1974 Vw Beetle Documented Love Bug Special Edition Pan Off Restored 49,725 Miles on 2040-cars

1974 Volkswagen Beetle Special Edition "Love Bug". Three hundred miles since completion of two year pan off, nut and bolt restoration with some upgrades. In late '74 Volkswagen released the Love Bug Special Edition to boost sales. They were all 1974 model year cars produced after June. They were only available in bright green and bright orange, they had VW sport wheels and blacked out trim. Each dealer was issued 10 but I have been unable to verify exactly how many were sold and some claim there were fewer orange ones. This Model 1191 "Love Bug"  was sold new August 7, 1974 at Walker Volkswagen, Falmouth, Cape Cod, Massachusetts as shown in the original owners manual which still includes the warranty card. The original dealers decal is still on the engine lid and was saved and cleared over during restoration to preserve this unique cars lineage.

When the restoration started on this 49k mile car it had never been repaired and was all original paint. The body was removed from the chassis, disassembled, and any issues were addressed. It was completely refinished inside and out with high quality Glasurit products. It is the correct L32K paint code called Phoenix Red, marketed in Love Bug advertising as "red hot red", but is actually bright orange in color. Exterior basecoat/clearcoat has been wet sanded and buffed to far better than original flatness and gloss. All exterior trim has been restored and refinished in the correct Love Bug satin black. Windshield was replaced as were all correct no molding style glass rubber gaskets. H4 headlamps, Hella taillamps, correct German molding-less running boards, and numerous other parts were replaced as needed. Windows are lightly tinted (legal) and new original style mirrors installed adding passenger side.

While the body was removed the chassis was completely disassembled and sand blasted. Both floor pans were replaced as well as the front frame head lower plate (a common problem on later beetles). It was mounted on a rotisserie and refinished in the correct satin black.The front axle beam was replaced with a VW OEM adjustable unit and rebuilt with all new parts. The car is lowered about 2 inches and has an oversize sway bar and KYB gas shocks at all four corners that work well with the lowered stance. The complete brake system is new including master cylinder, wheel cylinders, shoes, hardware kits, stainless brakelines, braided stainless flex lines, and emergency brake cables. Original and correct restored wheels, including matching spare, with correct center caps and lug covers.

The engine is a stock 1600 dual port. It is a correct 1974 "AH" block but is not original to this car. It runs perfectly with no leaks of oil, exhaust, or compression, and shows evidence of being a very low mileage rebuild or replacement, but true history is unknown. Various upgrades have been recently made including new carburetor, electronic ignition, aluminum valve covers, and full ceramic coated Eurosport exhaust including heater box elimination pipes. Factory heating system has been removed to improve engine cooling, boost performance, and to help prevent common rocker panel rust issues. Fan shroud has been shaved, engine tins filled, and body ducts sealed off. The original transaxle shifts smoothly, doesn't leak, has been cleaned, and oil has been changed to synthetic fluid. New mounts and new axle assemblies installed.

Interior has new TMI full carpet with Dynamat underlayment, carpeted  trunk and custom carpeted rear shelf. Seat upholstery has been replaced with original style black covers. Original dash pad with very minor crack, original headliner with one minor repair, and all original door panels. Later model VW leather wrapped steering wheel and new Retrosound stereo system. Glovebox door has faint outline of "Love Bug" emblem visible but missing and vintage "Herbie" decal. Glove box is intact and hood release works as it should.

This rare car runs, drives, looks, and sounds as you would expect a thorough restoration would. It draws interest everywhere it has been driven in the short time since completion. From thumbs up driving down the road to someone commenting at a cruise night this iconic car can't help but get a reaction. It truly is a fun and enjoyable little car. The car is currently inspected and I have a clean and clear Massachusetts title in hand. I can help load to ship but all shipping charges are Buyers responsibility. Happy to answer any questions and thanks for looking.