Surprise Packet: 1965 Volkswagen Beetle

This 1965 Volkswagen Beetle is an optical illusion. It appears to be an unfinished project, and that is partially true. However, it is far closer to completion than this photo suggests, leaving scope for its new owner to personalize their ride. It’s worth taking a close look to decide which path you would take. The seller has listed the Beetle here on eBay in Leesburg, Florida. The solitary bid of $3,000 sits below the reserve, although there is plenty of time remaining for the situation to change.

The seller located this Beetle on the dry plains of Colorado. They indicate that it sat exposed to the elements for forty years, developing a weathered, baked appearance. They dragged the car home, dismantling it to perform a meticulous restoration. As can be seen in the images, the car’s underside received plenty of TLC, and any panel rust was eliminated utilising as much Volkswagen steel as possible. With new floor pans installed and the rest of the metalwork complete, they had to decide how to complete the exterior. They decided to forego fresh paint, protecting the Beetle’s weathered look beneath a coat of epoxy sealer. However, they replaced the running boards, seals, rubbers, and other perishable items. Most of the trim is original, but the wheels wear sparkling new hubcaps. The winning bidder could preserve the VW as-is, but there is scope to repaint it to recapture its factory appearance.

The seller didn’t focus exclusively on the body when undertaking this build. They handed the 1,192cc air-cooled flat-four and the four-speed manual transmission to a renowned Florida specialist, who rebuilt both. The motor would have produced a modest 40hp in its prime, and this fresh powerplant should match that figure. The electrical system is now 12-volt, while the Beetle also features an adjustable front end, new hubs, brakes, and tires. That leaves no work for the buyer to undertake, because everything is refreshed. That means that this Beetle is a turnkey proposition that will provide immediate motoring pleasure.

The theme set by the exterior continues inside this Beetle. The steel carries various shades of aged paint, which adds to its inherent character. However, the build included a complete retrim in the correct Black leatherette. There are a couple of dirty marks that would wipe away, but that’s as bad as it gets. The upholstery looks perfect, there is no carpet wear, and I believe the wheel may also be new. There’s no doubt that refreshing the paint would return the interior to a pristine state, and even if the buyer leaves the exterior untouched, that path would provide a striking contrast.

In its current form, this 1965 Volkswagen Beetle is dripping with character. It has generated enormous interest since hitting the market, and I believe the bidding action will intensify in the coming days. The seller has brought it to a point where the winning bidder could enjoy this classic in its current form for decades. However, the lure of fresh paint to recapture its former glory may prove irresistible to some. That prospect sounds tempting, but this Beetle is guaranteed to draw crowds in its current form. That’s why I probably wouldn’t change a thing. Do you agree?