Vehicle Description
The Volkswagen Beetle has long been hailed as the world's
best-selling automobile, finally outselling the Ford Model T's
long-held record. It was deemed the "People's Car" when designed
and introduced by Ferdinand Porsche in 1934 for the German
government, with production beginning by 1938, then almost
immediately stunted for WWII efforts. After the war, production
resumed in 1947 with Max Hoffman of New York beginning importation
of the charming Beetle to the United States in 1950. As an
affordable, mass-produced car, it maintained tremendous reliability
with easy maintenance, and 1 million were built for worldwide
consumption by 1955! Each new year brought better enhancements to
the braking systems, improved visibility, larger engine
displacements and horsepower, along with fully synchromesh
transmissions and improved suspensions through 1968. The last year
of this early generation, prior to the introduction of the Super
Bettle, would come about in 1970.
Offered here is a beautifully survived 1970 Volkswagen Beetle
2-door Sedan finished in code correct Black (Schwarz L041) over Red
Vinyl interior. Having sold new from Shephard VW based in
Porterville, California to its original Long Beach owner on January
12th,1970 with just 3 miles on the odometer, he would keep and
maintain his treasured Beetle for the next 42 years! Through
meticulous record keeping and logbooks, we have a fully documented
service history of this special vehicle since new! Moreover, the
odometer readings from these records support him accumulating a
total of 190,000 miles to this California cruiser before he part
ways with it in 2012 to his mechanic who helped service it over the
years!
The first and only complete engine overhaul would be conducted at
140,799 miles by Unlimited Volkswagen based in Bellflower, CA in
March 2003. This included a new 1600cc case, 8mm studs, new dual
port heads & pistons; standard rod, main, and cam bearings;
reconditioned connecting rods, new crankshaft, heavy duty 3-rivet
camshafts with corresponding 26mm oil pump, and new flywheel. A
modern Blaupunkt AM/FM/CD player with improved speakers was
installed in 2008. A new clutch assembly with release bearing,
transmission mounts, clutch cable, and rear main seal were all
replaced at 185,584 miles in 2011. It's received meticulous care
and upkeep over its entire California lifespan!
It would eventually depart California in 2023 with its most recent
Hershey, Pennsylvania owner behind the wheel to be driven on a
cross-county adventure back to the East Coast! With sightseeing
along the way, this lovely Beetle proved its worth and today shows
196,974 miles accumulated! Anyone reviewing this beautiful VW might
reject this mileage claim at first glance, but rest assured the
condition of this Beetle is nothing short of remarkable! Outside of
a past exterior repaint and the front seat upholstery being
recovered professionally by Wardlow Top Shop in Long Beach back in
October 2008, the balance of the car is very original. Even the
original Shat-R-Proof windshield and VW/Sekurit side window glass
remain fully intact. The driver's seat is showing minimal seat
bottom wear today, along with a front hood blemish hiding
underneath a cleverly placed "Nothing Too Fancy" sticker in
acquired passing through Knoxville, Tennessee.
Some nice VW extras that were incorporated to this Beetle that
include special trumpeted exhaust tips, leather-wrapped Wolfsburg
shift handle, polished aluminum engine belt shield, chrome valve
covers, red-top radio antenna, European style rear reflectors,
"1302S" rear engine lid emblem, H4 halogen headlights, and 4-lug
cast aluminum 15" Porsche 914 2.0 Fuchs wheels. The floors have
been fitted with black & red combination Coco mats for added
protection. New, wider Vredstein Sprint Classic radial tires
measuring 185/70R15 were fitted in approximately 2017.
Recent attention upon arrival to the St. Louis Car Museum only
including a routine tune up with 34PICT-3 carburetor rebuild with
fresh gaskets, float, needle & seat and filter; new distributor
cap/rotor/condenser & points, and a new main fuel filter. All
records, manuals, and service receipts are included with the sale.
An outstanding car to drive once on the road making for a terrific
VW investment. Please call with additional questions or to review
the car in person. Thanks!
