1973 Volkswagen Super Beetle

Description

This 1973 Volkswagen Beetle is a neat hybrid that combines a sleek California custom look with an assortment of upgrades to make a Bug that's a blast to drive and looks like no other. It offers high-quality workmanship all out of proportion to its price tag and definitely delivers on the fun its outrageous looks promise.

VW experts will quickly spot the fact that this isn't a 1973 Volkswagen, not the body shell at least. It's been pretty extensively modified, mostly by the use of a wide-body kit to make the rounded fenders look downright aggressive. Of course, the anthracite paint (a Porsche color called Polar Seal Gray), raked stance, and subtle body mods take it a few steps farther away from stock, but that's a big part of this Bug's appeal. Finish quality is remarkably good, particularly for an affordable Beetle, and the subtle finish works rather well on the endearing rounded shape. The bumpers and parking lights have been shaved, which really makes the front of this car look clean and smooth, while out back it carries the smaller taillights that are preferred by most Bug enthusiasts. Tinted windows add to the aggressive look, and we have to say that this is one Beetle that we wouldn't tangle with on the street.

The first thing you'll notice inside is gorgeous leather upholstery that would look more at home in a Porsche than an affordable VW. Those high-back buckets are supportive and all-day comfortable and the door panels have been upholstered to match using factory-style patterns. There's a simple dashboard with the factory speedometer in the center, a tach up on top, and auxiliary dials down low, as well as a three-spoke steering wheel. The center of the dash is filled with an AM/FM/CD head unit that powers a rather extensive audio system hidden throughout the car. The 4-speed manual transmission will feel familiar to anyone who has driven a Bug, although the shifter on this one seems a little tighter than most and adds to the sporty feel of the car. The forward-mounted trunk is clean, and includes a custom wiring harness and the upgraded amplifiers and battery for the stereo system.

The air-cooled flat four is a bit more robust than your usual VW powerplant, and has been punched out to a massive 2500cc and inhales through a pair of 40mm Weber carbs. Experts will spot Porsche-spec cooling cowls and fan, and there are three oil coolers keeping it happy when you're running hard. It runs superbly and moves the lightweight bodywork with genuine gusto, which you'd expect from an estimated 250 horsepower. With less than 1000 miles on the engine and Freeway Flyer 4-speed manual gearbox, it's still quite fresh and ready to go. The lowered stance looks awesome and doesn't kill ride quality, thanks to the later chassis components, all of which are in good condition. This Beetle also offers four-wheel disc brakes, a worthwhile upgrade on a car that's considerably faster than your average economy car. Staggered ACR wheels are an awesome look and wear massive 215/45/17 front and 265/35/18 rear performance radials.

Fully sorted and wickedly fast, this neat little Bug is a lot of fun to drive and has a custom look that will get attention all out of proportion to its sticker price. Call today!