1961 Volkswagen Beetle

This 1961 Volkswagen Beetle shares certain aesthetics with a 1956 model year Beetle, courtesy of custom fabrication by the seller’s father that resulted in a uniquely original build. Powered by a SCAT Enterprises-equipped 2,110cc flat-four coupled to a 4-speed manual transaxle, the car features an oval rear window from a 1956 model. The enhancements extend to the interior where Pro Car bucket seats, a custom audio system, and a billet steering wheel accentuate the cabin. Painted in two-tone silver and white over a two-tone black and gray vinyl interior, this Beetle is now offered with a copy of the appraisal, a build summary, and a clear Florida title in the seller’s name.

The Beetle’s lifespan dates back to the late 1930s and the model went through subtle design changes in subsequent decades. This example received custom bodywork to blend the roof section of a 1956 Beetle onto a 1961 vehicle to allow for an oval rear window. Additional changes were made with the installation of a back-dated hood, as well as the replacement of all four fenders, the decklid, running boards, black canvas sliding retractable roof, and window seals. Lighting was been upgraded with H4 halogen headlamps along with LED turn signals and taillamps. Noted cosmetic defects consist of a crack on the driver-side rear quarter and a rust spot in the hood rain channel. The cabin is reported to be weatherproof and does not leak.

Riding on custom Flat-Four 15” aluminum wheels with 205/60 Kumho Solus tires, this Beetle received a number of modifications to its suspension and braking within the last 500 miles. Up front are replacement kingpins, a 1968-model narrowed 4” ball joint beam with lowering adjusters, chrome tie rods, replacement KYB shocks, and a sway bar. The rear features drum brakes sourced from a 1968 Beetle and a replacement swingarm and Type 3 Sway-A-Way heavy-duty axles. A brake overhaul was reportedly carried out recently that incorporated stainless-steel brake lines.

Seating is provided by replacement two-tone black and gray vinyl Pro Car seats, with the cabin being further trimmed in black canvas door panels and replacement gray carpeting. The dash panels were shaved and smoothed, and other upgrades were added including a billet steering wheel and a short-throw SCAT shifter. An audio system upgrade incorporates a modern head unit with Rockford-Fosgate speakers in floor-mounted speaker panels. The front trunk holds a 1960 Beetle fuel tank that has been color-matched to the exterior.

Instrumentation consists of a chrome-rimmed 90-mph speedometer and a fuel gauge. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 3,723 miles, which the seller reports represent mileage driven since the build. True chassis mileage is unknown.

The rear-mounted 2,110cc flat-four carries a list of performance enhancements including an aluminum block and SCAT crank, Mahle forged pistons and rods, performance 044 heads, a lightweight flywheel, a 1,700-lb clutch, SCAT straight-cut gears, pro-built twin Weber 44mm carburetors, an MSD billet distributor, a powder-coated 12-volt alternator, and an Optima red top battery. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transaxle and positraction rear end. The exhaust system consists of a Ramstein ceramic coated header and muffler. A recent full service is reported to have included the replacement of the piston rings and gaskets. The seller adds that the car leaks approximately ¼-quart of oil every two months.

Photos showing the underside are available in the carousel illustrating the powder-coated surfaces and reportedly original rust-free oil pan.

The sale includes documentation stating an appraised value of $49,500. Walk-around, start-up, and driving videos are available for viewing below.