Vehicle Description
1972 Volkswagen Beetle
Bela Barenyi, an 18 year old Hungarian student, submitted a chassis
design for a "Volkswagen" in 1925 and is recognized as designing
the basic VW Beetle. Ferdinand Porsche, an Austrian automotive
engineer, created the Volkswagen Beetle after receiving a contract
from Hitler in 1934 for prototypes. The Beetle's air-cooled flat 4
engine was designed by Franz Reimspeiss not Ferdinand Porsche. Even
with 20 plus million being built to date, he received less than
twenty dollars for his work.
I'm happy to announce we have bugs here in our former mall halls at
Classic Auto Mall. Oh certainly not the kind that you would swat
at, but these were made in Wolfsburg, Germany by the millions and
infested the USA over the years. This classic 1972 version is in
nice condition with some recent work to keep things in order,
including a rebuilt engine with a recent tune up. A rust free
California car to which I could dare to take this car to our famous
test lake, and go for a floating dip, just like the ads did
(although we would have no way of getting you back).
Exterior
Beauteous blue covers all the curved panels and bumpers, and
presents nicely with some minute inclusions and light scratches
seen here and there. Body panels all fit nicely, and even as late
as 1972 VW beetles were still utilizing the exterior non-integrated
fender attached by running board design literally from the 1920's.
Chrome bumpers are nice as is badging along with all the rubber
seals between panels and lighting and bodywork. Glass and
surrounding trim is good and since this is a pre-elephant footprint
taillight car the taillights are in proportion to the car. A
hardtop version and adding a bot of sportiness are polished billet
style wheels with a central black hub covering.
Interior
Door panels are in black and like new framed in body matching blue
and have a nifty lower storage pouch. Floating above black
carpeting in nice condition are light gray vinyl high back buckets
with molded woven pattern inserts and smooth gray bolsters. A rear
bench is seen, and all seats are excellent showing very little
wear. A small curved dash fronts all this beautiful vinyl and has a
round gauge speedo, a Sapphire radio all framed by the textured
black vinyl dash front. The original steering wheel fronts the
column and has a snappy chrome horn ring with the Wolfsburg logo in
the center. Out of the sea of black carpet rises the straight
gearshift lever topped with a Wolfsburg castle knob.
Drivetrain
The 1600cc flat 4-cylinder engine has undergone a recent carburetor
rebuild, and valve adjustment. For that carburetor, we show it's a
1-barrel factory carb. There is a 4-speed manual transmission
attached, and just below this rear engine is a 3.67 gear rear
axle.
Undercarriage
Not much to see under here as the Germans love to cover all aspects
of a car, and this underside is no exception. Call it ground
effects if you will, but structurally sound with no invasive rust.
Independent transverse torsion bar front suspension, and
independent semi trailing arm suspension is on back. Drum brakes
all around can be seen. Also, the shiny mini exhaust tips go
rearward and poke out from under the rear bumper.
Drive-Ability
A quick startup and I'm met with that "tinny" exhaust sound that
can only be heard on an older VW. The car ran smoothly, shifted
effortlessly, and handled corners very nicely. All was in good
working order for my drive.
Nicely cared for, with some recent upgrades and rebuilds, she runs
smoothly, and is certainly a bug that will catch your eyes. Go
ahead, take a swat!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.