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 been freshened 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 blue 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 it looks great. 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 line of trim running the length of the body that dresses it up, and the rest of the chrome is in excellent shape overall. In a sea of custom, lowered, chopped, shaved, and modified Beetles, this one stands out in a refreshing way.

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 is big enough to make the manual steering feel light and direct, which is by design. 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, a new JVC AM/FM/CD stereo system that fits well and sounds great. Up front, the trunk has been properly finished in matching black rubber and offers a full-sized spare tire and wheel assembly with an extra hubcap.

The 1600 cc flat-four has been recently rebuilt by the owner, who is also a master VW mechanic. 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 although it's still probably not suitable for Minnesota in January. 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 used to own in college. It does have a fresh exhaust system with dual outlets, 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, new blackwall radials, and a no-nonsense look with improved road manners.

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