The Volkswagen Beetle has long been hailed as the world's best-selling automobile, finally outselling the Ford Model T's long-held record. It was deemed the “People's Car” when designed and introduced by Ferdinand Porsche in 1934 for the German government, with production beginning by 1938, then almost immediately stunted for WWII efforts. After the war, production resumed in 1947 with Max Hoffman of New York beginning importation of the charming Beetle to the United States in 1950. As an .....
affordable, mass-produced car, it maintained tremendous reliability with easy maintenance, and 1 million were built for worldwide consumption by 1955! Each new year brought better enhancements to the braking systems, improved visibility, larger engine displacements and horsepower, along with fully synchromesh transmissions and improved suspensions through 1968. The last year of this early generation, prior to the introduction of the Super Bettle, would come about in 1970.
Offered here is a beautifully survived 1970 Volkswagen Beetle 2-door Sedan finished in code correct Black (Schwarz L041) over Red Vinyl interior. Having sold new from Shephard VW based in Porterville, California to its original Long Beach owner on January 12th,1970 with just 3 miles on the odometer, he would keep and maintain his treasured Beetle for the next 42 years! Through meticulous record keeping and logbooks, we have a fully documented service history of this special vehicle since new! Moreover, the odometer readings from these records support him accumulating a total of 190,000 miles to this California cruiser before he part ways with it in 2012 to his mechanic who helped service it over the years!
The first and only complete engine overhaul would be conducted at 140,799 miles by Unlimited Volkswagen based in Bellflower, CA in March 2003. This included a new 1600cc case, 8mm studs, new dual port heads & pistons; standard rod, main, and cam bearings; reconditioned connecting rods, new crankshaft, heavy duty 3-rivet camshafts with corresponding 26mm oil pump, and new flywheel. A modern Blaupunkt AM/FM/CD player with improved speakers was installed in 2008. A new clutch assembly with release bearing, transmission mounts, clutch cable, and rear main seal were all replaced at 185,584 miles in 2011. It's received meticulous care and upkeep over its entire California lifespan!
It would eventually depart California in 2023 with its most recent Hershey, Pennsylvania owner behind the wheel to be driven on a cross-county adventure back to the East Coast! With sightseeing along the way, this lovely Beetle proved its worth and today shows 196,974 miles accumulated! Anyone reviewing this beautiful VW might reject this mileage claim at first glance, but rest assured the condition of this Beetle is nothing short of remarkable! Outside of a past exterior repaint and the front seat upholstery being recovered professionally by Wardlow Top Shop in Long Beach back in October 2008, the balance of the car is very original. Even the original Shat-R-Proof windshield and VW/Sekurit side window glass remain fully intact. The driver's seat is showing minimal seat bottom wear today, along with a front hood blemish hiding underneath a cleverly placed “Nothing Too Fancy” sticker in acquired passing through Knoxville, Tennessee.
Some nice VW extras that were incorporated to this Beetle that include special trumpeted exhaust tips, leather-wrapped Wolfsburg shift handle, polished aluminum engine belt shield, chrome valve covers, red-top radio antenna, European style rear reflectors, “1302S” rear engine lid emblem, H4 halogen headlights, and 4-lug cast aluminum 15” Porsche 914 2.0 Fuchs wheels. The floors have been fitted with black & red combination Coco mats for added protection. New, wider Vredstein Sprint Classic radial tires measuring 185/70R15 were fitted in approximately 2017.
Recent attention upon arrival to the St. Louis Car Museum only including a routine tune up with 34PICT-3 carburetor rebuild with fresh gaskets, float, needle & seat and filter; new distributor cap/rotor/condenser & points, and a new main fuel filter. All records, manuals, and service receipts are included with the sale. An outstanding car to drive once on the road making for a terrific VW investment. Please call with additional questions or to review the car in person. Thanks!