Vehicle Description
Sometimes, you just can't go wrong with the basics. This nicely
finished 1969 Volkswagen Beetle isn't wildly modified, but bright
red paint definitely makes it stand out in the crowd. It also
offers the charm of the early, pre-Super Beetle era, including
small marker lights and a flat windshield, which are preferred by
collectors.
Bright red paint looks right on the trademark Beetle curves, but to
really make it shine, you need to get a straight one.
Unfortunately, a lot of folks don't think VWs are worth the
restoration investment, and that's why you need a good, clean
original. Even though the paint is now a few years old, it's
obvious that this was always a good, clean southern car and the
paint has held up quite well despite this being a car that's hard
to resist when the sun is shining. Paint is showing some age, but
once you're behind the wheel you're not going to complain. Overall,
this unmolested Beetle fits together extremely well (although the
stories of Beetles being able to float due to exceptional seals in
the doors are probably just myths), and the doors open and close
with just a light touch. There's a single strip of bright trim
running the length of the body that dresses it up, and the bumpers
were painted to match, giving it a bit of a custom look that we
like a lot.
The interior is handsomely fitted with reproduction black seat
covers on the original high-back bucket seats. Black door panels, a
new set of black carpets, and a repainted dash make it feel young
again, but you can't shake the wonderful vintage feeling of
grabbing that big, thin-rimmed steering wheel and stubby 4-speed
shifter. The simple single gauge offers speed and fuel level, but
precious little else, but these cars tend to be so reliable that
keeping a constant eye on them isn't really necessary. There's a
newer Panasonic AM/FM/CD stereo head unit that updates the sound
system and carpeted floor mats help keep it tidy. Up front, the
trunk offers a bit of storage space as well as a full-sized spare
tire and jack assembly. Overhead, there's an expensive-looking
black canvas convertible top that folds easily and seals up well,
which is a VW hallmark. For an inexpensive car, it sure doesn't
feel cheap!
The 1300 cc flat-four has obviously been recently reworked and
drives superbly today. There's a rebuilt carburetor, recent
ignition tune-up parts, and a custom pulley on the crank, and it
lights off almost instantly when you turn the key. It still makes
all the right sounds, and the smooth-running engine easily keeps up
with modern traffic out on the road. Underneath, the chassis is
quite clean thanks to living in a warm climate, and this is one of
those rare Beetles that has not been endlessly modified over the
years. Instead, it has a stock suspension, brakes that are
surprisingly effective given its light weight and modest
performance, and even a proper OEM-grade muffler that generates the
trademark VW whistling exhaust note. Blacked-out wheels look a lot
like vintage Minilites, which were popular back when this car was
new, and they wear rather larger 195/65/15 blackwalls that give it
a nice ride and handling boost.
Beetles still represent a huge amount of fun for the money, and
this cute convertible is one of those simple little cars that has
simply been properly maintained and cherished all its life and
offers a lot of fun for the money. Call today!
