If someone wrote a book on how not to sell a classic, they could utilize the listing for this 1966 Volkswagen Beetle 1300 as a prime example. From the limited images to the almost nonexistent description, an in-person inspection would be required to determine its relative worth as a project candidate. However, the seller is determined to send the VW to a new home and has listed it here on Facebook Marketplace in Santa Rosa, California. You could take it home for $12,000, and it is unclear whether the seller is flexible on their price.
Volkswagen performed one of its most significant updates to the venerable Beetle in late 1965. New body pressings and larger windows didn’t radically transform the appearance, but they did give the Humble Herbie a fresher look. This Beetle rolled off the line in 1966 and is a genuine mystery machine. The seller desribes the paint shade as “Brown.” That is obviously incorrect, but I believe that beneath the dust layer hides Savanna Beige, which joined the Beetle’s color palette in August 1966. The exterior looks pretty respectable, with a nice shine visible in most areas and no evidence of significant dings or dents. I would love to climb beneath the VW to check the floor pans. They are prone to rust, but this car’s dry location may have protected it from the dreaded tin worm. The trim looks pretty respectable, and there are no glaring glass issues. There are no clear interior shots, but it is worth noting that Volkswagen offered buyers a choice of two leatherette and one cloth trim option for those ordering their car in Savanna Beige. Condition? Unknown.
Apart from cosmetic updates, another new addition introduced by Volkswagen in late 1965 was the larger 1300 motor. Its capacity is actually 1,285cc, but the capacity increase boosted power to a factory-quoted 50hp. The rest of the drivetrain remained Beetle standard fare. The rear-mounted air-cooled four sent its power to the road via a four-speed manual transaxle, with economical fuel consumption remaining one of the car’s strongest selling points. The seller’s six-word listing description confirms that this car retains its 6-volt electrical system. Beyond that, we’re flying blind. It is unclear when this classic last moved under its own power, or whether it was roadworthy when parked. The list of questions continues to grow the further we delve into this Beetle.
This 1966 Volkswagen Beetle 1300 is an unknown quantity. The seller has done themselves no favors with their listing, making it impossible to determine whether it is a prime candidate for revival or restoration. That lack of information is almost certainly the main reason why it hasn’t sold after four weeks on the market. If I were genuinely interested, I would contact the seller to negotiate an inspection. Would you do the same, or is rolling the dice more your style?
I’d roll the dice…for $3k…and even that feels like a bit of a gamble. Lazy seller = low price. If you want $12k then act like it.
Ca. Black Plate – guarantee it’s some old hoarder based on the “treasures” around it – these guys are the hardest to deal with, they would rather die and let the estate take care of it (or not take care of it) then negotiate on a reasonable offer. Likely the lack of information is purposeful so they can draw you in to for an inspection and engage you where you make an offer and they stand firm on $12k (I know what I got!) . It appears to be solid car – but unless your local and want to invest in the time inspecting it – jacking it up to see what’s underneath etc. hard pass
California,,,has every disaster known to man affect them, including 5 figure VWs that have been sitting since the Ol’ Gipper was in charge. Perhaps the “0” key is malfunctioning, $1200 tops for the rest of the world. I’d like to rescind my greed comments, and more like desperation. People selling stored VWs in carports I doubt are greedy, just need money, and don’t really know what they have. To any Bug collector, the ’66 is one of the best Bugs, but never 5 figures. Shame, really, it’s an outstanding find, ’66 Bugs are pretty rare in this condition, I hope these people get a hold of their financial crisis, but better look for other ways to solve it than 5 figure VWs.
The larger windows started in 65, Savannah Beige in 67.
Why do people list photos with filthy cars with boxes in them? Be like making a dating app profile of yourself sitting on a toilet
It is not a 67 and they are out of their mind. The plate is worth more than the car.
It seems like every Bug that comes up for sale here has one of those roof racks but I don’t recall ever seeing one back in the day when these insects were everywhere. Not sure what’s up with that. Crazy asking price on this thing though, especially since the seller couldn’t even bother to clean it up, give much information, or take decent photos.
@AMC
Back in the day, (50s-70s) I’ve seen a lot of these with roof racks. Maybe it was a country thing and not suburbia.
I’ll bet someone inherited grandma’s old decrepit house with all this junk, and the VW. Probably, doesn’t even drive.
i just want the plates
Good floors and close to running? $3-4K in the Midwest.