Never is a strong term to use in conversations as it implies something absolute, but the seller of this 1973 VW Beetle goes there and claims his car has not ever been operated in the snow, salt, or even the rain. Maybe that’s accurate, and even if the car has splashed through a stray puddle every now and then the day after a rain shower it still looks pretty remarkable on the outside to be 50 years old. Others seem to agree, as 27 bids have taken the price just past the $7,000 mark so far, and if you’d like to get in on the action the Bug can be spotted here on eBay. That’s still not enough for it to exchange hands yet as the reserve hasn’t been reached, so head on up to Linden, Michigan if you want to check this one out in person before deciding how much you’re willing to spend.
The seller says he’s the third owner and that for the past quarter century, the car has been maintained by a local VW shop. The blue we’re seeing outside is said to be the original factory paint, with the most serious defect mentioned being a few stone chips up front under the bumper, and although we don’t get a close-up photo of this specific area there’s a good assortment of shots that seem to show a body and finish that’s seen exceptional care throughout the last five decades. The trim is also looking good as are the wheels, and there’s a new set of Continental tires all the way around.
Things appear to be in good order inside the engine bay, with the entire compartment receiving a new seal around it recently. Maintenance performed during the past 6 months includes a new Bosch alternator, new oil cooler seals, plus the addition of electronic ignition. The shifting department has been given attention as well, including a new transmission mount along with a fresh clutch and throwout bearing. There’s also been a recent oil change and valve adjustment, so hopefully, this one’s ready to hit the road without any major mechanical work necessary for the foreseeable future.
Not a whole lot is specifically stated about the interior, but it seems to present nicely and be in overall well-preserved condition for its age. A couple of items included with the sale that have not been installed yet include new back seat covers and a rubber floor mat, which covers both the front and rear areas. This one appears like a very nice driver throughout, and it’ll be interesting to see how much higher the price will have to climb before that reserve disappears. Any idea where that number might be set?
My neighbor had one exactly like this when I was in HS. I had a 72 Super Beetle but his was the standard. Compared to my car his ran so good which was a mystery being they were mechanically identical. As a kid I didn’t know much about the intricacies if the carburetor like I do now but one of the worse things you can do is install A Bosch 009 distributor on a dual port 1600 with the Solex PICT34-3 carburetor. If I only knew then what I know now.
Good clean beetles are getting harder to find. Especially on the east coast. When I moved to California for a construction job I got the itch for a Beetle again. Found a 71 Super Beetle in San Diego and mechanically and cosmetically restored to be a nice driver. Bought a factory long block which you could still do 15 years ago. Bought a Solex twin carb conversion and a good SVDA distributor and a quiet pack exhaust. Engine ran really well but I wanted a little more. Swapped the carbs for a Weber IDF kit. More power good driver but I still wanted more. Still own the car now but it’s powered by a SOHC 2.5L Subaru engine with a Rancho Performance transaxle. Used to commute 30 miles back and forth from work while still getting over 30mpg in a car fast enough to surprise people. Now it sits in my garage waiting for a restoration. Hopefully someday.
Wow what memories. We had a good family friend that had one the same color as this. Not sure what year it was, but I think it was a 73 or 74. This really looks like a good one to buy. I agree with Alphasud its really getting hard to find good clean VWs.
When I returned from Vietnam I bought a new VW ,I thought I was doing the sensible thing for my wife and I and maybe a growing family. It was a great car, a good choice and practical. I don’t understand to this day why I didn’t buy a Muscle Car. Probably the last time in my life I was practical about my automotive choices!
As someone who was a young’un in the ’80s a lot of people I knew had these as first cars. They were ideal first cars in the ’80s: cheap on gas, easy to work on, cheap to insure, not enough horsepower to get a teen or early 20s driver in trouble. The only thing it was really kind of lacking in was occupant protection compared to heavyweight 1960s-70s Detroit iron.
OMG. I thought I could edit but accidently reported my own comment!!! Sorry guys I was in a rush for family dinner!
Great little cars, I’ve owned 6-8 of them. My first was a 67 I paid $200 for because it wouldn’t start. Found out all it needed was the switch oiled, it would stick before it got to the start position. Really liked my 73 Super the best, 65 hp dual port, rack and pinion steering, curved windshield. Drove like a go cart. At one time I was know as the guy with all the VW’s in the yard, had several drivers and parts cars. Finally got tired of them and sold everything. Prices have really skyrocketed the last few years as originals are getting harder to find.
I bought a 1973 bug brand new in January of ’73. Same color and all, loved that bug.
They Sold like Hotcakes in our Store to college students I’ve seen our old dealer sticker coast to coast on these Beetles.
Lots of fond memory’s our family of 7 packed into 1 Beetle 3 kids in back & 2 in the luggage space behind rear seat mom & dad up front – we’d get out at Church on Sundays like a circus 🎪 clown car unloading.
It sure was an attention grabber for the community.
The annual River Cade on Missouri River Raft race we entered a Beetle as publicity stunt & the local press ate it up.
Yes they do float very well.
Drove one in College also only real draw back is winter heating it takes awhile to warm up for sure but snow & ice? The rear engine set up allows maximum traction and the front end rides up over the snow increasing rear traction to drive wheels in rear.
The unibody design has amazing crash protection as well really just a solid design.
It’s a Michigan car lots of road salt so if it wasn’t driven in winter that’s great.
Only thing I’d do is have it rust proofed a service we offered under coating & interior panels & frame box rails w/long spray wands thru key holes we’d drill then washer bolt close.
Maybe that’s why in the U.S. you’ll still see our old Beetles coast to coast with our old dealer sticker.
It’s Worth every penny.
I bought a brand new VW in 1967 while serving in the U S Army in Germany for $1,400.00 with only a radio extra. Brought it home in 1969 with about 30,000 miles for $3,500.00 cash and I thought I made a good deal…….
Had a 71 standard Beetle. Was the 4th owner. Had the engine rebuilt, new clutch & throwout bearing. Car whistled at idle. Added a blower for more heat in the winter.
Put over a 100,000 miles on her between school and work. Paid 2500 initial cost, another thousand with the overhaul. Yellow exterior wirh black buckets/interior. Best car I ever owned. Only oil changes. This brings back great memories with the bug I had. This one pictured probably will fetch upwards of 10g.
In 1973 I was 19. The basic Beetles retailed for $1,999. I wanted a Robin’s egg blue one like this one but they were out of stock locally (Pasadena, CA). When the VW I wanted arrived, the sticker price went up to $2,060. I bought it of course. I was working on a loading dock at the time making about $3 an hour, and going to school. The $61 increase felt like a big hit!