1965 Volkswagen Beetle Base 1.2l on 2040-cars

Year: 1965
Interior Color: Tan
Make: Volkswagen
Number of Cylinders: 4
Model: Beetle
Trim: Base
Drive Type: U/K
Mileage: 125,000
Exterior Color: Beige

Condition: Used: A vehicle is considered used if it has been registered and issued a title. Used vehicles have had at least one previous owner. The condition of the exterior, interior and engine can vary depending on the vehicle's history. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections. ... 

I bought this car almost two years ago from a dealer in AZ, who had picked it up from the original owner in AZ a few months earlier.  What impressed me the most was that the original owner had kept meticulous notes from the day he got the car new in December 1964 (when he was 19 years old, I believe).  His original notebook comes with the car, listing every time he filled the tank, changed the oil, rotated the tires, etc, for the first 9 years of its life (mostly in southern CA).  He clearly babied it, finally selling it when he was 66.  I bought the car to teach my son basic mechanics, and for him to ultimately drive to school.  But after we fixed its few ailments my wife convinced me that he should start out with an automatic.  It is mechanically solid and reliable, and the body is in great shape.  The recent overspray isn't perfect, but it looks great as a driver.  If we were to keep it, I would recover the seats.  The rear seat is still fine, but the front seats are pretty ugly under those sheepskin covers.  The carpet looks to have been replaced at some point.

The roof rack is functional and easily removable.  The original owner installed two colored lights and a switch on the dash, but I have no idea why.  I guess a purist could easily fill those holes if it were to be restored to original.  The radio is clearly aftermarket, but works.  I will also include a cover, a right side mirror, front license plate brackets and a wicker under-dash shelf that I've not yet installed.  I also have a pair of 1965 TX plates that I'll include if the buyer is in TX.

This is the least exotic of the classics I own, but it gets the most smiles and waves when I take it on the road.  It is perfect for a single guy looking to strike up conversations with women over 30.  Like driving a puppy.

Original motor and 4spd transmission; I'm told the engine was rebuilt at 80K; usual VW drip at filter screen; no smoke.

New clutch and clutch cable; new distributor; 12V; original air cleaner comes with the car.

Brakes done less than 10K ago, with new master cylinder; tires are good.

Solid and straight body; no bondo or rust issues; good glass; newer paint was done before I bought it, and still looks good.

Lights and gauges all work; inspected and registered in TX; very reliable; starts right up; no overheating.

Odometer stopped turning about 100 miles ago; the cable has probably backed out, but I haven't had the chance to look yet.

Slideshow of over 100 photos available here:  http://s1349.photobucket.com/user/jlbabineau/slideshow/

I've tried to be as accurate and thorough in my description as possible.  I'm not a dealer, and there is no warranty of any sort.  I invite in-person inspections, and have clear title.  Non-refundable deposit is due within 48 hours.  Shipment is your responsibility; car won't be released without full payment, which must be received within 30 days. 

There are many bugs out there, but few that are this nice without having been fully restored.  Relive some memories, or make some new ones.