As a devoted car enthusiast with a particular fondness for German engineering, I must confess a slight oversight in my automotive journey – I’ve never owned a classic Volkswagen Beetle. This iconic vehicle transcends geographical boundaries, uniting car lovers worldwide. Many individuals, especially those over 50, share cherished memories of Beetle ownership, forming bonds and developing a deep appreciation for this car. Despite its widespread appeal, fate has yet to align for me to own one, though a well-maintained Beetle remains a desirable item on my automotive wish list. The challenge, however, lies in the escalating prices of desirable classic cars, Beetles included. These prices often position them beyond the reach of casual buyers seeking a fun, reasonably priced classic car experience. This is precisely why I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon this remarkably budget-friendly Super Beetle Cabriolet listed on Craigslist in Santa Clara, Utah, priced at a tempting $7,500. My interest, to say the least, is significantly piqued.
This particular model is a “Super” Beetle Cabriolet, a designation that indicates a longer hood design, resulting in increased front trunk (or “frunk”) space compared to the original Beetle. While European Super Beetles benefited from front disc brakes, their U.S. counterparts initially retained drum brakes. However, this specific Beetle Cabriolet has been upgraded with front disc brakes. This enhancement complements the suspension improvements introduced a few years prior, which replaced swing axles with a setup remarkably similar to the contemporary Porsche 911, significantly enhancing handling. Adding to its appeal, this example also features adjustable front suspension, evident in its stance in the accompanying photographs. Remarkably, I observe no signs of rust, a near miracle for any vehicle crafted by Karmann in the 1970s, a period known for rust susceptibility in models like the Karmann Ghia and BMW E9 Coupe.
Super Beetles also boasted a slightly larger 1600cc air-cooled flat-four engine, an upgrade from the 1500cc unit in earlier models. In its factory configuration, this engine produced 60 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque. While achieving 0-60 mph acceleration in approximately 16 seconds, fuel economy was a somewhat underwhelming 24 mpg, primarily due to altered gearing – roughly a 25% reduction compared to previous Beetles. This particular Beetle Cabriolet features a recently rebuilt engine, now equipped with a single 2-barrel carburetor instead of the original dual carb setup, along with ported heads. However, the precise impact of these modifications on overall performance remains unclear. Perhaps seasoned VW enthusiasts in the comments section could offer insights?
My personal preference leans towards earlier Super Beetles that retain the flat windshield and classic dashboard design, while still incorporating the aforementioned mechanical enhancements. Super Beetles also included larger oil coolers and improved cabin ventilation systems. The interior of this Beetle Cabriolet has clearly benefited from investment and care, showcasing new leather seats, carpets, and a replacement convertible top complete with a glass window. Furthermore, it’s adorned with complimentary Coco Mats. I am a genuine admirer of Coco Mats in vintage German automobiles – and to clarify, this is not a paid endorsement. My own ’72 280SEL 4.5 is equipped with them, as were several of my previous vehicles. They simply exude a sense of quality and vintage charm.
As a family-oriented individual, I’m always drawn to enjoyable vehicles that can comfortably accommodate my family of four for leisurely cruises, ice cream runs, visits to Grandma’s, or simply casual drives. A close friend from my high school days owned a Beetle virtually identical to this one, save for the aftermarket wheels, and it was an absolute joy to ride in. It also served as a poignant reminder of the importance of maintaining fuel hoses in good condition… Regardless, if you can appreciate a Beetle Cabriolet not as a high-performance sports car, but rather as the dependable, enduring classic that it truly is – a vehicle that welcomes hands-on maintenance and boasts virtually unlimited parts availability – then I believe you could fare considerably worse than this example, particularly at a price point under ten thousand dollars. So many appealing cars, yet so little time to experience them all…
