Vehicle Description
1974 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible
With millions of original beetles sold over several decades, the
movement towards modifying them started early in the genre. Today,
a list of common modifications include a Subaru engine swap,
converting to a Baja bug capable of offroad adventures, reshelling
a car and making an open air beach buggy, and even front engine
conversions creating a total sleeper with a V8 under the hood.
For consignment, a 1974 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible with a
title verified 221,106 actual miles. Front fender with square
headlight cavities was a fairly common mod and makes this '74 stand
out from the crowd, and the bright red paint job doesn't hurt
either! Less visible are the engine and transmission mods that
spice up this Phoenix Red bug.
Exterior
Amber fog lights change the face of the Beetle, but not as much as
the unique square headlights flanking the rounded frunk. White
piping in the fender seams complement the 15-inch wagon wheel rims
in white and all of it is a great match for the white canvas top
and its white tonneau cover when stowed. The three part round tail
lights are still in place and are unmistakable, flanking the
louvered boot underscored by a straight bumper. Curved glass of the
Super Beetle windshield meets with the vent windows or as some call
them, smoker's windows, that pivot within a fixed frame.
Imperfections include cracking on the paint of the boot, paint
chips on the fenders, touched up chips and cracks, flaking paint,
and chipping paint around drainage holes in the rear valance.
Interior
White vinyl door cards present cleanly on the doors with sharply
contrasting VW black hardware and map pockets, typically stretched.
The textured and stitched bucket seats also show very nicely and
are tall with an integrated headrest. More pleasantries in the back
where the bench and sidewalls are nice. Honey colored wood adorns
the front, beginning with the rim of the Grant steering wheel and
the mid panel of the dash. The textured dash pad and cove that
houses the speedometer is in great shape too. A Kenwood
AM/FM/Cassette is on board for the tunes and an AutoGage tach is
mounted down lower. More wood for the handle of the shifter, rising
cleanly from the plastic base over gray carpet and ladybug rubber
mats, and Pioneer speakers along for the ride in the footwells.
Drivetrain
A nicely detailed engine bay houses a 1766cc engine, built by
Stephen's Machine in Venice, California and including a 69mm
counterweight crank and 90.5mm pistons, fed by dual Weber 34mm
carburetors. The 4-speed manual is a 1974 Type 1 IRS with HD shift
forks, welded 3rd and 4thgears, a racing cross shaft, and HD side
cover. Drum brakes are on all four wheels.
Undercarriage
The clean underside presents with a combination of blue and red
paint with dry conditions.Suspension consists of Macpherson struts
up front and swing axle with trailing arms and torsion bars. We do
note some oil on the pair of hoses entering the left side of the
engine. Headers being the short exhaust process that includes
Thunderbird Quiet Pack mufflers.
Drive-Ability
The ever admirable upright sitting position begins our positive
experience with this zippy red flyer and while the tires are
staggered for improved handling. They are quite old so we feather
the car around the loop where it runs like a champ and handles well
around turns at modest speeds. All functions operate as they
should. 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.
A book detailing the reconstruction of the vehicle accompanies it
and tells the story of two Beetles donating their parts to create
the one you see here. This was done in 1990 and 1991 and the build
has held up well and has resulted in a well sorted and dramatic
looking Super Beetle. Unlike the beetle you accidentally stepped on
on the sidewalk, this one looks great on the inside and
outside!
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!
