1973 Volkswagen Beetle
"When production started on Herbie the Love Bug, Disney set up a casting call for about a dozen cars, and kept them outside the studios for the crew to examine during their breaks. The lineup included Toyotas, Volvos, and of course, the pearl white Volkswagen Beetle. When the crew walked by to inspect the cars, they would kick the tires and grab the steering wheel to see how it handled. However, when they came across the Volkswagen, they began to pet it, so the Beetle got the job." Thx IMDB. I don't know if this confirmation of the Beetle's cuteness, or commentary on people in show business, but either way, the presence of a Beetle instantly turned it into a film icon and sold a few cars for VW along the way.
For consignment, a 1973 Volkswagen Beetle with a long list of newer parts. A lot of TLC went into sorting this car out and although it's a model year 10 years hence from Herbie, this is one bug you can definitely love.
Exterior
The front fenders are mated with earlier vintage rear fenders which instantly gives the car a unique shape and the bumpers, turn signals, and taillights are from an earlier model too. Once these parts were melded, the car received a paint job with Pastel White. The metal work including light rings, light housing, hubcaps, side mirror, side molding, and handles are all in wonderful shape and the paint coverage is fantastic. 15-inch staggered width steel wheels carry slightly staggered size tires with a late 2019 date code, and along with the black window frames, wipers, vents, and running board provide a nice contrast to the white. We could not find any glaring imperfection on the exterior of this fine bug.
Interior
Door cards are on the list of items replaced and as such, these black vinyl examples are in unmarred condition and that carries over to the front bucket seats which are the tall back variety with weave pattern in black vinyl and the rear bench is virtually pristine. A glossy black steering wheel leads to a dashboard with a newer pad, and a gauge cluster that now includes gauges for oil pressure, water temp, volts, and a tachometer for RPMs. The modern radio provides AM/FM/CD and the glove box door veers from the plastic dash with glossy black paint. A shifter is floor mounted and surrounded by newer square weave carpet in great condition and the cabin is topped with a perforated vinyl headliner that is also newer and excellent. The front trunk is lined in black carpet and is clean.
Drivetrain
Under the rear hatch we find the 1600cc flat 4 cylinder engine in wonderful visual shape with plenty of chrome bits and polished metals. It's fueled by a 1-barrel carburetor and rated at 46 horsepower and movement is rowed through a 4-speed manual transmission that keeps power in the rear with 3.88 gears. Drum brakes occupy all four corners. Replaced items include the carburetor, clutch kit, oil pump, coil, distributor, cap and rotor, (all Pertronix), throttle cable, clutch cable, master and wheel cylinders, brake lines and hoses, and battery.
Undercarriage
Lots of road spray on the belly pans but overall, the underside is relatively clean and free of rust or grease build up. We note some residual oil on the transmission pan and some curling and chipping paint on the inside of the fenders. The dual exhaust travels a short distance to a stock style muffler then exits almost immediately through chrome tailpipes. The lowered car operates on a suspension configuration of a transverse torsion bar in front, and a semi-trailing arm and torsion bar in the rear. Ball joints, tie rods, shocks, pan seals, Napoleon's hat, (front frame chassis support), lower spindles, rear axles, gas tank, fuel lines, oil sump, and both front pans are all on the list of newer items.
Drive-Ability
Distinct VW tones emanate from the engine and exhaust and shuffling through the gears gets the car up to speed where it performs well, tracking straight and turning on a dime. All of the improvements have paid off and this is an enjoyable and reliable little car with all of the charm Beetles are known for. The only function that didn't work perfectly was the wipers at high speed. All other operations worked. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
With some unique exterior touches, a sorted engine and chassis, and a fantastically clean exterior and interior, this is one that should be on your list if you're in the market for a classic Beetle. Oh sure, you could add patriotic stripes and a "53" on the side, but as is, presents as a clean and show worthy Volkswagen and even if you don't show it, be prepared for attention.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
