There are so many reasons why the Volkswagen Beetle was an enormous sales success, but one of the main reasons is that it was a car that proved to be essentially bulletproof. It has developed a cult following, and rust-free examples like this 1967 model are highly sought when they hit the market. This car has led a fortunate life, and it has allowed it to remain in excellent condition for its age. The owner has decided to part with a vehicle that he obviously loves, so he has listed it for sale here on Barn Finds Classifieds. It is located in Sayville, New York, and the owner has set the sale price at $13,000. However, he is willing to listen to reasonable offers from interested parties.
There’s a lot to unpack with this Lotus White Beetle, and everywhere that you look with it, the news appears to be positive. It has just emerged from hiding after spending the past two years in climate-controlled storage. The previous owner performed a complete body restoration around 4-years-ago and then sold the vehicle to its current owner. The result is that the car still presents beautifully, with only a few minor flaws for the buyer to consider. The paint shines impressively, with no visible marks or defects. The panels are excellent, with no dings or dents and absolutely no rust due to the Beetle having been kept in dry storage for the past 35-years. The glass is flawlessly clean, and the roof rack adds a cool and practical touch to the exterior. The faults that the owner mentions are minor and aren’t anything that would require immediate attention. The bumpers show some evidence of oxidization, and while they still look okay, a fastidious owner might choose to send them off to the platers for a refresh. There are a few dings and marks on the hubcaps, and it might be worth scouting around for some replacements. With those two items addressed, the exterior of the Beetle would look factory fresh once again.
From a mechanical perspective, there is nothing radical about this Beetle. It features a rear-mounted air-cooled flat-four engine that sends its 53hp to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transaxle. This is the second part of this car’s story that makes it such a tempting proposition for potential buyers. When the original owner completed its exterior restoration, he sold it to the current owner. He happens to be a VW Technician with 65-years of experience with these little classics, so he rolled up his sleeves and treated the car to a complete mechanical restoration. This means that it runs and drives as well now as it did when it rolled off the showroom floor. The buyer won’t need to spend a dime on this classic’s drivetrain. It will simply be a matter of slipping behind the wheel and hitting the road for a spot of enjoyable motoring. The interior is another aspect that won’t need a lot of work. The valance below the rear window has split, which is a common issue. It may be possible for an upholsterer to blind patch this, but replacing it would not be an expensive or difficult undertaking if the buyer wants to keep the vehicle looking factory fresh. Otherwise, all is well inside this little Beetle. It is important to note here that while the owner has a long history with a VW dealership, this little beauty is not being sold by that dealership. It is the owner’s personal transport, and this is purely a private sale.
This 1967 Volkswagen Beetle appears to have a lot to offer potential buyers, and it is a car that would attract attention wherever it went for all of the right reasons. They are renowned for their longevity, and with the restoration work that has already been performed, it holds the promise of years of enjoyable and reliable motoring for its next owner. It is 54-years-old, and it is in excellent condition. With the reputation that the Beetle has developed, I can’t see any reason why it couldn’t still be plying our roads in another 54-years. At the asking price, that has to make it a tempting proposition.
Beautiful car appears to be done right. As long as the restoration didn’t cover up the ugly and this one is solid underneath 13K is a very fair asking. You should have no problems selling in this market. 67 is also one of the most desirable years to own. First year with 12 volt electrics, last year for classic chair rail bumpers. First year 1500cc engine.
And last year for the low back front seats. I had a ‘67 and a ‘69 and would love to own this one. A daughter in college and a grandson both get my dollars instead of a play toy for me. GLWTS.
It’s a really well taken care of vehicle
Beautiful car. Only thing I would do is put back the correct tail light lenses.
67 Aussie Beetles had these lenses.
Also in Europe. People like to put these on there American cars to look different. I personally don’t like them and wouldn’t put them on my 67 Bug that I’ve had for 39 years. These cars are a blast to drive and 67s are very popular in the VW world.
Australian Beetles were a year behind everyone else’s.
However, Oz ‘68 Beetles had the modern bumpers. Front guards with the upright headlights can be matched to earlier models.
Tail lenses = gray market car 🚗
Or more likely someone changed them. Color change here wasn’t until 72 or 73. 73 I believe.
I’ve never seen a rust free Beetle, especially anywhere in the Northeast. I’d definitely check out the underside before buying.
Does anyone else remember riding in the “way-back” of these, in the cubby behind the seat?
As an inebriated 40 yr old? :)
Taillight lenses are standard European. The orange is for the separate turn signal vs. using the brake light for them. Used to put the European lenses on the Porsches just for kicks and giggles. Nice car here.
I was discharged from the Navy in 1967 and bought a brand new 1967 Beetle from the local dealership that was in the showroom for $1640 out the door. On a side note I installed a trailer hitch and pulled a 13ft Scotty Camper trailer with it. Great little car.
Ray,
I have a ’67 VW “bug” that I bought from the original owner in Germany back in the early ’80s. It has 28,000 kilometers (~18,000 miles), It is not only rust free but has five original tires, original paint, original brakes, original clutch, etc, etc! Everything on and in the car is original. I even have the original Kraftfahrzuegbrief (manufactures Statement of Origin)! So there are few rust free old VWs in existence even in the Northeast (I am in NH).
When selling a ACVW I wish people would do a simple cylinder compression test and include the results in the ad. The valve seats tend to sink into the heads, especially #3 exhaust, so the mileage on the heads would help also.
Why do people insist on painting over the fender welting? To me it’s a sign of cutting corners.
The welting is correct it is suppose to be body color.
I’m always taken that so many readers need to dump on great cars. Snarky guys bragging about unnecessary insights is the definition of a nerd. This Bug is sweet and Adam’s write up is as accurate and appreciative as always. I love BF’s love of cars; the sour old perspectives, not much.
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