1971 Volkswagen Super Beetle
"The decision to produce the Super Beetle was going to be a costly one. Never before had Volkswagen spent so much time or money on the Beetle. The new suspension design required a new chassis and every panel in the front end had to be redesigned as well. This meant new rounder fenders, a larger wider hood, redesigned front valance, a new spare tire well, changes to other areas of the body and new inner fenders to accommodate the mounting of the new struts. This would be the most costly and extensive revision of the Beetle since it was first launched. It was said that if Heinz Nordhoff was alive the Super Beetle might have never been built." Superbeetles.com
For consignment, a 1971 Volkswagen Super Beetle showing 18,095 miles, but the true miles are unknown. Globally, around 700,000 Super Beetles were produced in 1971, an incredible number by any measure.
Exterior
Happy cars deserve happy colors and the Lemon Yellow adorning this Beetle fits the bill as its bright, cheerful, and sets a perfect background for the car's trim and lights, not to mention the black features such as the tires and infamous running board. Body lines, vents, and the black fender seam cords all pop off of the yellow paint while polished trim such as the side strip and hood trim blend well with the chrome bumpers, hubcaps, and headlight rings. '73 would be the final year for tombstone tail lights, giving way to the three part elephant's foot version in years to come. The exterior is in great shape with imperfections limited to some surface rust on the light rings, pitting in the wheels, surface rust on lower grille, and a touched up scratch on a rear fender.
Interior
Standard black vinyl door cards are in fine condition and the hardware and pleated map pockets are also black. Out texture weaved vinyl on the bucket seats is in good shape with some lumpiness to the driver's seat, but along with the rear bench, present fully intact and clean. A straight spoke runs through the center cap of the steering wheel taking with it a horizontal horn bar. It has some patina and leads to the original dashboard with single gauge ahead and AM/FM radio to the right along with several switches. Simplicity was the VW's strong point and the shifter rises from a clear floor with black carpet, all in nice shape, while our headliner above shows areas of looseness but no apparent tears. The front trunk is barren and holds a jack.
Drivetrain
In back is the 1600cc flat 4 cylinder pushing out 60 horsepower using a 1-barrel carburetor. A 4-speed manual transmission keeps power in back and routes it through 4.125 gears.
Undercarriage
Clean and dry and other than minor surface rust, essentially rust free. \Drum brakes are employed on all four wheels and dual exhaust utilize a stock style muffler that emits two straight exhaust tips, polished for their public display. Suspension included the Super Beetle's MacPherson struts in front and a transverse torsion bar with semi trailing arms in back. We note some rust repair in the wheel wells.
Drive-Ability
Dozens of Beetles have come through our Hallowed Halls and each one delivers the satisfying cabin experience that made them so popular, and this nicely preserved example is no exception. The car tracks straight, handles nicely, and dare we say, does so with a bit of pep. We note the horn is not working but all other functions work as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Just a nice, straight, unmodified example of a classic Beetle, and in a great color! It' rare that a Beetle at the mall doesn't find a new home and we're confident this one won't be with us long enough to collect a coat of dust. Here is your opportunity to join V-dub nation, or add to your collection of air cooled classics!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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