Vehicle Description
2005 Volkswagen Beetle GL Convertible
At the 1994 North American International Auto Show, Volkswagen
unveiled the Concept One, a "retro" themed concept car with a
resemblance to the original Volkswagen Beetle. Designed by J Mays
and Freeman Thomas at the company's California design studio, the
concept car was based on the platform of the Volkswagen Polo. A red
cabriolet concept was featured at the Geneva Motor Show, also in
1994. The New Beetle carries many design similarities with the
original VW Beetle: separate fenders, vestigial running boards,
sloping headlamps, and large round taillights.
For consignment, the modern iteration of a legendary car in the
form of a 2005 Beetle GL convertible. This is a clean example
that's been garage kept, and it shows. Modern Beetles are not known
to shy away from bright colors, but the spec on this car offers a
bit more in the sophistication department while retaining all the
fun known to emanate from topless bugs. With just 51,285 title
verified actual miles, this car has many wind in your hair days
ahead.
Exterior
Galactic Blue Metallic is what VW chose to call their navy blue hue
in 2005 and it suits the car well. And what navy convertible
doesn't look good with a tan canvas soft top? Not many. Flush
headlights and taillights assure the roundness of the car prevails
and its shape is still unique in the automotive world. The color
keyed mirrors and door handles veer from Beetle tradition, but help
this car present a modern look. The topside paint looks great and
we note some light but numerous long scratches on fenders. Some
notable scratches are seen on the left rear fender and there are a
few scrapes on the chin. There is some light soiling on the canvas
top and a tiny tear, but otherwise in good condition. Overall, the
body is straight, the 16-inch factory wheels look great, and the
car does not look close to its 19 years.
Interior
Just like vintage bugs, the top of the door panels brings the
exterior color inside. Below that, molded tan plastic door panels
with electrical window toggles, speakers, storage and a chrome lock
cylinder for a trunk and fuel door lockout. How do you know the
previous owners cared for this car? There are tan cloth seat covers
covering the leather seats and both the covers and the seats are in
excellent condition. Investing in WeatherTech mats also indicates
an owner who is particular about protecting and preserving factory
materials. The rear seats are in great shape too with smooth, tan
leather. Roundness abounds with the steering wheel of course, but
also with the gauge pod which houses the speedometer, tachometer,
and fuel level surrounding an electronic display. Just before the
center stack, we find the flower vase, a quirky and creative
addition to the New Beetle. In the center we find a Sony AM/FM/CD
unit and simple heater/AC controls. A Jesus bar is provided to the
front seat passenger as the tan and black dash continues. A simple
and clean center console is home to the automatic shifter with
Tiptronic capabilities and the requisite cupholders.
Drivetrain
The standard 2.0 liter inline 4 cylinder engine is in the front and
sends 115 horsepower to the front wheels with 4.31 gears. It's fuel
injected and tied to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Power disc
brakes slow the roll on all four wheels.
Undercarriage
For a nineteen year old car, the undercarriage looks remarkably
clean. Not major issues, all is clean and dry. Minor, normal
occurrences of some surface rust but overall great. Independent
suspension with MacPherson struts is found up front while coil
springs occupy the independent rear suspension. Single exhaust
trails the length of the car encountering a stock style muffler and
exiting through a pair of tips.
Drive-Ability
The bulbous front, the sloping rear, and the upright seating
position provides a unique experience for the driver. It's not a
tiny car, but it is compact with a relatively short wheelbase that
makes it tossable and fun to drive. The venerable 2.0 liter
provides adequate power, especially considering the 1965 Beetle put
out just 40 horsepower! There is a bit of a blind spot over the
rear quarter, otherwise visibility is good and braking is
great.
Of all the retro cars that marked a comeback, the Beetle is one of
the most successful. They captured the spirit of the originals
without compromising the distinctive look. In fact, it's the look
that is the spirit of the car! This is a well cared for example
that simply waits to provide smiles to the next owners. Summer is
around the corner as we write this, and we just found your
ride!
3VWBM31Y55M354178
3-Mexico
V-Volkswagen
W-Passenger Car
B-New Beetle GL
M-2.0 Liter I4 115hp
3-Manual Belts, Front & Side Airbags
1Y-New Beetle Convertible
5-Check Digit
5-2005
M-Puebla, Mexico Assy Plant
354178-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
