1974 Volkswagen Beetle

Description

It sure looks like the days of dirt cheap Beetles are drawing to a close, which is probably a good thing. This fun-loving 1974 Volkswagen Beetle is still an excellent, economical way to join the hobby, but the way the market is moving, it just might be a smart investment, too.

Is there anything about the VW Beetle that hasn't already been said? There's more than one reason why they have endured for decades as the world's most popular car, and this one makes it easy to understand why they've recently started taking off as legitimate collectables. The cheeky good looks impressive build quality all work together to make one fun little hobby car, especially when they wear bright colors that only the Beetles seem to be able to pull off. This Beetle has been nicely maintained but not over-restored, and the fact that it has spent most of that life in a warm climate has certainly helped keep it looking good. The bright orange paint is a 7-year-old repaint, and shows a soft shine that looks exactly right on the vintage runabout even with a few signs of use in the usual places. Everything lines up neatly and the doors open and close with a precision that belies the car's affordable price tag, suggesting it has always been a straight, clean, unmolested car. The big chrome bumpers, running boards, and other unique Beetle touches are all in good shape as well. Drive it with pride!

The black interior is an excellent contrast to the bright orange bodywork, and while it might invite some comparisons with the Great Pumpkin, it's hard to deny that the combination doesn't look great. Seats are comfortable buckets with textured seating surfaces that stay cool even on warm days, and the dash keeps it simple with a single gauge pod ahead of the driver. The hardware has a no-nonsense vibe and everything looks basic but feels expensive, typical of German cars of the period where the quality was tangible in everything you touched. The upholstery, carpets, and door panels are all in excellent condition with very little wear, and there's a period AM/FM radio in the dash that works as it should and provides reasonable entertainment when you're just cruising. The front trunk area is tidy and clean, and even with a full-sized spare there's enough room for a few overnight bags, just in case you'd like to have an adventure in your new Beetle.

The familiar 1600 cc air-cooled flat four engine is a big part of the Beetle's appeal, with its bulletproof reliability and familiar whistling exhaust note. This one still wears its factory air cleaner assembly and carburetor, and it has been properly maintained. Thanks to fresh points in the distributor, it starts easily with that distinctive VW starter chatter, idles nicely, and delivers adequate performance for around-town errands. Stir the 4-speed manual properly and it's even entertaining to drive, thanks to a stable suspension and decent brakes. This VW was original air conditioned, and even though the system was removed years ago, it is included with the car if you'd like to reinstall it (not a tough job since they were designed to be dealer-installed). Original steel wheels are in excellent shape and wear recent 165R15 Dunlop radials that are just the right size.

You'll probably find that everyone is your friend when you drive a Beetle, and the way the market is moving, they won't be this affordable for much longer. Call today!