Reserve Removed: 1970 Volkswagon Beetle Convertible

This 1970 Volkswagen Beetle convertible is a custom resto-mod that has been driven fewer than 1,000 miles on a replacement drivetrain, with features and additions that include a modern sound system, new wheels and tires, auxiliary gauges, and a Hurst shifter. It is powered by a 1,600cc flat-four paired with a 4-speed manual transaxle, and recently received a valve adjustment, oil change, and new battery. Finished in red with a black vinyl top over a black interior, this Beetle was refurbished by the previous owner and is now offered with a clear California title in the seller’s name.

This Beetle was professionally resprayed red under prior ownership, with chrome accents for the front headlight trim, window surrounds, badging, and fender-mounted marker lamps. The black retractable top, which is reported to be in excellent condition, has a glass rear window and is covered by a custom vinyl tonneau cover. The front and rear bumpers have been color-matched in red, chrome running boards are fitted, and there are dual polished exhaust tips exiting below the rear bumper.

Replacement 16” seven-spoke black wheels with polished lips are wrapped in newer 205-section Yokohama tires. Braking is handled by front discs and adjustable coil-over shocks are fitted at all four corners. 

The interior is fitted with reupholstered black vinyl bucket seats, matching door panels and map pockets, headliner, and carpeting. A custom center console has been installed which contains a storage area and the Hurst shifter with reverse lockout. A modern Kenwood KDC-MP345U AM/FM/CD head unit with remote control and USB inputs is wired to an amplifier, new door speakers, and two new Kicker subwoofers mounted behind the rear seat. The control for the amplifier is located under the front ashtray in the center of the dash.

Instrumentation is viewed through a two-spoke red steering wheel with a chrome horn ring and consists of a 90-mph VDO speedometer, an 8,000-rpm white-faced Super Pro tachometer, a fuel gauge, and an oil pressure gauge. The replacement five-digit mechanical odometer reads approximately 890 miles, which the seller states is the mileage since restoration. True mileage on the chassis is unknown.

The rear-mounted 1,600cc air-cooled flat-four was sourced from a 1974 model and has been upgraded with a mild camshaft and a new carburetor and battery. A valve adjustment and oil change were performed in May 2021, in addition to the heads having been re-torqued and the timing and ignition systems reset. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transaxle. The engine cover release cable is also noted as having been replaced.