Few vehicles in history have been as recognizable, as prevalent and as loved as the VW Beetle. If you ever got punched in the arm by a friend who shouted “slug bug” when he or she saw a Beetle, you can relate to just how easy they are to spot. The iconic shape and fun community around the Beetle make it one America’s – and the world’s – favorite collector cars.
By many measures, the VW Beetle was a less-than-impressive automobile. It was a compact economy car at its core: low-powered and inexpensively built. Essentially it was a car for the masses (even referred to as the “people’s car”).
But over the course of more than 60 years of production, 21 million Beetles made their way onto the highways of the world and into the hearts of many motorists.
The Pick of the Day, a 1971 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible, is a car that evokes thoughts of sunshine and summertime, more perhaps than any other car in the collector car marketplace. It’s an immaculately restored car, according to the private seller in Canyon Lake, California, who’s advertising the VW on ClassicCars.com.
The seller describes the VW as an “award-winning car in its class,” and a “great running and enjoyable car to drive.”
Mechanically, the Super Beetle appears to have been well sorted with recent engine work, a rebuilt transmission, upgraded front disc brakes, and new tires. Cosmetically, it takes only one look at the yellow paint and interior to see that this VW has received the full treatment. The seller states that it needs nothing and can be driven and enjoyed right away.
VW enthusiasts will note that the car has had some enhancements to the motor including performance heads. For 1971, the Super Beetle received a 1,600 cc flat-4 engine with twin-port cylinder heads. It produced only 60 horsepower, but that was still enough to scoot the small car in relative swiftness. This car wasn’t never about speed anyway, and it looks fun to drive just standing still.
The seller is asking $18,950 for the chance to own perhaps one of the cleanest 49-year-old VW Super Beetles on the road. The best part might be the opportunity to slug a friend each time it comes into view.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day
I’m interested but I’m in Ms and in your opinion of 100% what would u rate it and email me I’ll get back to you thanx
The person writing it is just a journalist. Click on the “Pick of the Day” link to contact the owner.
How much
As noted in the article, it’s $18,950.
Hi Tyson
It shouldn’t really come as a surprise to anyone that VW Beetles are sometimes referred to as ‘People’s Car’ because that’s exactly what Volkswagen means.
I could see myself driving that ragtop through the countryside in New England. Back in the day, I had two girlfriends that each owned a VW ragtop. One red and the other blue. Wasn’t exactly too thrilled about driving around in them, but now. I would love to own my own and drive it proudly! Funny how time changes perspective.
What I notice about EVERY “Pick of the Day”?
They are ALL wildly overpriced!
This is an 8k car. All day.
It makes me doubt the credibility of the authors who post these and I wonder if they’re getting paid to do it. I mean by the owners of the cars. Think about a percentage deal between the publisher of the car owner. That’s probably what’s going on it feels like a total scam. The author always cautious over the car like it’s the best thing since sliced bread and then I hit you with this crazy price like they’re both smoking crack and think you’re an idiot. I’m deleting my subscription.
Another moronic conspiracy theory. Delete away. Who needs you?
I am the managing editor here at ClassicCars.com Journal. I am very proud of our editors, writers and our body of work. One of the things I have learned in my long career of “putting my words out there,” is there are always going to the the haters, trolls, know it alls.
Our writers do get paid for their work. By us, not the seller, to write objective copy about our passion. The idea behind pick of the day is a kind of game that we editors play. We don’t go looking for something that does not inspire us to write. We look for something that jumps off the page at us — and as passionate car people, gets us excited. So if it seems that we write about these cars as “the best thing since sliced bread,” it is because it struck a chord with us personally.
Ryan is correct. Something is worth whatever price it will bring. This isn’t CarMax. Very sorry you don’t share our passion, and if you do, you have an awful way of showing it.
Tellitlikeitis, Don’t think anybody will miss your negativeness. Bet if you had this car you’d ask the same or more. Maybe you need to be reminded; You can always go down, but you can’t go up once you get an offer. I had two new VWs, one a sunroof. Neither cost me more than $1600 off the showroom floor ( WSW, Blapunk radio, seat belts & pop open rear windows ) but I’d gladly pay ten times that for either one in new condition today. If I was in the market for another vehicle, I’d be very interested in this one.
I figured I would get a smarmy response from some know it all. Congratulations, you win! So, not to be without credibility, I searched my local craigslist and found 1972 convertible with 35,000 miles and a brand new interior for $7500. Bam!
Um, a) Dude, you’re not Emeril. b) Cars are worth what people will pay, ever heard of “auctions”? c) You obviously don’t know the meaning of “smarmy”, as you completely misused the word.
Finally- not really a man of your bitter words, are you? Didn’t you pout and say you would delete your account?
Mr. Golfen is correct. No one will miss this sort of moronic negativity.
Growing up in Bristol, Tennessee, in the mid-60’s, we called them “Punch Buggies”!!
Totally disagree with the person who wrote about unrealistic prices and seller/writer collusion. Just do your homework on BETTLE sales on various platforms and you will see many sold in the mid teens that are not as nice as this one (if inspection indicates all quoted in the article are true). One on BAT site recently sold for $30,750!! Yep, it had been in a collection and only had 1,000 miles on it!