Vehicle Description
1973 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible
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.
This very nicely kept 1973 Super Beetle, consists of all good solid
steel, a very clean interior. and the top goes down. A driver for
someone who wants a very affordable classic.
Exterior
Signal Orange covers all the curved panels and bumpers and presents
nicely with some minute inclusions seen throughout. Body panels all
fit nicely, and even as late as 1973 VW beetles were still
utilizing the exterior nonintegrated fender attached by running
board design literally from the 1920's. Chrome bumpers are nice,
and badging is showing just a little delamination and wear. Glass
and surrounding trim is good and since this is a 1973 model it
shows the first appearance of the elephant foot rear lights which
integrate the stop, signal, and reverse lights all in one. A black
canvas insulated convertible top in very nice condition with a
glass rear window moves up and down smoothly and manually.
Interior
Nice carpeting in deep black covers all the floors neatly and is
also seen in the front trunk lining. Floating above are black vinyl
high back buckets with molded woven pattern inserts and smooth
black bolsters. A rear bench is seen, and all seats are excellent
showing very little wear. Door panels covered in black vinyl are
straight and true with a nifty lower storage pouch. A small curved
dash fronts all this beautiful vinyl and has a stainless panel with
extra embedded instruments and gauges. An original AM/FM Volkswagen
radio sits in its original spot and is framed by the textured black
vinyl dash which shows without cracks or crazing. Out of the sea of
carpet rises the straight gearshift lever topped with a black
plastic knob. A white perforated headliner hangs above and presents
with sags, wrinkles and staining.
Drivetrain
A 1600cc 58hp horizontally opposed, air cooled, carbureted engine
couples with a 4-speed manual transmission. Engine bay has been
detailed with clean piping and what appears to be a leak free
engine.
Undercarriage
Solid underpinnings with a mix of undercoating and surface rust
greets us down below. Independent transverse leaf spring suspension
with drum brakes provide the ride in the front and an independent
semi trailing arm system with drum brakes brings up the rear. Prior
repairs are noted on the one front crossmember but all else is the
way it left Wolfsburg
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, clean showing Beetle that comes with the luxury
of top-down motoring. She runs smoothly and is certainly a bug that
will catch your eyes. No where's my beach bag, I'm ready for some
fun in the sun!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.