Vehicle Description
Mixing styling elements from a vintage Ford on a classic Volkswagen
foundation would seem to be a difficult endeavor with a very
delicate balance. Choose the wrong components or merge exterior
parts that are too dissimilar and you could end up with a
four-wheeled Frankenstein monster. So, with the bar of difficulty
set so high, it's especially impressive that this 1968 VW Beetle
has emerged from such an endeavor as a unique but well-executed and
undeniably fun to drive custom car.
Clad in a shade of Cadillac tan that's adorned with flames on its
front fenders and pinstripes on its flanks, it only takes a single
glance to see that this is no ordinary Beetle. The hood mimicking a
1940 Ford, with its elaborate chrome grill and prominent trim still
in tow, extends outward from the easily recognizable form of VW's
most popular offering, while in back, a full-blown flatbed sits in
place of what would otherwise be the back half of the car, sporting
a pair of tail lights from a 1959 Cadillac. It's not something you
see every day, for sure, and yet it works. Very well. Its assembly
was obviously performed with a strong eye for proportion and
finish, as these seemingly disparate parts actually fit together
well to make for an unabashedly unique car that will no doubt
receive thumbs up from onlookers wherever you may roam. Yet as
ambitious as it is, it's well-finished and properly aligned, as
well, as both that vintage transplanted hood and the still-stock
doors open and close securely.
Just inside those doors, the tan interior strikes a nice balance -
custom styling set against a vintage, stock backdrop. There are
plenty of distinct touches, such as the silver frames at the tops
of the doors and a one of a kind steering wheel, but they reside in
an inviting and still-familiar VW environment. The pair of
comfortable, high-backed cloth bucket seats that sit in place of
their original German counterparts are still in good shape and
blend in well with their surroundings. The dash area retains its
stock-looking configuration for the most part, with a set of VDO
gauges taking their place just to the side of the original single
dial cluster, which is still very readable behind a clear lens.
Just underneath the glove box, a Sony AM/FM/CD player sits ready to
provide the audio options you're looking for during your journeys.
Up front in the storage area, a full-sized spare is securely
stowed, while in back, the custom flatbed is in great shape -
unscathed and framed with stainless steel, and flanked by hardwood
retaining walls to each side.
This unique vehicle is as fun to drive as it is to look at. A 1766
cc VW engine sits underneath the bed in back. Carrying a pair of
Weber carbs and a 1:23 Eagle cam, it's in great form - starting
right up and running smoothly as it exhales out of its Porsche
exhaust. It's bolted to a 4-speed manual transmission that shifts
with confidence-inspiring precision to provide a thoroughly
enjoyable driving experience. As an additional measure of
protection from the elements, the bottom of the car has been
treated with a coat of rust inhibitor. This truly unique vehicle
sits on a set of 15" custom wheels, with Kumho tires up front and
Goodyear Wranglers in back.
Looking for a one of a kind vehicle that's a blast to drive and
will stand out in a crowd? You have to check out this 1968 VW
Beetle. Call today!