2005 Volkswagen Beetle GL Convertible 

At the 1994 North American International Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled the Concept One, a "retro" themed concept car with a resemblance to the original Volkswagen Beetle.  Designed by J Mays and Freeman Thomas at the company's California design studio, the concept car was based on the platform of the Volkswagen Polo.  A red cabriolet concept was featured at the Geneva Motor Show, also in 1994.  The New Beetle carries many design similarities with the original VW Beetle: separate fenders, vestigial running boards, sloping headlamps, and large round taillights. 

For consignment, the modern iteration of a legendary car in the form of a 2005 Beetle GL convertible.  This is a clean example that's been garage kept, and it shows.  Modern Beetles are not known to shy away from bright colors, but the spec on this car offers a bit more in the sophistication department while retaining all the fun known to emanate from topless bugs.  With just 51,285 title verified actual miles, this car has many wind in your hair days ahead.  

Exterior
Galactic Blue Metallic is what VW chose to call their navy blue hue in 2005 and it suits the car well.  And what navy convertible doesn't look good with a tan canvas soft top?  Not many.  Flush headlights and taillights assure the roundness of the car prevails and its shape is still unique in the automotive world.  The color keyed mirrors and door handles veer from Beetle tradition, but help this car present a modern look.  The topside paint looks great and we note some light but numerous long scratches on fenders.  Some notable scratches are seen on the left rear fender and there are a few scrapes on the chin.  There is some light soiling on the canvas top and a tiny tear, but otherwise in good condition.  Overall, the body is straight, the 16-inch factory wheels look great, and the car does not look close to its 19 years. 

Interior
Just like vintage bugs, the top of the door panels brings the exterior color inside.  Below that, molded tan plastic door panels with electrical window toggles, speakers, storage and a chrome lock cylinder for a trunk and fuel door lockout.  How do you know the previous owners cared for this car?  There are tan cloth seat covers covering the leather seats and both the covers and the seats are in excellent condition.  Investing in WeatherTech mats also indicates an owner who is particular about protecting and preserving factory materials.  The rear seats are in great shape too with smooth, tan leather.  Roundness abounds with the steering wheel of course, but also with the gauge pod which houses the speedometer, tachometer, and fuel level surrounding an electronic display.  Just before the center stack, we find the flower vase, a quirky and creative addition to the New Beetle.  In the center we find a Sony AM/FM/CD unit and simple heater/AC controls.   A Jesus bar is provided to the front seat passenger as the tan and black dash continues.  A simple and clean center console is home to the automatic shifter with Tiptronic capabilities and the requisite cupholders.  

Drivetrain
The standard 2.0 liter inline 4 cylinder engine is in the front and sends 115 horsepower to the front wheels with 4.31 gears.  It's fuel injected and tied to a 6-speed automatic transmission.  Power disc brakes slow the roll on all four wheels. 

Undercarriage
For a nineteen year old car, the undercarriage looks remarkably clean.  Not major issues, all is clean and dry.  Minor, normal occurrences of some surface rust but overall great.  Independent suspension with MacPherson struts is found up front while coil springs occupy the independent rear suspension.  Single exhaust trails the length of the car encountering a stock style muffler and exiting through a pair of tips.  

Drive-Ability
The bulbous front, the sloping rear, and the upright seating position provides a unique experience for the driver.  It's not a tiny car, but it is compact with a relatively short wheelbase that makes it tossable and fun to drive.  The venerable 2.0 liter provides adequate power, especially considering the 1965 Beetle put out just 40 horsepower!  There is a bit of a blind spot over the rear quarter, otherwise visibility is good and braking is great.  

Of all the retro cars that marked a comeback, the Beetle is one of the most successful.  They captured the spirit of the originals without compromising the distinctive look.  In fact, it's the look that is the spirit of the car!  This is a well cared for example that simply waits to provide smiles to the next owners.  Summer is around the corner as we write this, and we just found your ride!

3VWBM31Y55M354178

3-Mexico
V-Volkswagen
W-Passenger Car
B-New Beetle GL
M-2.0 Liter I4 115hp
3-Manual Belts, Front & Side Airbags
1Y-New Beetle Convertible
5-Check Digit
5-2005
M-Puebla, Mexico Assy Plant
354178-Sequential Unit Number

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