1978 Volkswagen Super Beetle Karmann

Description

With VW Beetles becoming legitimate collectors' items, you're seeing more and more of them with high-quality restorations like this 1978 Super Beetle convertible. More than just thrifty transportation, this is a fun vintage ragtop with iconic status that's the equal of anything this side of a '57 Chevy, and it's been finished to an impressive level that belies its affordable price tag.

No, there weren't any Beetles in showrooms that looked this good in 1978. Thanks to a repaint in 2008, it wears a glittering coat of BMW Sonoma Red, which is definitely a luxurious-looking color, even on the rounded VW's body. The paint captures a depth and shimmer that looks expensive and takes the humble VW up a few notches in the desirability scale, and showing up in this one means attracting a crowd. With just three owners (well, two if you count the same family), you know it's had a good life and the owner reports that it has always been kept in a garage and not exposed to the elements. Super Beetles received some much-appreciated upgrades, including a curved windshield, longer wheelbase, and a revised front suspension that markedly improved ride and handling. As a result, if you're going to drive your VW, a Super Beetle is an outstanding choice. Add in some bright chrome bumpers, just a bit of stainless trim, and the traditional "VOLKSWAGEN" badge on the engine cover and you have one flashy Beetle.

Those deeply sculpted bucket seats are obviously not standard equipment, but they sure are comfortable! The entire interior was upholstered to match, offering tan vinyl that's a wonderful upscale complement to the Sonoma Red paint job. Door panels, side panels, and the rear seat were all covered so it looks very OEM, and with a set of matching tan carpets, the interior has a very high-quality feel. The controls are all still stock, including the round speedometer and traditional 4-speed shifter, although the 3-spoke steering wheel is a sporting touch that works well with the upgraded seats. An AM/FM/CD stereo was installed, along with powerful speakers in custom kick panel enclosures, so you'll have exactly the right soundtrack to match your new Beetle. The tan top fits well and hides under a matching boot, and thanks to the repositioned spare tire of the Super Beetle, there's plenty of room in the fully upholstered trunk.

The 1600 cc flat-four was rebuilt in July 2013 and has about 200 test and tune miles on it, so your worries about reliability are unnecessary (it IS a VW after all). Everything in the engine bay was tidied up while it was apart, and while it's not quite show-car perfect, it's clean and orderly with lots of new equipment. Originally fuel injected, it has been retrofitted with a carburetor that may add a few ponies and improves drivability. All the critical duct work has been replaced and the exhaust system sounds right. This was a frame-on restoration, so one glance underneath will tell you all you need to know about how well-kept this car truly is, because everything is in very good condition. The final update is a set of polished Minilite-style wheels, which carry 195/65/15 Goodyear Eagle radials for a sporty stance.

This is a really nice Beetle convertible, ready to go. Do you really need to know more? Call today!