The collectability of Beetles varies widely. Cars made in the 1950s, especially those with oval or split windows are prized. Immediate post-war examples have carved out a special niche – if you can find one. The ’60s cars have their fans, particularly the spritely 1966 1300. And then we have the ’70s, when Volkswagen, feeling the heat from competition, introduced the Super Beetle alongside its standard model. The Super’s bigger brakes, roomier interior, and modernized suspension may have pleased drivers of the day, but collectors slightly prefer the standard model. The VIN assigned to today’s example identifies it as a Super Beetle. But condition counts for a lot, and this car is quite nice. It is listed here on eBay in a no-reserve auction, currently bid to $10,750. The new owner can drive it home from Pompano Beach, Florida.
The seller tells us the car runs and drives like new, and it certainly looks the part. The air-cooled, 1600 cc flat-four engine has been professionally rebuilt, and we’re promised no leaks! The gearbox will be VW’s four-speed manual. By ’74, the car was capable of a zero to sixty time of about 20 seconds from its 60 hp – not swift, but the VW was always built to keep up with mainstream traffic, no more no less. In addition to the engine, the suspension was rebuilt. The odometer reads 14,580 but there’s no claim that it’s original. The odo may have been reset when the engine was rebuilt.
The tan and black interior is like new. The rear seats look just as good as the fronts, and the headliner is unblemished. The gearshift lever has been replaced with an aftermarket version, and someone added a cup caddy. The car comes with its owner’s manual and a pile of receipts. You all have read my articles for long enough to know that original documents are one of my favorite car accessories!
The paint, which is in superb condition, is said to be original. Not only is the paint great, but every seal we see in the photos appears near-new. Maybe the chrome hasn’t been polished on that rear bumper but if it’s marred, new ones are inexpensive. A few years ago, rear bumper shock brackets were very difficult to find for a ’74 Beetle; fortunately, these appear to be in good shape. Beetle prices have risen gently over the last few years, no matter the vintage, and if any ’70s example deserves a decent price, this is it.
Very, very nice car. But I do believe it’s been painted at some point. An exceptionally nice job was done though so unless hands on investigation proved otherwise it shouldn’t be a big deal.
The lead photo for this article makes this look like one of the prototypes for the ultra rare “expanded headroom” VW Beetles…
That is the curved windshield version of the Super Beetle. They all were that way starting in 1974. This is also the last year for the carbureted version, the ’75s came with Bosch fuel injection.
Fun fact..VW Super Beetles were one of the first cars with an onboard diagnostic system complete with the plug-in connector. What it tested , I’ve no idea and no doubt it was an analog system, but VW techs used it.
The floor pans were the downfall of the beetles in fact the entire VW line. The vin can be found on the floor pan between the front seats and if the floor is rusted out guess what? Fuel economy is nothing to write home about but comparing to other gas guzzlers of that era it was admirable. I’ve owned numerous VWs several convertibles my favorite by far was a 1967 with a Porsche motor. Talk about grabbing a tiger by the tail. FYI the Porsche morphed from the VW.
VIN beneath rear seat and front right shock mount.
The original Volkswagen Beetle, also known as the Type 1, was designed by Ferdinand Porsche.
Let’s see now a Super Beetle or the Thing for ’74…tough decision as which one is worth more.
Actually the 1973 Super Beetle is first year for the curved windshield and vin number is under left side of windshield. I know because I have one and mine has the factory sunroof. Great little cars, mine is daily driver!