Inventory Listing

The history of the Volkswagen Type 1 Sedan in the United States goes back to 1949, when the first example came to these shores. According to Volkswagen’s historians, only two of the vehicles sold that year. This was a very humble beginning for what would go on to become one of the best-selling cars in history, with over 23 million examples sold worldwide. The VW Type 1 Sedan would come to be known as the “Beetle,” and in 1969 achieved cultural icon status when a 1963 Type 1, emblazoned with the number “53,” starred in a feature film entitled The Love Bug.

Powertrain

This 1969 Volkswagen Beetle was originally produced with an air-cooled, 1.5-liter OHV flat-four, which the automaker rated at 53-horsepower and 78 lb-ft of torque when new. This car has been upgraded to a 1.6-liter version of this powerplant, which the company used in Beetles in the U.S. from 1971-’79. Volkswagen got 60 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque from this later engine. The engine was rebuilt before the current ownership period, and idles well after a couple minutes of warm-up and does not smoke. A small amount of oil leakage has occurred in the last two years, but no other leaks have been detected. The transmission shifts smoothly and was rebuilt by a previous owner. A new clutch kit has been installed, with receipts available to document the work.

Exterior

The repainted body has a small scratch by the vent window on the driver’s side. Paint quality is very good – a nice glossy yellow with no dents or chips. There is no visible rust anywhere on the vehicle. Most glass appears to be new, with no scratches or cracks. The moldings have been replaced and there is no evidence of leaks. All of the lights work, though the turn signals must be cancelled manually. The heater is also functional.

Interior

A new gray interior kit has been installed, and there are no cracks or tears in the vinyl upholstery. Carpeting is in very good condition with no holes. The headliner is in very good condition as well. All trim pieces, knobs, and switches are present. The radio and oil temperature gauge are not functioning, but the gas gauge, headlight switch, emergency flasher switch, and turn signal relay have been replaced. New door panels have been installed with Masonite backing, sound deadening and moisture barriers. A new door restoration kit was installed so the windows operate smoothly.

Chassis

The tires were new when the vehicle was acquired for the current collection and still have substantial tread remaining. The wheels have no curb rash or unusual vibrations. The car steers straight, without play. The tie rods, Pittman arm, and steering box have been replaced. Shocks and bushings are in good condition and the rear stub axle spacer has been replaced. As for the braking system, the master cylinder, brake reservoir, wheel cylinders, spring kit, and brake shoes have all been replaced.

Documentation

The vehicle comes with a clean Oklahoma title. Originally purchased as an investment, the car includes receipts for over $9,500 in mechanical restoration work.