Vehicle Description
1968 Volkswagen Beetle
In 1968 423,000 Volkswagen Beetles were sold in the United States
including 9,595 convertibles. It would set you back about $2,000 to
buy one and 1968 was the year VW introduced the semi automatic,
automatic transmission. There was no clutch to press as you rowed
through the 3 speed gearbox and this was accomplished via a vacuum
operated microswitch on the shift lever known as the Saxomat
system.
For consignment, a 1968 Volkswagen Beetle that's been chopped and
customized. In the words of Monty Ponty, and now for something
completely different. It's not easy to stand out in the V Dub
crowd, everything that could be done to the cars to personalize
them has been done, from dune buggies to drag cars and everything
in between. But this '68 represents a creative build that displays
some uncommon customization.
Exterior
The raked stance is only slightly upstaged by the flat black paint
and red accents. The fenderless front leaves the suspension
components exposed, and the dropped nose is flanked by unencumbered
headlights that look bug eyed. 16-inch red wire wheels from a 1935
Ford reach out in front of the car, elongating the profile and
reminiscent of vintage hot rods. The chop angles the top towards
the front and 15-inch custom wheels out back with 70 series tires
jack up the back like a stink beetle in threat mode, (you'll have
to google that one!). Bullet taillights from a '58 Cadillac sit
single file out back, hovering over custom exhaust, all where the
fenders would be. There's no mistaking the make with the vented
bodywork under an oval window and rounded engine cover. The car is
not without its bling as chrome shocks up front pick up on the
headlight housing and side mirrors, all in great shape. As is the
paint with a few errors in the form of scratches and a round area
of cracking.
Interior
The door open suicide style and flash red vinyl door cards,
standard VW, although the door actuator has been moved and a
speaker added. Red and black racing style bucket seats are high
backed cloth versions while the rear bench has been removed and a
speaker box occupies that space backed by some loose fitting
carpeted backing and red sidewalls. The stock steering wheel is in
place and the stock dash has been enhanced with red paint and some
VDO gauge to the right of the VDO speedometer. The shifter is floor
mounted and an AM/FM/CD radio is set in the center and some
cracking of the dash exists around the red painted glove box and on
the dash cover. Black carpet covers the floor while the white
headliner is loose in places and also covers the moon roof.
Drivetrain
A nicely presented engine lives out back and is a 1493cc fed by a
1-barrel carburetor and tied to a 4-speed heavy duty transmission
and transaxle, keeping the power at back with 4.125 gearing.
Headers lead to glasspack style mufflers and then immediately point
out back. Polished metal components dress up the engine. Disc
brakes are in the front and back.
Undercarriage
Generally clean underneath with no obvious fluids leaking anywhere.
Not much surface rust either other than an area that's been welded.
Suspension consists of a transverse leaf spring in front and semi
trailing arms and torsion bars in the rear.
Drive-Ability
Oh yeah, we can definitely imagine pulling into a car show in this
rad ride! It sits low and the chopped windshield makes you feel
just a bit mischievous. It has decent power, pretty good handling,
adequate braking, and smiles on tap. We note the speedometer and
odometer and not functioning but all else is well.
Okay, VW lovers, this one's for you! Here's a hot rodded Beetle,
chopped and raked and shaved, wearing a coat of flat black and
staggered red wheels. How cool! It's unusual, unique, and ready for
show and go. Put the bug spray away and head on over to the mall.
Too far away? No problem. Give us a call and we'll help with the
process!
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!
