1975 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible

Bela Barenyi, an 18 year old Hungarian student, submitted a chassis design for a “Volkswagen” in 1925 and is recognized as designing the basic VW Beetle.  Ferdinand Porsche, an Austrian automotive engineer, created the Volkswagen Beetle after receiving a contract from Hitler in 1934 for prototypes.  The Beetle's air-cooled flat 4 engine was designed by Franz Reimspeiss not Ferdinand Porsche.  Even with 20+ million being built to date, he had less than twenty dollars for his work.

I'm happy to announce we have bugs here at Classic Auto Mall.  Oh certainly not the kind that you would swat at, but these were made in Wolfsburg Germany by the millions and infested the USA over the years.  This classic 1975 Super Beetle version is in nice restored condition, and just like the ads, dipped in our test lake,  although careful we have no way of getting you back, so you'll have to take the ads of the day's word for it.

Exterior
Menacing black covers all the curved panels and fenders, and presents nicely with some minute inclusions, fine scratches in places and a few chip offs near the running boards seen throughout.  Body panels all fit nicely, and even as late as 1975 VW Beetles were still utilizing the exterior non-integrated fender attached by running board design literally from the 1920's.  Chrome bumpers are nice , a bit of chrome chip off on the passengers headlight bezel but otherwise all shined up and nice.  Glass and surrounding trim is good and since this is an elephant footprint tail light car the first year of that introduction.  I guess the Dept of Transportation was “bugging” VW to make a change!  On top a black padded convertible top which was put on in 2015 when the car was painted.  A tonneau covering comes with the car and due to the top being so large with the padding, you can double use it as a pup tent.  Actually NAH, just pulling your chain.  The bug rides on black 8 wide spoke chromed center wheels with a nifty chrome edge trimming dish.

Interior  
Baaaaaaaah! says the sheep—skin high back bucket coverings, in a fuzzy gray tone.  All upholstery underneath is in good condition so the sheepskin is not hiding any faults.  You can assume seats are black and the rear bench is the pattern for the fronts.  The rear seats have added seatbelts and are in great condition.  Up front, a simple black dash with a single round gauge cluster in the middle of the dash and original steering wheel with the castle in its center hub.  An aftermarket AM/FM/CD player is mounted neatly into the dash front and a few knobs and pulls reside underneath this stereo.  The ash receptacle is missing so let's assume it's a non smoking vehicle.  Black carpeting for the floors and the passenger floor mat has a cute little bug printed on it giving you a smile!  Door panels are in black and are all clean and green…actually black!

Drivetrain
Our consignor states a complete engine rebuild was performed in 2015 and now this car flies.  As in it goes fast, not the kind you swat at.  Visually it is very clean with a chromed air cleaner covering and shiny drive belt wheel.   It is believed to be the original horizontally opposed air cooled 1600cc mill, with a 1 barrel carb atop.  There is a 4 speed manual transmission  and the rear axle has a 3.875 ratio.  New wiring, supple hoses and no corrosion on the aluminum pieces abounds in this rear engine bay.  Turn the key and flea...see what I did there?

Undercarriage
Up on the lift and it's showing off all rust free surfaces, a no drip bottom end of the 1600cc's, a clean exhaust, and solid stamped floor pans.  This car now sports 4 wheel disc brakes, and independent torsion bar front and independent swing axle, trailing arm torsion bar rear suspension.  New shocks were put on back this year, says the consignor.

Drive-Ability
A quick startup and I'm met with that “tinny” exhaust sound that can only be heard on an older VW.  The car ran smoothly, shifted effortlessly, and handled corners very nicely.  All was in good working order for my drive.  Love the sound of these classic pre EFI versions.  

Some fine restoration work, and an engine that just buzzes with 45hp of power, we have a Super Beetle that is really super.  The sheepskins are to die for, and can double as a fur stole wrap in a pinch, but it may not be recommended.  Snappy wheels, and snazzy convertible top which is flawless although  with all the padding and insulation makes it huge, but effective and it gives the convertible an  iconic look.  Im buggin' out now, but I have been bitten…how about you?

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.