1974 Volkswagen Beetle
The need for a people's car, (Volkswagen in German), its concept and its functional objectives, was formulated by the leader of Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler, who wanted a cheap, simple car to be mass-produced for his country's new road network. Lead engineer Ferdinand Porsche and his team took until 1938 to finalize the design. The result was the first Volkswagen, and one of the first rear-engined cars since the Brass Era. With 21,529,464 produced, the Beetle is the longest relationship running and most-manufactured car of a single platform ever made.
For consignment, a 1974 version of the VW Beetle. This car has undergone a body off restoration with new paint, a rebuilt motor, some new interior gauges, as well as a new interior. Help...I've been bitten by this bug!
Exterior
An expertly applied respray of white adorns all the rounded surfaces of this bug. From the hood to the English wheel-esque shaped fenders front and rear, to the rounded roofline and gently sloping rounded rear, which are all presenting in good condition. Gaps are well minded and just like the advertisements did, you could submerge this car in water and remain safe inside! (although we did not submerge it in our local lake Lackanookie due to cold water conditions). Running boards connect the fenders, which show 1974 turn signals attached to the front fenders and thin elephant print brake/backup/turn signal cluster lights attached to the back. The headlights have shiny bezels, making the car seem like it is looking at you. All badging, window surrounds and glass are in good condition. Standard 4 pointed star center steel wheels in white are wrapped in black wall 185/65R15 rubber all around. I need to mention the spiffy retro graphic dual overlapping check marks if you will, adding some interest to the sides of the car painted on in turquoise.
Interior
A swing of the air tight doors reveals to us the fuzzy broadcloth dot pattern tweed in light gray background and dark gray square dots. A black armrest and actuator is in this field. Also a billet style window crank with a wood bezel and knob is here as well. To the seats where I have the pleasure of sitting, we see high back broadcloth dot pattern tweed which matches the door panels. There are smooth bolsters and tuck and roll inserts, and an integrated headrest on top. In back it's perfectly like new rear bench, all matchy matchy for the passengers. In front the simplistic black dash now sports a new central round instrument cluster giving you just the facts ma'am. A new aftermarket digital AM/FM/CD/USB stereo with some snappy speakers mounted around the cabin is in. Black carpeting floods the floors, and above is a nice tight off white headliner which does have a small tear on the passenger's rear section.
Drivetrain
A lift of the rear trunk lid per se, (as it's actually the hood?), and it is showing us horizontally opposed, air cooled, 1500cc carbureted with a 1 barrel engine. This is attached to a 4-speed manual transmission. The rear mounted power plant sports dual exhaust with chrome exhaust tips and slight surface rust in the mufflers and manifolds which are painted silver from a rattle can. Noted, the engine bay has been nicely finished and detailed. Also a rebuilt clutch, pressure plate throw out bearing and clutch cable is in the mix now. The rear axle puts power to the road via a 3.875 rear axle.
Undercarriage
The front and rear suspension are independent. Drum brakes are all around and have new pads and lines. Scanning the underside the viewer can see a light dusting of some surface rust and patina with some light corrosion on aluminum parts scattered about. The floor pans are painted black, and are stamped steel and the consignor states a new steering system has been installed.
Drive-Ability
This car started right up, and drove smoothly. It shifted well, and was dead silent from the suspension when pushed into a turn. All working functions, and that wonderful tinny exhaust sound you can only get from these classic bugs.
Overall well above average condition, with an engine rebuild to pump it up a bit, and a new interior installed when we did not know. The round mound design was virtually the same throughout its production run, with only the exterior lighting and windows changing. I think I've gotten the bug and I've been vaxxed!
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.
