1968 Volkswagen Beetle

Description

Sometimes, you just can't go wrong with the basics. This nicely finished 1968 Volkswagen Beetle isn't wildly modified, but has enough special touches to make it stand out in the crowd without altering its basic character. As one of the most beloved cars of all time, this car shows you just how easy it is to make a good car great.

Simple bright red paint looks great on the trademark Beetle curves, but to really do it right, you need to make it straight. Unfortunately, a lot of folks don't think VWs are worth the investment, but that's definitely not the case here. It's obvious that someone spent a lot of time and money getting the rounded bodywork as straight as possible, and there are zero ripples or waves in the finish. This one 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 pinstripe running the length of the body that dresses it up, and the chrome appears to have an excellent original patina. There's also a charming roof rack that's a desirable period accessory that really gives the Bug some personality, along with traditional headlight visors that were popular back in the day.

The restored interior is handsomely finished in basic black, using factory-style woven vinyl seat covers that will probably outlast us all. Fresh black door panels, a new set of black carpets, and a repainted dash make it feel young again, and the steering wheel has been wrapped in black leather to give it a somewhat more plush feeling. 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 is, however, an AM/FM stereo system that looks authentic and probably came with the car rather than being added sometime later. Up front, the trunk has been properly finished in matching black rubber and offers a correct spare tire that looks almost new.

The 1600 cc flat-four has been reworked some but doesn't stray too far from the factory specifications. There's a familiar air cleaner up top, a big generator making the electricity, and a fresh carburetor to make it go. All the original heater tubes and ducting are intact, so this VW is happy in cooler weather. Underneath, the chassis is in good order with only light surface scale that indicates that this Beetle has spent its life in a warm climate. No modifications, no questionable upgrades, just a solid, clean Bug that works just like the one you may have owned in college. It does have an upgraded exhaust system, which is probably the case with virtually every Beetle in existence today, and it motors down the road with that traditional VW whistling exhaust note that's so beloved. Factory wheels with chrome hubcaps, 165/80/15 radials and "Port-A-Wall" whitewalls offer a traditional look that's plenty flashy.

Beetles still represent a huge amount of fun for the money, and this one has been nicely restored and tastefully modified to enhance everything that makes these cars so special. Call today!