1965 Volkswagen Beetle

Description

After years of being regarded as disposable, the vintage VW Beetle is now gaining ground as a legitimate collector vehicle. Early models like this 1965 coupe seem to command a premium, offering the original VW experience with a healthy dose of nostalgia. Restored several years ago, with an absolutely spectacular interior and a lot of fun period accessories, this lovely little Bug is a wonderful way to enjoy the greatest hobby on earth without a huge up-front investment. Nobody said that having fun in an old car has to be expensive, right?

Finished in an attractive and period-correct light green, this bright little Beetle is perhaps the world's most recognizable car. The paint and bodywork have been done to proper standards; not over-restored, but rather about what you'd get if you walked into a VW dealership in 1965 and took it home. Assembly quality was quite good, and the stories about Beetles being so tight they can float turned out not to be 100% true, but they do fit together quite well. Door gaps are flush, the hood fits snugly and doesn't wiggle out on the road, and the rear deck lid follows the body's contours precisely. Other cool details include the accessory roof-mounted luggage rack, bumper guards, headlight visors, and the popular small taillights that make the early cars so easy to spot.

For a low-priced car, the VW designers certainly gave the interior an upscale look. Materials and workmanship are extremely high quality throughout, and while accommodations are cozy, Bugs are always bright and airy inside. Beautifully fitted two-tone seat covers, tightly knit carpets, and crisply rendered door panels make is a pleasure to be behind the wheel. And speaking of the steering wheel, it is nicely restored and frames the simple instrument panel, which consists of a speedometer and separate fuel gauge, which is unique to early cars. Other cool details include the basket-like storage shelf under the dash, a newer digital AM/FM/iPod radio, and seat belts, which were still optional on many cars in 1965. The forward-mounted trunk offers decent storage space as well as a full-sized spare with correct remote inflation hose and a proper mat that shows off the VW's impressive build quality.

Beetles will take you anywhere you need to go, as long as you have the time. The 1300 cc flat-four makes modest horsepower, but as everyone knows, they're completely indestructible and reasonably peppy around town. This one has been rebuilt and nicely detailed, and shows only slight signs of use. It starts easily with that characteristic VW whistling exhaust note and you'll probably that driving it feels familiar after only a few miles. The carburetor wears a correct air cleaner and not some aftermarket piece, the big generator is still making electricity, and, and the ignition components look quite authentic. The underbody is remarkably solid and tidy with a nicely finished floor pan that doesn't show any of the usual issues, the brakes are rebuilt, and it rides on a newer set of wide whitewall radials on nicely painted wheels.

This high-quality Beetle is welcome at almost any vintage event, and it always puts a smile on the faces of the driver and passers-by alike. Call today!