1968 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Custom
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1968
- Make: Volkswagen
- Model: Beetle Convertible
- VIN: 158306805
- Mileage: 12,460
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Rebuilt
- Color: Black
- Seller: lab123
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Portola Hills, CA 92679
- Lot #: V-0014189
Up for auction is this custom 1968 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. Initially modified in California during the 1980s, this VW showcases a custom-built 1776cc flat-four engine, upgraded brakes and suspension, a custom reupholstered interior, and other unique details. Benefitting from nearly $30k invested in full restoration over the past 10 years, this custom Beetle Convertible was acquired by the current owner on PCARMARKET in 2020 and is now being offered for auction out of California.
Under the previous ownership, this Beetle was completely refinished in a deep Black Mercedes color along with the replacement of all rubber seals, chrome brightwork, and badging. A new black canvas Stayfast soft top was also installed including a glass rear window. The restoration was carried out following a carburetor fire, and a branded rebuilt title was issued as a result. Additional images are provided in the photo gallery. This Beetle rides on 15” Porsche-style Fuchs wheels dressed in a set of mixed Hankook/Kumho tires dated from 2016.
The cabin has been recently fitted with new black vinyl seats, side panels, and sun visors. Modifications include a custom black chrome vintage steering wheel, a custom dashboard panel, new gauges, a premium sound system with trunk-mounted speakers and amplifier, Wolfsburg rubber mats, the Wolfsburg seatbelt system, and a custom foot pedal assembly with wide-angle clutch spacing. The electrical system had been completely overhauled during the restoration and the seller confirms all gauges and accessories to be fully functional. The odometer has been replaced, therefore the true mileage is unknown.
Power comes from an air-cooled 1776cc flat-four engine custom-built with performance rods and pistons, a Porsche 911 fan shroud, dual Weber 48 IDA carburetors, and an aftermarket Porsche 911-style cooling system with a high-capacity oil sump. The rear wheels are driven through a custom 4-speed manual transmission with a longer 4th gear and Vintage-Speed short-throw internally gated shifter system. Other noteworthy upgrades include braided aerospace-grade stainless steel lines and fittings, a stainless-steel exhaust system with headers, an upgraded distributor, and an overhauled fuel system with a high-capacity fuel tank. Stopping power has been improved with Karmann Ghia sourced disc brakes and the suspension has been lowered with drop spindles, lowered shocks, and a Select-A-Drop front axle beam. The seller notes that the car has been regularly serviced under their ownership and states that the valves and carburetors have been adjusted in preparation for sale.
This sale will include two sets of keys, a car cover, assorted spare parts, and a branded California title. Sporting classic looks and upgraded performance, this open-top Beetle is just waiting to be enjoyed by a new owner.
Auction Results
- Sold for: $20,000
- Auction End: Nov 19, 2021 08:33:21PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 19
Comments (32)
Sold for $20,000
Bid in the amount of $20,000
Bid in the amount of $19,000
Bid in the amount of $18,500
Bid in the amount of $17,600
Bid in the amount of $17,000
Bid in the amount of $16,000
Bid in the amount of $13,820
Bid in the amount of $12,000
Bid in the amount of $10,500
Bid in the amount of $10,000
@Pablo It's original.
Bid in the amount of $7,050
Bid in the amount of $6,800
Is it an original VW Cabriolet or a modified one
@mee418 I thought I replied, but now I'm not sure. I would be happy to have someone come look at the car. Are you in Orange County Ca? It would have to be either today or Thursday. Let me know if either day works for you.
I sent you a message under "Contact Seller" I would like to ask you some questions about the car and have someone come check it out for me but I have not hear back.
Please contact me.
@Coachmule I didn't have any issues with the title when I bought the VW from the previous owner, who bought it from the guy who bought it back from the insurance company. It's currently registered to me. We did that with a truck we owned; when it was sideswiped, the insurance company totaled it, and we bought it back and fixed it. It hasn't been an issue
Can a rebuilt salvage title be sold and does it have to clear a mechanics shop upon the sale ? I know California is a real pain in salvage titles
@Manpot The engine is 1735 cc with a Porsche fan system and dual weber carburetors. It has a stainless steel exhaust system from A1 in Santa Ana, Ca.
Bid in the amount of $4,000
Real engine size please?
Bid in the amount of $3,750
Nice car, looks great!
Bid in the amount of $3,500
Bid in the amount of $3,250
Bid in the amount of $3,000
Bid in the amount of $2,750
What size is the engine really? You say 1776 and he seller says 1900 something?
Bid in the amount of $2,500
@Coachmule Registration is current, and the branded title is due to an engine fire approximately 10 years ago. The insurance company paid for the damage, and the owner at the time bought it back and restored it, replacing everything, so it's considered Salvaged Title
What’s a branded California title ? I live in California are the plates you too date?