1968 Volkswagen Beetle
In 1968 423,000 Volkswagen Beetles were sold in the United States including 9,595 convertibles. It would set you back about $2,000 to buy one and 1968 was the year VW introduced the semi automatic, automatic transmission. There was no clutch to press as you rowed through the 3 speed gearbox and this was accomplished via a vacuum operated microswitch on the shift lever known as the Saxomat system.
For consignment, a 1968 Volkswagen Beetle that's been chopped and customized. In the words of Monty Ponty, and now for something completely different. It's not easy to stand out in the V Dub crowd, everything that could be done to the cars to personalize them has been done, from dune buggies to drag cars and everything in between. But this '68 represents a creative build that displays some uncommon customization.
Exterior
The raked stance is only slightly upstaged by the flat black paint and red accents. The fenderless front leaves the suspension components exposed, and the dropped nose is flanked by unencumbered headlights that look bug eyed. 16-inch red wire wheels from a 1935 Ford reach out in front of the car, elongating the profile and reminiscent of vintage hot rods. The chop angles the top towards the front and 15-inch custom wheels out back with 70 series tires jack up the back like a stink beetle in threat mode, (you'll have to google that one!). Bullet taillights from a '58 Cadillac sit single file out back, hovering over custom exhaust, all where the fenders would be. There's no mistaking the make with the vented bodywork under an oval window and rounded engine cover. The car is not without its bling as chrome shocks up front pick up on the headlight housing and side mirrors, all in great shape. As is the paint with a few errors in the form of scratches and a round area of cracking.
Interior
The door open suicide style and flash red vinyl door cards, standard VW, although the door actuator has been moved and a speaker added. Red and black racing style bucket seats are high backed cloth versions while the rear bench has been removed and a speaker box occupies that space backed by some loose fitting carpeted backing and red sidewalls. The stock steering wheel is in place and the stock dash has been enhanced with red paint and some VDO gauge to the right of the VDO speedometer. The shifter is floor mounted and an AM/FM/CD radio is set in the center and some cracking of the dash exists around the red painted glove box and on the dash cover. Black carpet covers the floor while the white headliner is loose in places and also covers the moon roof.
Drivetrain
A nicely presented engine lives out back and is a 1493cc fed by a 1-barrel carburetor and tied to a 4-speed heavy duty transmission and transaxle, keeping the power at back with 4.125 gearing. Headers lead to glasspack style mufflers and then immediately point out back. Polished metal components dress up the engine. Disc brakes are in the front and back.
Undercarriage
Generally clean underneath with no obvious fluids leaking anywhere. Not much surface rust either other than an area that's been welded. Suspension consists of a transverse leaf spring in front and semi trailing arms and torsion bars in the rear.
Drive-Ability
Oh yeah, we can definitely imagine pulling into a car show in this rad ride! It sits low and the chopped windshield makes you feel just a bit mischievous. It has decent power, pretty good handling, adequate braking, and smiles on tap. We note the speedometer and odometer and not functioning but all else is well.
Okay, VW lovers, this one's for you! Here's a hot rodded Beetle, chopped and raked and shaved, wearing a coat of flat black and staggered red wheels. How cool! It's unusual, unique, and ready for show and go. Put the bug spray away and head on over to the mall. Too far away? No problem. Give us a call and we'll help with the process!
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.
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