1971 Volkswagen Beetle

Description

Sometimes, you just can't go wrong with the basics. This nicely finished 1971 Volkswagen Beetle isn't wildly modified, but rather faithfully restored to make it stand out in the crowd without altering its time-tested character as a classic car icon. Featuring a feisty 1600cc engine, quick-shifting 4-speed gearbox, and a sweet two-tone color combination, this Bug is fully sorted and ready to go. As one of the most beloved cars of all time, this Beetle shows you just how easy it can be to make a good car, great.

Orange-and-Black is always a top choice for a two-tone presentation, heck, Harley-Davidson built an empire around it. The contradicting shades highlight the Beetle's trademark curves, but to really do it right, you need to make sure the car is 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 nice and fit, knowing the vivid Orange over Black presentation would pull in a lot of attention. Granted, that paint and bodywork was done several years ago by the looks of things, and this Bug was always meant to be a driver, but it still looks very exciting in person. Everything has held together quite well, 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 ever since. 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 splits the two shades, and the black finish has metal flake mixed in to help things pop. All the chrome and brightwork is in good shape overall too, including the bumper, hood trim, and even the two dual exhaust tips that exit out the back. In a sea of custom, lowered, chopped, shaved, and modified Beetles, this one stands out in a refreshing way.

The restored interior continues the two-tone theme, handsomely finished in basic black-and-orange vinyl upholstery on the seats and door panels that still looks great today. Matching black carpets, a crack-free black dash, and a taut black headliner make it feel young again, and the new OEM 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 newer Panasonic AM/FM/CD stereo system that fits well and sounds great, and an EMPI T-Handle shifter was installed and makes things a lot more fun when you're banging through the gears. Up front, the trunk has been properly finished in matching black carpets and offers plenty of storage space.

The 1600cc flat-four under the boot is one of VW's best, and the air-cooled motor runs and drives like a sewing machine. It's fed through dual SU-style carburetors, sporty air cleaners, a modern crank alternator making the electricity, and fresh-looking plugs and wires that all work together to make it go. Underneath, the chassis is in good order and the floor plan looks solid. 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. Bright 15-inch VW alloys add some flash, and they're wrapped in staggered 145/15 front and 215/70/15 for that perfect 'big-and-little' look and raked stance.

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!