1973 Volkswagen Beetle

Description

Sometimes, you just can't go wrong with the basics. This nicely finished 1973 Volkswagen Beetle isn't wildly modified, but has rather been faithfully restored to make it stand out in the crowd without altering its basic, time-tested character as a classic car icon. Featuring a new 1600cc engine, a rebuilt transaxle, and a sweet color combination, this Bug is fully sorted. As one of the most beloved cars of all time, this Beetle 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 it looks great. Granted, that paint and bodywork was done a long time ago by the looks of things, but it's obvious the work was done to a high standard at the time. Everything has held together quite well since, and the solid driver-quality presentation you see today is the direct result of those efforts years ago coupled with great care from loving owners throughout the years. 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 good shape overall. In a sea of custom, lowered, chopped, shaved, and modified Beetles, this one stands out in a refreshing way.

The restored interior was handsomely finished in basic black and still looks solid today, using factory-style woven vinyl seat covers that will probably outlast us all. Matching black door panels, a plush set of black carpets, and a refreshed dash make it feel young again, and the new Banjo steering wheel is big enough to make the manual steering feel light and direct, which is by design. The simple dual-gauge set-up 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 retro-style AM/FM/AUX 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 jack assembly.

The 1600cc flat-four is reported to be new, and the freshly built air-cooled motor runs and drives like a sewing machine. There's an open-element air cleaner up top, a modern crank alternator making the electricity, new pulleys, and a fresh carburetor to make it go. Underneath, the chassis is in good order after the right floor pan was replaced, with only light surface scale on the other original parts that's in good shape. 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 stock 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. Black Minilite-style wheels look very sporty and are wrapped in 15-inch blackwall radials with plenty of tread left for 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!