1972 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible
"Even though the Beetle looks pretty much the same, we make improvements on it every single year. And this year isn't any different. Some of our 1972 improvements are big. Some little. Some you can see. Some you can't. But all of them work together, taking the good little car we've always had, and making it even better." From the 1972 sales brochure.
For consignment, a 1972 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible with a title verified 8,814 actual miles. The red wheels and white walls really set this car apart, but it's the overall condition that makes it desirable.
Exterior
Two stage red paint shines like the shell of a ladybug and coats our little car with gleaming coverage. Red really pops here and the rounded fenders direct the color so that every angle is reflected by light. We love how the tail lights almost blend with the paint and at the same time, chrome and black features jump off the surface, including shoulder line trim which runs straight across the rainbow shape of the hood and rounded rear. The running boards terminate at a chrome gravel guard on the rear fenders and chrome topped casing host ambler marker lights on the front fenders. The matching wheels, topped with VW dog dish caps and wrapped in white wall tires draw your eyes down in a stunning presentation and with tires that have a mid 2022 date code. Pull the top back, and the arch transforms to a straight edge convertible and the upright windshield provides a wall of protection while the vent windows whisk wind to the side. The chrome on the car is nice and includes the front and rear bumper that contour with the roundness of the car, while polished metals of the headlight rings, emblems, and body trim all look great. Overall, the paint is excellent with imperfections noted as minor bubbling and a chip at a wheel opening.
Interior
Black vinyl door cards look fresh in their frame of body colored metal and their stitched design carries over the sidewalls of the back seat. In front, weave patterned black vinyl high back seats look good and are known for their resiliency and only the driver's seat shows some compression from use. The back bench looks barely touched. A simple steering wheel, black of course, has a center horn pad and with the iconic Wolfsburg logo. Ahead of it, a speedometer, the single circle gauge present, with fuel gauge and odometer behind its glass. Down the black dash we go and meet a radio delete panel and wood fronted glove box. A simple black shifter rises cleanly from the floor which is covered in black loop carpet and protected by fitted mats. The frunk is covered with a loose fitting black carpet mat and is clean.
Drivetrain
Under the rear hatch is the 1600cc 4 cylinder engine producing 65 horsepower and fueled by a 1-barrel carburetor. A 4-speed manual sets the car into motion and keeps the spin at the rear wheels with 3.67 gears. Drum brakes are found front and rear. The engine compartment and components are very clean with only some patina diverging from mint condition.
Undercarriage
Driver quality with surface rust present, some oil on the transmission, and flaking rust on the back of the hubs. Otherwise, rubber boots are intact, the floor and belly pans are intact and clean, and the exhaust, colored by surface rust, runs into a stock style muffler before exiting out back via chrome pipes. Suspension on the VW uses a transverse torsion bar on front and semi trailing arms with a transverse torsion bar on the independent rear suspension.
Drive-Ability
The people's car didn't disappoint the Classic Auto Mall people, and the 1600 fired right up and first gear took us onto the test loop for a check of functionality. This clean car performed well and provided a unique driving experience, which is why more than 15 million of them were produced worldwide in 1972. It's just the right size, has just enough power, and is a small car that feels high. That's a winning combination. We're happy to report that everything functional on the car performed as it should. 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.
So what do you get with a Beetle? First, you're buying a classic car. One so good, the company had to bring them back. Next, you're buying a car you can enjoy every day or simply for special occasions. If you have a beach residence, you're buying the ultimate coastal car. You're picking up a car that is a significant part of automotive history. Finally, you're buying fun, because these aren't made to go fast or carve canyons. They're made for fun and deliver every time you step inside.
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. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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!
