5k: New-Old Bare Bones; 1969 VW Beetle

This DT reporter is a child of the 60’s, at a time when the VW Beetle was ubiquitous.   Almost every family I knew in the
60’s had a huge American car and a Beetle as their second car.  The first car almost every
one of my friends learned to drive was a bug (so they wouldn’t risk totaling the ‘nice’ car).  My first
car was a 1962 Karmann Ghia which I bought from my Driver’s Ed
instructor.  I also sold VWs from 1976-1980 and have owned many since.   Which is why I’m so pleased to point out this seemingly well preserved
1969 Volkswagen Beetle currently on Craigslist, and located Torrance, CA.  

Suffice it to say that the pre-1967 Beetles will
always bring more money, but that doesn’t mean the ’68-74 Beetles should be overlooked.  After all, finding any Beetle which is bone stock,
both in appearance and running gear is extremely rare; making this car such a good Daily Turismo choice.  This car has never even had a radio installed!

1967 was the last year of the Old-Old Beetle and 1968 was the first year
of the New-Old Beetle.  In addition to the sealed beam headlamps
introduced in 1967, the most immediately recognizable features of the
later cars are their more robust bumpers.  The rest of the changes are
very subtle and more notable for additional creature comforts and safety
features like the high backed front bucket seats which are partially visible in the picture below.

The engine was more powerful, the rear suspension was more refined and
little touches like mounting an exterior fuel filler door with a release mounted inside the car , rather
than having to open the trunk to access the fuel tank filler, made the
cars easier to live with on a daily basis.

While we agree with the comment in the craigslist ad that this car appears to be ready
to drive to work tomorrow morning, there are
still just enough cosmetic items which need attention to keep the next
owner involved in the car’s ongoing stewardship.

Without trying to nit-pick minor flaws in a 44 year old car, the items that would really spruce this car up would include a new trunk card to protect the dash wiring; media blasting all 5 wheels and painting them an appropriate argent/silver, attempting a paint-less dent repair at the top of the passenger’s rear fender, straightening both bumpers, detailing the engine bay; all while deciding on the correct set of seat cover replacements and a carpet kit.  Most of the Old Beetles have been subjected to all forms of customization, but there are still a TON of available parts to choose from.

Find a better bargain priced bone stock old-old Beetle, or new-old Beetle? email us at tips@dailyturismo.com