1972 Volkswagen Beetle
"52 years ago, on February 17th, 1972, the 15,007,034th Volkswagen Beetle was produced in Wolfsburg, Germany, surpassing the production record that had previously only been held by the Ford Model T. In celebration of that record breaking achievement, Volkswagen released the commemorative World Champion special edition, which was sold through March that year. Today, we salute the humble "Bug" and the legacy that it built as one of history's most significant automobiles." VW.com, February 2022
For consignment, a 1972 Volkswagen Beetle showing 23,079 miles which are not actual. The car has been fully restored during the past two years according to our consignor and has about 650 miles since the build. Dual Webers fuel the 1915cc engine and the stock heads have been ported and polished. It may not be the World Champion edition, but it's definitely a contender! Read on.
Exterior
Resprayed in single stage PPG Green paint, the car presents with a softer green than the Ravenna green option in '72, and it looks fantastic. The light hue highlights the body lines and subtle panel designs on the hood and hatch. In profile, it's the clean, rounded lines of the Beetle that helped make it famous, an arching cabin supported by arched wheel openings that protrude beyond the body, the rear slope melding with the deck line. Classically Beetle. The front represents an earlier vintage with the marker lights being shaved off the fender tops and cleverly placed behind the horn grilles below the bug eye headlights. Tail lights are also borrowed from an older Bug and it takes our eyes to adjust to their presence with the full sized rear window of the '72. 15-inch alloy wheels carry staggered width tires and look stunning as does the metal work on the car to include the bumpers, door handles and body trim. Black features including the window trim, running board cap, and rear intakes are in excellent condition. This bug is slightly raked thanks to 2" drop spindles and we could not find any glaring external flaws on the car.
Interior
The black vinyl door cards are a fantastic contrast to the surrounding green structure of the door and are wonderfully simple. Low bucket Scat seats pick up that material and present robust and clean, a condition that translates to the back bench as well. French kiss for the body colored steering wheel and grille inserts of the dash which surrounds the speedometer, while textured black plastic frames the center stack, housing an AM/FM unit with USB and AUX capability. The glove box door is green, as is the center console where we find cupholder and Scat shifter. Black loops carpet covers the floor swimmingly and the headliner is a simple black vinyl panel. The frunk is spotless and more evidence of a fresh restoration.
Drivetrain
More cleanliness and green awaits us under the rear hatch, where the 1915cc engine looks like it rolled off the assembly line, sporting twin Weber carburetors, a polished pulley, and clean metal all the way through. It also has 94 barrels and pistons along with a C35 cam and ported and polished stock heads. Brakes are configured as front disc and rear drum.
Undercarriage
Absolutely spotless underneath, from the belly pans back, all linkage, boots, wheel components, hardware, and more show almost zero use. Suspension consists of transverse torsion bar in front with 2" drop spindles and semi trailing arms with transverse torsion bar in back. The short exhaust system goes from headers to a glasspack style muffler leading to a fluted chrome tip.
Drive-Ability
With this fresh build, we expected a clean ride and the VW delivered. Slightly more brisk than your average '72, this little green shelled Beetle gets going with some nice acceleration and wonderful visibility. Tracks well, turns nicely, and brakes are on point. The uncomplicated functionality all performs 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.
The mall has bugs and we're not calling Orkin. We love having them in every room if possible! They all have their unique attributes and this '72 presents an original take on a classic design. Combining elements of various model years plus adding some modern touches, this clean ride is absolutely show worthy and would likely even be a standout in an all VW show. We expect this specular Beetle build will be scurrying out of the mall in short order. No pesticides needed, it will happen 100% organically.
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!
