Vehicle Description
1965 Volkswagen Beetle Wunderbug
Hippie, also spelled hippy, member, during the 1960's and 1970's,
of a countercultural movement that rejected the norms of mainstream
American life. The movement originated on college campuses in the
United States, although it spread to other countries, including
Canada and Britain. The name derived from "hip," a term applied to
the Beatniks of the 1950's, such as Allen Ginsberg and Jack
Kerouac, who were generally considered to be the precursors of
hippies. Although the movement arose in part as opposition to U.S.
involvement in the Vietnam War (1955-75), hippies were often not
directly engaged in politics, as opposed to their activist
counterparts known as "Yippies" (Youth International Party).
The "Wunderbug" conversion was a kit for Standard Beetles sold by
Lieffring Industries in Missouri and it consisted of a new hood and
side panels that gave the Beetle the look of a 1937 Ford. Some
dealers were known to sell new cars with this kit. For consignment
a "Hipster" car but this one minded to make it look a bit more
"rich". A "Wunderbug" conversion has it looking much like a '37
Ford from the front with a vintage wrap around vertical grille , V
shaped hood, fancy bumper guards, wire wheel covers and some extra
chrome trimmings to add just a touch of class to this commonly
known as "The people's car". Country club here I come! I am tempted
to hire a Chauffeur.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Exterior
I'm blue blue blue says this touch of class with this Beetle and
that paint that adorns the curved steel paneled Beetle shaped
V-dub. Only minor inclusions are apparent in the finish, but one
really has to look to find them. The chrome is nicely preserved in
the bumpers, trim, and any badging which shines wonderfully in the
strong Pennsylvania summer sun. The gaps are very nice, and the
cute little running board is all solid. Highlights would be for
this writer the swooping beltline molding on either side of the car
which has a great line, the addition of chrome bumper overriders or
bed rails if you will, and the twin chromed mini exhaust tips that
peek out from under the curved bumper... but the highlighter is of
course the vintage vertical grille and modded hood. Gone is the
rounded look now replaced by a ling 1930's-esque hood college with
an "aero" Art Deco hood ornament. Fancy schmancy to say the least.
Looking good for this buggy comeArt Deco inspired roadster.
Interior
A swing of the door and we see blue metal painted surrounding a
gray and red horizontally ribbed alternating color vinyl panel
complete with the door handle, window crank, and a vinyl armrest.
Black vinyl VW high back bucket seats are in front and the drivers
seat has lots of tears and shows the padding beneath the vinyl. A
simple rear seat is a long bench and stretches from C pillar to C
pillar. This also has some damage in its top ledge. Black stippled
rubber is on the floors, and some rubber protective mats are above.
A simple blue full metal jacket painted dash with circular
speedometer and square gas gauge sit within the vertical ribbed
speaker area which is fronted by an original steering wheel in good
condition with the Castle Wolfsburg logo in the center of the half
round chrome horn ring. An AM radio is also mounted in the dash and
fits nicely although may not be original to this car. The headliner
is white, is nice and tight and shows some smudging and dirt areas
as well as a tear.
Drivetrain
A 1200cc horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine sits in the rear of
this car. It has a 1-barrel Solex carb on top, and a 4-speed manual
transmission. Power is transferred to the tires via a 4.375 final
drive geared axle. The engine appears with some patina and surface
rust is noted within the bay on the bottom edge.
Undercarriage
Moderate to heavy surface rust is attaching itself to all the
various parts on the undercarriage. Steel stamped floor pans have
just a few holes of invasive rust. For the suspension, itshows as
independent transverse torsion bars upfront, and independent swing
axle trailing arm with torsion bars on the rear. Drum brakes are on
all 4 corners to bring this bug to a safe and stable halt. All are
surface rusted.
Drive-Ability
While our consignor notes that this car did run and was used on a
regular basis, this was before the car was delegated to museum show
duty. As with any car that hasn't run in a decade, some TLC will be
in order
An interesting take on the pedestrian V Dub, with its 1930's style
hood and grille all thank to a Wunderbug conversion. I'm in a VW
Rolls Royce kinda mood. That means I'll roll a dutchie and wear my
tuxedo? Let's show up to the club and see what happens!
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
