1976 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible

Description

Ah, the lovable VW Beetle. You've probably spent the last 20 years thinking you could always pick one up for pennies and just never got around to it. Well the day has finally come when nice ones like this 1976 Volkswagen Beetle convertible are no longer disposable transportation, they're legitimate collectors' items. And they're still just as much fun as they were back in the good old days.

That cool aqua blue paint is a great choice for a VW Beetle, bright, cheerful, and highly visible, and in fact when this Bug was repainted a few years ago, they nailed the vintage '70s vibe. It's a great color, bold and vibrant without being too soft, and it would probably make a great parade vehicle in any regard. Despite their affordable price, these were always rather well-built little cars and even the convertibles like this one feel durable. Gaps are good, the doors fit with a solid feeling, and the body fits together quite well with a nice shine to the paint. It's not perfect because it's hard to resist driving a Beetle convertible on a sunny day, but it looks authentic and that's really what matters. The black rubber running boards are in good condition and the bright trim appears original. The chrome bumpers lend it an old-fashioned look that's all a part of the Beetle's enduring appeal. Easy to imagine hitting the beach in this one, isn't it?

The interior is standard Beetle fare, with high-back bucket seats wrapped in some of the most durable man-made materials ever invented. Matching door panels were probably replaced at the same time the rest of the work was done and the carpets are reproduction pieces that fit well. The simple instrument panel is VW engineering at its most basic, with big, clear numbers and an integral fuel gauge. Whatever the original radio may have been, it's long gone, replaced by a Sony AM/FM/CD/Bluetooth stereo head unit that sounds great when you're tooling around town in your bright turquoise Bug. The 4-speed shifter will feel familiar to anyone who has ever owned a Beetle before, and with a little practice, you'll be shifting like a pro. The forward trunk is nicely finished with a carpeted mat that fits well and gives it a very neat look. And there's a fresh white convertible top with glass rear window and headliner, giving the VW a far more expensive feel than you'd expect at this price level.

A standard 1600 cc flat-four provides power, and while performance is adequate, it's the way it goes about its business that makes the Beetle such a joy. It has good torque and a peppy demeanor, and with the lightweight body, it zips around without seeming to work very hard. It's pretty tight in there, but the original equipment is intact and it runs rather well, as Beetles tend to do when they're not neglected. The transmission shifts like it should and the underside is in very good order and ready for another few decades of fun. No surprises await you in the floors or rocker boxes, and the suspension feels buttoned-down and well-sorted. Shiny chrome wheels with hubcaps are a little wider than the stockers and they wear fat Coker wide whitewall radials that look awesome.

This is a fun, inexpensive car that delights everyone who sees it. Better move fast, though, because a lot of people are realizing how special these Bugs really are. Call today!