Vehicle Description
Beetle guys, if you're going to modify your early VW, this is how
you do it right. This 1971 Volkswagen Beetle looks right, sits
right, has an awesome interior, and with a relatively burly engine,
is a hoot to drive.
To most folks, a Beetle is a Beetle, right? But when you start
looking at true enthusiasts, you find that there are those who like
stock and those who like to do their own thing. Custom built Bugs
like this are red hot collectables and with a body-off restoration
in 2012, it's one of the very finest we've ever seen. It wears a
simply wonderful shade of Bahama Blue that's low-key and
sophisticated on the playful Beetle shape, but also emphasizes the
car's custom look in a very big way. It's not chopped, channeled,
or altered in anyway, but this little car just grabs your attention
and won't let go. Maybe it's the beautifully bulbous headlights,
the almost delicate Euro-style bumpers, and the tiny marker lamps
on the rear fenders. The fenders are fiberglass replicas that give
it an early look, and the paint is good enough to have won awards
at a very high level. The stance, of course, helps with that whole
custom theme, and the bodywork was done by pros who really knew
their stuff, so it'll stand up to even close scrutiny at a car
show.
The interior has the same kind of look, vintage, kind of stock, but
with a custom touch. The seats immediately jump out at you as being
custom low-back buckets (Scat Pro 90s) that are far more
comfortable than the original chairs. The tan upholstery fits and
with the light blue bodywork, the car looks simply spectacular. The
rear bench was removed and in its place there's a custom storage
box with built-in speakers, a handy upgrade. Stock-style door
panels use the same materials for a consistent look, and oatmeal
carpets add texture. Original VWs had minimal instrumentation, but
during the makeover, this Beetle received a billet gauge panel full
of VDO and Auto Meter instruments that somehow look like they were
born there. There's also an AM/FM/cassette stereo in the center of
the dash, and the spare gauges in the glove box monitor the Air
Ride suspension that's a critical part of this car's look and feel.
A trick shifter manages a 4-speed GEX Pro Street transmission with
a super differential and makes a notable difference (anything is an
improvement over the vague original), and the front trunk area is
neatly done with great attention to detail.
A 1915 cc AE engine powers this Beetle, and while it isn't muscle
car powerful, it's a blast to drive and feels nimble and quick on
the street. It features IAP Kuhltek 044 heads, a 69mm
counter-weighted crank, Engle 110 cam, and an electronic ignition
system. Twin HPMX 40 carburetors handle induction duties and
there's a 55 amp alternator powered by a serpentine pulley for
reliability. Great workmanship and precise assembly make the rear
engine compartment look good, and bulletproof reliability means
that it'll run this well practically forever. A throaty exhaust
system gives it that traditional Beetle whistle with an edge, and
as long as you're looking around under there, take a moment to note
just how clean the pans are; they were stripped bare and
refinished. The suspension is augmented with an AirKewld air
suspension up front and a lowered rear suspension with a 3/4-inch
EMPI sway bar. And with those flashy EMPI wheels and staggered
175/55/15 front and 195/60/15 rear tires, it almost has a hot-rod
feel.
A very cool little VW done to a very high level using the best
parts. They don't get much better than this, and it'll delight both
traditional VW fans and customizers alike. Call today!
