1969 Volkswagen Beetle

Description

Sometimes, you just can't go wrong with the basics. This nicely finished 1969 Volkswagen Beetle isn't wildly modified, but bright red paint definitely makes it stand out in the crowd. It also offers the charm of the early, pre-Super Beetle era, including small marker lights and a flat windshield, which are preferred by collectors.

Bright red paint looks right on the trademark Beetle curves, but to really make it shine, you need to get a straight one. Unfortunately, a lot of folks don't think VWs are worth the restoration investment, and that's why you need a good, clean original. Even though the paint is now a few years old, it's obvious that this was always a good, clean southern car and the paint has held up quite well despite this being a car that's hard to resist when the sun is shining. Paint is showing some age, but once you're behind the wheel you're not going to complain. Overall, this unmolested Beetle fits together extremely well (although the stories of Beetles being able to float due to exceptional seals in the doors are probably just myths), and the doors open and close with just a light touch. There's a single strip of bright trim running the length of the body that dresses it up, and the bumpers were painted to match, giving it a bit of a custom look that we like a lot.

The interior is handsomely fitted with reproduction black seat covers on the original high-back bucket seats. Black door panels, a new set of black carpets, and a repainted dash make it feel young again, but you can't shake the wonderful vintage feeling of grabbing that big, thin-rimmed steering wheel and stubby 4-speed shifter. The simple single gauge offers speed and fuel level, but precious little else, but these cars tend to be so reliable that keeping a constant eye on them isn't really necessary. There's a newer Panasonic AM/FM/CD stereo head unit that updates the sound system and carpeted floor mats help keep it tidy. Up front, the trunk offers a bit of storage space as well as a full-sized spare tire and jack assembly. Overhead, there's an expensive-looking black canvas convertible top that folds easily and seals up well, which is a VW hallmark. For an inexpensive car, it sure doesn't feel cheap!

The 1300 cc flat-four has obviously been recently reworked and drives superbly today. There's a rebuilt carburetor, recent ignition tune-up parts, and a custom pulley on the crank, and it lights off almost instantly when you turn the key. It still makes all the right sounds, and the smooth-running engine easily keeps up with modern traffic out on the road. Underneath, the chassis is quite clean thanks to living in a warm climate, and this is one of those rare Beetles that has not been endlessly modified over the years. Instead, it has a stock suspension, brakes that are surprisingly effective given its light weight and modest performance, and even a proper OEM-grade muffler that generates the trademark VW whistling exhaust note. Blacked-out wheels look a lot like vintage Minilites, which were popular back when this car was new, and they wear rather larger 195/65/15 blackwalls that give it a nice ride and handling boost.

Beetles still represent a huge amount of fun for the money, and this cute convertible is one of those simple little cars that has simply been properly maintained and cherished all its life and offers a lot of fun for the money. Call today!