe. No speed limits on the German Autobahns, I was nearly getting run over @ 90mph by porches and Mersadie Benzes. Should have bought a Porshe to give those Krauts a run for the money.