Vehicle Description
Sometimes, you just can't go wrong with the basics. This nicely
finished 1971 Volkswagen Beetle isn't wildly modified, but rather
faithfully restored to make it stand out in the crowd without
altering its time-tested character as a classic car icon. Featuring
a feisty 1600cc engine, quick-shifting 4-speed gearbox, and a sweet
two-tone color combination, this Bug is fully sorted and ready to
go. As one of the most beloved cars of all time, this Beetle shows
you just how easy it can be to make a good car, great.
Orange-and-Black is always a top choice for a two-tone
presentation, heck, Harley-Davidson built an empire around it. The
contradicting shades highlight the Beetle's trademark curves, but
to really do it right, you need to make sure the car is straight.
Unfortunately, a lot of folks don't think VWs are worth the
investment, but that's definitely not the case here. It's obvious
that someone spent a lot of time and money getting the rounded
bodywork nice and fit, knowing the vivid Orange over Black
presentation would pull in a lot of attention. Granted, that paint
and bodywork was done several years ago by the looks of things, and
this Bug was always meant to be a driver, but it still looks very
exciting in person. Everything has held together quite well, and
the solid driver-quality presentation you see today is the direct
result of those efforts years ago, coupled with great care from
loving owners throughout the years ever since. This one fits
together extremely well (although the stories of Beetles being able
to float due to exceptional seals in the doors are probably just
myths), and the doors open and close with just a light touch.
There's a single line of trim running the length of the body that
splits the two shades, and the black finish has metal flake mixed
in to help things pop. All the chrome and brightwork is in good
shape overall too, including the bumper, hood trim, and even the
two dual exhaust tips that exit out the back. In a sea of custom,
lowered, chopped, shaved, and modified Beetles, this one stands out
in a refreshing way.
The restored interior continues the two-tone theme, handsomely
finished in basic black-and-orange vinyl upholstery on the seats
and door panels that still looks great today. Matching black
carpets, a crack-free black dash, and a taut black headliner make
it feel young again, and the new OEM steering wheel is big enough
to make the manual steering feel light and direct, which is by
design. The simple dual-gauge set-up offers speed and fuel level,
but precious little else, but these cars tend to be so reliable
that keeping a constant eye on them isn't really necessary. There
is, however, a newer Panasonic AM/FM/CD stereo system that fits
well and sounds great, and an EMPI T-Handle shifter was installed
and makes things a lot more fun when you're banging through the
gears. Up front, the trunk has been properly finished in matching
black carpets and offers plenty of storage space.
The 1600cc flat-four under the boot is one of VW's best, and the
air-cooled motor runs and drives like a sewing machine. It's fed
through dual SU-style carburetors, sporty air cleaners, a modern
crank alternator making the electricity, and fresh-looking plugs
and wires that all work together to make it go. Underneath, the
chassis is in good order and the floor plan looks solid. No
modifications, no questionable upgrades, just a solid, clean Bug
that works just like the one you used to own in college. It does
have a stock exhaust system with dual outlets, which is probably
the case with virtually every Beetle in existence today, and it
motors down the road with that traditional VW whistling exhaust
note that's so beloved. Bright 15-inch VW alloys add some flash,
and they're wrapped in staggered 145/15 front and 215/70/15 for
that perfect 'big-and-little' look and raked stance.
Volkswagen Beetles still represent a huge amount of fun for the
money, and this one has been nicely restored to represent
everything that makes these cars so special. Call today!
