2001 Volkswagen New Beetle Ute

This 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS is a custom-built Smyth Ute utility pickup conversion that was completed in 2021 and is outfitted with features including shaved door handles, a Bluetooth audio system, 17” aluminum wheels, and a modernized interior. Power comes from a well-maintained 2.0-liter inline-4 that received a recent timing belt replacement and is coupled with a 5-speed manual transaxle. This New Beetle is described as being rust-free, having been allocated to its first owner in August 2001 in Winchester, Kentucky, and having resided long-term in Mississippi before being relocated to Texas in early 2021. Finished in Signal Gruen (Green) over a black vinyl interior, this New Beetle is now offered with a clean CARFAX report, two keys, and a clear Texas title in the seller’s name.

The New Beetle compact car drew inspiration from the original Beetle and launched in 1998 as a two-door liftback and convertible. This customized New Beetle from 2001 started out pre-conversion as a straight, rust-free vehicle and was repainted BMW Signal Gruen (Green) P56. The build, which was started by the previous owner and completed by the seller after his purchase in March 2021, utilized a car-to-truck conversion kit manufactured by Smyth Kit Cars in Tiverton, Rhode Island. Smyth has specialized in such conversions since 2012 and its kits utilize a combination of aluminum panels, riveted subsections, and fiberglass gel-coated outer body parts. Additional touches applied to this New Beetle include fog lamps, clear marker lenses, a smooth rear body design with flared fenders and teardrop taillamps, and shaved door handles with Dakota Digital remote poppers. The bed floor is comprised of wood planks with stainless-steel hardware. The seller notes that the body shows some imperfections as seen in the photo carousel.

Gold-finished multi-spoke 17” aluminum wheels are wrapped in 225/45-series Goodyear Assurance tires that were replaced in April 2021. The body rides on a four-wheel air suspension with Air Lift Performance valves and controller, and braking is provided by four-wheel power-assisted discs.

The interior is complete with replacement components sourced from a 2006 New Beetle, including black vinyl bucket seats, an updated center console, and matching door panels and carpeting. The center stack and upper door panels are color-matched to the exterior. Additional amenities include tinted windows, air conditioning, cruise control, all-weather floor mats, and a touch-screen audio system with Bluetooth. The seller notes that the power-operated sideview mirrors are not working.

Instrumentation includes a 140-mph speedometer along with an inset 7,500-rpm tachometer and a fuel gauge. The digital odometer reads approximately 172k miles, which is a true reading per the seller and is supported by the CARFAX report.

The 2.0-liter inline-4 was factory rated at 115 horsepower and 122 lb-ft of torque and has been well-maintained, receiving a replacement timing belt at 170,000 miles per the seller. Power is fed to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transaxle.

The CARFAX report illustrates a vehicle history that is free of accidents or damage and it passed a Texas state emissions inspection in April 2021. The sale includes two keys with remotes.