1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible

Description

Ah, the lovable VW Beetle. You've probably spent the last 20 years thinking you could always pick one up for pennies and just never got around to it. Well the day has finally come when nice ones like this final-year 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible are no longer disposable transportation, they're legitimate collectors' items. And they're still just as much fun as they were back in the good old days.

That cool Florida Blue paint is a great choice for a VW Beetle, bright, cheerful, and highly visible, and in fact when this Bug was repainted several years ago, they nailed the vintage '70s vibe. It's a great color, bold and vibrant without being too soft, and it would probably make a great parade vehicle in any regard. Despite their affordable price, these were always rather well-built little cars and even the convertibles like this one feel durable. Gaps are good, the doors fit with a solid feeling, and the body fits together quite well with a nice shine to the paint. It's not perfect because it's hard to resist driving a Beetle convertible on a sunny day, but it looks authentic and that's really what matters. The black rubber running boards are in good condition and the bright trim appears original and is in good shape. The chrome bumpers appear new, as does the dark blue convertible top, and they lend it an old-fashioned look that's all a part of the Beetle's enduring appeal. Easy to imagine hitting the beach in this one, isn't it?

The interior is standard Beetle fare, with black high-back bucket seats wrapped in some of the most durable man-made materials ever invented. Matching door panels were likely replaced at the same time the rest of the work was done and the clean carpets are reproduction pieces that fit well. The simple instrument panel is VW engineering at its most basic, with big, clear numbers and an integrated fuel gauge, and the wood applique on the dash adds a touch of sophistication to the entire cabin. Whatever the original radio may have been, it's long gone, replaced by a Blaupunkt AM/FM/CD stereo head unit that sounds great when you're tooling around town in your bright blue Bug. The 4-speed shifter will feel familiar to anyone who has ever owned a Beetle before, and with a little practice, you'll be shifting like a pro. The forward trunk is nicely finished with a carpeted mat that fits well and gives it a very neat look. And there's a fresh blue convertible top with glass rear window and neat headliner, giving the VW a far more expensive feel than you'd expect at this price level.

A standard, fuel-injected 1600cc flat-four provides power, and while performance is adequate, it's the way it goes about its business that makes the Beetle such a joy. It has good torque and a peppy demeanor, and with the lightweight body, it zips around without seeming to work very hard. It's pretty tight in there, but the original equipment is intact and it runs rather well, as Beetles tend to do when they're not neglected. The transmission shifts like it should and the underside is in very good order and ready for another few decades of fun. No surprises await you in the floors or rocker boxes, and the suspension feels buttoned-down and well-sorted. Shiny steel wheels with correct black VW center caps provide the right look and they wear fat 185/65/15 blackwall radials that look awesome.

This is a fun, inexpensive car that delights everyone who sees it. Better move fast, though, because a lot of people are realizing how special these Bugs really are. Call today!