The classic air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle is one of those cars that come in all sorts of configurations and specifications. It’s really a matter of personal taste in terms of which Bug appeals to you the most, and if you’re like me, the early models with the iconic oval rear windows (or even split windows!) are the most desirable. On the flip side, some Beetle connoisseurs prefer the models that come closer to the end of the production run, when VW introduced all sorts of cosmetic and comfort features to modernize the driving experience, like this 1978 Beetle convertible listed here on eBay.
One thing air-cooled Beetle fans are known for is their love of accessories (some, not all.) If you were alive and breathing when the Beetle was in its prime, there were all manners of catalogues devoted to customizing your Bug. Even today, you still don’t have to look that hard to find ways to add a personalized touch to you Bug, from performance modifications that can make it a fire-breathing drag car to cosmetic touches that hone in on the flower-power theme so many Beetle owners still embrace decades after Woodstock. This brown Beetle convertible has its share of add-ons, like chrome fender extensions and accessory wheels, but it’s all reversible if the next owner desires.
The big news with these later Bugs is the cabin. Volkswagen made several important changes in the late production models that create a surprisingly modern look and feel. There’s the woodgrain trim on the dash, the clean radio surround, the updated steering wheel and gauge cluster. VW also added a padded dash, a curved windshield, high-back seats, a revised fresh air ventilation system, a new glove box door, better heater controls, and more. The convertibles even got a dome light on the rear view mirror. If you were looking to experience owning a Beetle but not sure which generation you’d enjoy most, the later cars like this one seem like a safer bet just on the basis of creature comfort improvements.
There were also major changes in the engine compartment, with later cars like this one adopting a Bosch L-Jetronic-style electronic fuel injection system. This made for easier cold starts and better performance overall, adding to the more modern feel of these late 70s Bugs. Horsepower was right around 50 b.h.p. and torque was a respectable 73 lb.-ft. The seller notes that the drivetrain runs smoothly and it shifts the way it should. A front lowering kit has been installed to level out the stance, and aside from swapping out the wheels for a set of Porsche-style Fuchs, I wouldn’t change much else about it. The seller is asking $16,000 or best offer.
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