1965 Volkswagen Beetle Wunderbug

Hippie, also spelled hippy, member, during the 1960's and 1970's, of a countercultural movement that rejected the norms of mainstream American life.  The movement originated on college campuses in the United States, although it spread to other countries, including Canada and Britain.  The name derived from “hip,” a term applied to the Beatniks of the 1950's, such as Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac, who were generally considered to be the precursors of hippies.  Although the movement arose in part as opposition to U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War (1955–75), hippies were often not directly engaged in politics, as opposed to their activist counterparts known as “Yippies” (Youth International Party).

The “Wunderbug” conversion was a kit for Standard Beetles sold by Lieffring Industries in Missouri and it consisted of a new hood and side panels that gave the Beetle the look of a 1937 Ford.  Some dealers were known to sell new cars with this kit. For consignment a “Hipster” car but this one minded to make it look a bit more “rich”.  A "Wunderbug" conversion has it looking much like a '37 Ford from the front with a vintage wrap around vertical grille , V shaped hood, fancy bumper guards, wire wheel covers and some extra chrome trimmings to add just a touch of class to this commonly known as “The people's car”.  Country club here I come!  I am tempted to hire a Chauffeur.

NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

Exterior
I'm blue blue blue says this touch of class with this Beetle and that paint that adorns the curved steel paneled Beetle shaped V-dub.  Only minor inclusions are apparent in the finish, but one really has to look to find them.  The chrome is nicely preserved in the bumpers, trim, and any badging which shines wonderfully in the strong Pennsylvania summer sun.  The gaps are very nice, and the cute little running board is all solid.  Highlights would be for this writer the swooping beltline molding on either side of the car which has a great line, the addition of chrome bumper overriders or bed rails if you will, and the twin chromed mini exhaust tips that peek out from under the curved bumper… but the highlighter is of course the vintage vertical grille and modded hood.  Gone is the rounded look now replaced by a ling 1930's-esque hood college with an “aero” Art Deco hood ornament.  Fancy schmancy to say the least.  Looking good for this buggy come Art Deco inspired roadster.

Interior
A swing of the door and we see blue metal painted surrounding a gray and red horizontally ribbed alternating color vinyl panel complete with the door handle, window crank, and a vinyl armrest.  Black vinyl VW high back bucket seats are in front and the drivers seat has lots of tears and shows the padding beneath the vinyl.  A simple rear seat is a long bench and stretches from C pillar to C pillar.   This also has some damage in its top ledge.  Black stippled rubber is on the floors, and some rubber protective mats are above.  A simple blue full metal jacket painted dash with circular speedometer and square gas gauge sit within the vertical ribbed speaker area which is fronted by an original steering wheel in good condition with the Castle Wolfsburg logo in the center of the half round chrome horn ring.  An AM radio is also mounted in the dash and fits nicely although may not be original to this car.  The headliner is white, is nice and tight and shows some smudging and dirt areas as well as a tear.

Drivetrain
A 1200cc horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine sits in the rear of this car.  It has a 1-barrel Solex carb on top, and a 4-speed manual transmission.  Power is transferred to the tires via a 4.375 final drive geared axle. The engine appears with some patina and surface rust is noted within the bay on the bottom edge.

Undercarriage
Moderate to heavy surface rust is attaching itself to all the various parts on the undercarriage.  Steel stamped floor pans have just a few holes of invasive rust.  For the suspension, it shows as independent transverse torsion bars upfront, and  independent swing axle trailing arm with torsion bars on the rear.  Drum brakes are on all 4 corners to bring this bug to a safe and stable halt.  All are surface rusted.

Drive-Ability
While our consignor notes that this car did run and was used on a regular basis, this was before the car was delegated to museum show duty.  As with any car that hasn't run in a decade, some TLC will be in order

An interesting take on the pedestrian V Dub, with its 1930's style hood and grille all thank to a Wunderbug conversion.  I'm in a VW Rolls Royce kinda mood.  That means I'll roll a dutchie and wear my tuxedo? Let's show up to the club and see what happens!

NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.