Vehicle Description
1978 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible
"The decision to produce the Super Beetle was going to be a costly
one. Never before had Volkswagen spent so much time or money on the
Beetle. The new suspension design required a new chassis and every
panel in the front end had to be redesigned as well. This meant new
rounder fenders, a larger wider hood, redesigned front valance, a
new spare tire well, changes to other areas of the body and new
inner fenders to accommodate the mounting of the new struts. This
would be the most costly and extensive revision of the Beetle since
it was first launched." Thxsuperbeetles.com
For consignment, a 1978 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible showing
17,811 miles but the true miles are unknown. Our consignor states
this was originally a California car and if there are two things
that are synonymous, it's VW Beetle convertibles and California.
Not much is free in California, except for the cars when you're
referring to presences of rust. It's the number one state
collectors like to see on the records of a classic.
Exterior
This "big" Beetle is bathed in white, with a tiny touch of
customization in twin gold stripes that spans the fender flares low
on the door and quarter panel. A black canvas top rises overhead
and is in great shape with its glass window. From there, it's
typical bug shaped with the rounded hood and sloping rear hatch,
which of course covers the engine and wears louvers for
ventilation. Metalwork including the bumpers, headlight rims,
marker light caps, and door handles is in good condition and
15-inch Centerline type wheels are of the polished variety, adding
to the presentation. Imperfections are mostly reserved for areas
low on the car and include scratches, paint chips, and some rust
where the running board meets the rocker.
Interior
White vinyl door cards begin our tour of the inside and classic
black VW hardware adorn each door and a speaker and map pocket is
included. The white vinyl bucket seats show some patina in the form
of discoloration and some degraded cushions, especially on the side
supports. The rear bench, with its weave design texture, is in
decent condition and fully intact. A Wolfsburg logo centers the
steering wheel which leads to a single gauge with speed, fuel, and
odometer. The mid dash is bedecked in faux burlwood panels that
take in various toggles, indicator lights, and a Sony AM/FM/CD
radio, while the glovebox maintains the aesthetic warmth of the
wood. The floor is covered with rubber and fitted, carpeted mats
and the shifter rises from a modest hump in the floor, and
footwells are lined with gray cloth, all in good shape. The front
boot is protected by rubber mats and is relatively clean.
Drivetrain
Behind the rear hatch, a clean version of the 1585cc flat 4
cylinder is found, fueled by a 1-barrel carburetor and tied to a
4-speed manual that keeps power at the back, converted via 3.875
gears. Drum brakes are found front and rear.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with plenty of caked on grease from years
of pleasurable driving, no doubt, and thanks to California, no
invasive rust to note. Of course, belly pans cover a good portion
of the bottom and are intact even if not spotless. The dual exhaust
enters a stock style muffler before exiting through the rear
valance and suspension is of the independent variety with semi
trailing arms in the rear.
Drive-Ability
We've said it before, there's something about the upright position
of the Beetle cabin that is so gratifying and comfortable, and this
one is no exception. A tap of the gas and a turn of the key and the
VW fired up and eagerly pulled onto our black top for a quick lap.
There's no ocean front near Morgantown, but if there was, we might
take a detour from our normal test route! Meanwhile, the car
delivers fine power, straight tracking, and the wide wheelbase for
such a small car helps it handle around turns like an overgrown go
kart. We find all functions operate as they should on this version
of the people's car. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these
functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot
guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your
purchase.
"On February 17th 1972 the 15,007,034th Beetle was sold. Volkswagen
had now claimed the world production record for the most produced
single make of car in history. It was a 1302 Super Beetle that took
the honors beating the 60 year old record set by the Ford model
T".If you're wondering what car to get into the classic world, how
about one that's been produced more than any other and to this day,
has a fervent following and aftermarket support. The Super Beetle
is your personal red carpet invitation into the world of classic
cars, and this one is fun!
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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
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!
