1979 Convertible Super Beetle - Triple White on 2040-cars

This Karmann-built Super Beetle convertible  is in the beautiful and desirable triple white combination from the last year the classic Beetle was imported to the US. It is a California car that I have driven for 1000 miles in the Northeast on dry days during the last four summers. The rest of the time, the car has been kept in a garage, except for a couple of months last fall. I bought it from a Southern CA classic dealer in 2010, who assured me it had been a one-family car since new. It is a driver, not a concours car, meant to be enjoyed, especially in nice weather. It surrounds you with the inimitable classic Bug feel and sound, made even more appealing when the top is down.

Before I bought the car, the seller had installed a new windshield and rubber seal, and, possibly, new rear glass. The car was also newly painted. The paint job was just adequate driver quality, and the car deserves better. Nevertheless, the paint has held up well during the last four years, and the car always attracts attention for what it is and how it shows. The chassis has no rust, other than a possible spot at the rear left quarter of the floor pan (this is an educated guess, made by tapping the floor pan, as no rust shows). All the possible trouble areas for these cars(spare tray, front lip, battery tray,  etc.) are perfectly solid on this car. There is a spot of flaked paint at the rear lip of the rear left fender (see picture) and a few other imperfections apparent at a closer inspection (e.g. at the corners of the top edges of the doors, and underneath or at the edges of the chrome trim), that a quality paint job should have eliminated. The chrome trim  is in very good condition. The wheels are in exceptionally good shape for the age. Tires are like new.

The white vinyl seat upholstery is original and like new, as is the dash. The door cards are clean and free of blemishes and damage, but there is some slight warping at the edges. The carpet seems original, well-used but not frayed. All the gauges and instruments are original and work, including the clock. There is a modern stereo with a CD player and iPod and MP3 connectors and speakers installed. The white top seems original, has some weathering and one repaired tear of about 1.5 inches at the rear right "C" pillar. The interior layer needs a few hand stitches, to eliminate some sagging.  There is a nice, slightly weathered white cover for the folded top. Taking the top down and back up is a breeze, if one keeps the hinges of its frame clean and lubricated.

The engine starts immediately, runs very strong and burns no oil. After a long drive, the crankcase gasket will shed a couple of drops of oil, as do most vintage VW/Porsche flat 4s and 6s. When I got the car, I replaced all fluids and filters,  and adjusted the valves. I also routed the spark cables correctly, in order to eliminate an occasional problem with starting the car when hot. It now always starts immediately. More recently I replaced the fuel pump and filter, and installed a new battery.  These were the only mechanical issues I had with the car, which has otherwise run trouble-free and can be driven anywhere (even at 70mph on the highway). The transmission and clutch work as they should, but the linkage is somewhat loose and should not be rushed. Fresh bushings will eliminate the vague feel, and this is something to consider doing at some point in the future. Steering is immediate and fun, and the brakes require effort (remember you are driving unassisted drum brakes), but will stop the car very effectively (believe me I have tested them). Suspension has no issues. Keep in mind that you will be driving a convertible version of an almost eighty year old design, so the body flex should be thought as part of the charm of the car.

Please feel free to ask questions.