Classics with a known ownership history will almost always attract plenty of attention when they hit the market, and this 1970 Volkswagen Beetle is no exception. The listing statistics suggest that many people like what they see and are willing to put their money where their mouth is. That is easily understood because it is a two-owner vehicle that recently underwent significant mechanical work to ensure it is a turnkey proposition. The seller has listed the Beetle here on eBay in Glendale, California. Bidding sits below the reserve at $3,450, although history suggests that figure will climb significantly before the auction ends.
Rarely does a vehicle manufacturer hit upon a winning formula that allows it to build the same car for decades while only performing evolutionary changes. The Volkswagen Beetle is one such vehicle, remaining in civilian production for almost six decades following the end of World War II. The body style received minor updates during this period, with the Beetle retaining its air-cooled flat-four mounted in the rear for the entire run. This 1970 example is a gem, with the seller purchasing the car from the estate of the first owner. Its paint shines beautifully, with no visible major flaws or imperfections. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and a life spent in California has allowed it to remain rust-free. The trim looks remarkably good for an unrestored classic of this vintage, and the glass is clear.
All Volkswagen Beetles left the various factories across the globe powered by an air-cooled, rear-mounted flat four. The capacity and available power increased as time passed, with our car featuring the 1,585cc version that sent 57hp and 82 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed manual transaxle when the Beetle was shiny and new. The seller claims that this gem has a genuine 91,000 miles on the clock, which appears to be supported by the comprehensive service records retained by the first owner. It recently underwent some significant mechanical work, including receiving a cylinder head rebuild, front and rear suspension work, a new wiring harness, and new brakes and lines. Any removed original parts have been saved and will be included in the sale. The Beetle runs and drives perfectly, and is ready to hit the road with the buyer behind the wheel.
The overall tidy presentation continues when we focus on the Beetle’s interior. The carpet is showing its age, and there are minor issues with the headliner, but the Black leatherette upholstered surfaces are in good order. Those seeking perfection will have no trouble sourcing a new carpet set and a headliner, and doing so would lift the appearance significantly. Nothing has waved the white flag in the face of the Californian sun, and an AM radio will provide entertainment on long journeys.
History is full of “sliding door” moments, and the automotive world is no different. Following the end of World War II, the occupying forces offered the entire Volkswagen concern to the Rootes Group as war reparations. However, the company could see no financial benefits, declining the offer. Today, the Rootes Group is a distant memory, while Volkswagen’s strength, built on the back of the humble Beetle’s success, allowed it to become the parent company for such marques as Audi, Seat, Skoda, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Bugatti. This 1970 Beetle is a wonderful survivor that helped to lay the foundations for that growth, and is a classic that its new owner could drive with complete pride. That makes it worth a close look.
Very nice, like the Volvo, very nice. I think the steam done fizzled on these too. Not too long ago, a decent Bug was almost $10gs, and I see at auction, the buses are way down too. Like the 544, this was the most refined Bug to come down the pike, and the last before the “Super Beetle” in ’71, I believe. This was a bare bones Bug, and was in AMCs cross hairs when they introduced the Gremlin. This car was the then least expensive car sold in America in 1970, @ $1879. The Gremlin undercut the VW by $40 @$1839, making it the cheapest car in America, no pun intended. I’m pretty sure that little extra tail light is called an “Autobahn light”, anyone?
The Volvo, a grand, this, from California, no less, struggling at $3550,,,you tell me.
Idk about calling it an Autobahn light, but that’s a rear facing fog lamp, required in the EU since 2000. They can be a single light, always on the driver’s side, or on both sides. Now days they’re built in to the tail lights, but they were add on units earlier, kind of like early third brake lights. Not required in the US, of course, but most European cars (maybe all) imported here have them. Many drivers (and owners) have no idea what they are or why they’re there
Thanks amos, reason I ask, is I had a friend with a BMW 2002 with one of those lights, and he called it an “Autobahn” light, because, it was brighter than the tail light and could be seen farther away from high speed vehicles.
i suppose it would be great on the autobahn as well, but made for fog use. it’s the same brightness as a brake light. typically most newer cars have them on both sides, but lower than the regular brake light (and of course without the center high brake light) so you can tell it’s not the brakes. but if it only has one, it’s on whichever side is the driver’s. here’s an interesting article: https://atlanticmotorcar.com/casestudies/rear-fog-lights/
Another great thing about this car: it has the spare-tire to the windshield washer tank pressure hose! you almost never see that, even on perfect restorations.
i think Drphlbrt below is correct, that’s actually a reflector. I’ve never seen a rear fog on something as old as a 1970, anyway. it’s hard to tell, but i don’t see any power running to it. but yes, there were add-on rear fog lights that could be put on older cars, and if this one actually lights that would be the answer.
The “long journeys” of my younger days in various VWs were often punctuated with minor or major engine rebuilds along the way. Fortunately they only cost a few hundred dollars and motels were cheap as cheeseburgers today. I loved the cars, though. Nothing like ’em. Only cars I ever drove for many years.
Had 4 of these. What happened to the other 20,000,000? You don’t see many of them nowadays.
Probably have to go to south america to see some of them.
That red lens on the left side is actually just a USA required reflector. The right side one is missing. The tail lights don’t have the correct amount of reflective lens in them, if any, so VW added the little ones bolted to the bumper brackets. Clean little bug. I’ve had 2 1970 beetles. Rebuilt one almost to a pan off, which I should have done but didn’t.
I thought it looked more like a reflector than an actual powered rear fog light, but i couldn’t tell if it was powered or passive. yes, if just a reflector you’re exactly right. and i’ve never seen a rear fog light on a 1970 vehicle, although sure it could be added on.
At the time I’m writing this the bug is sitting at $5,600. With almost three days left in the auction I think it’s going to hit four digits. Regardless, this is certainly a good clean example of how we motored in the day. Beetles were ubiquitous. Cheap to buy, maintain and so simple to work on. Just seeing this here in BF today certainly brings back memories. Thanks. GLWTS.
Are those two strips of beige tape on the passenger seat?
This car looks to be painted in the same shade of Savannah Beige that adorned my ’68 convertible. I would have never chosen this color, but it was my dad’s favorite, and I needed for him to co-sign on my first car loan, so my first convertible was a Savannah Beige Beetle. The color grew on me in time, and we spent some money dressing it up with Porsche wheel covers and some extra lights and such. My dad would never let me work on it, though. It was his baby.