Custom 1968 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1968
- Make: Volkswagen
- Model: Beetle Convertible
- VIN: 158306805
- Mileage: 3,265
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Branded
- Color: Black
- Seller: Pcarram
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Long Beach, CA 90807
- Lot #: V-0006969-DT
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. Having been garage-kept over the past 20 years with a recent full respray and engine rebuild, this one-of-a-kind Beetle is now being offered in superb condition by its seller in Long Beach, California accompanied by a collection of original parts as well as a book of historical records and invoices.
This Beetle is said to have been professionally refinished in a deep Black Mercedes color within the past 3 years along with the replacement of all rubber seals. Some minor imperfections have been noted on the front apron, although the paint is said to be in otherwise excellent condition (detailed images are provided in the photo gallery). Upgraded triple-chrome exterior trim has been installed along with a new Stayfast cloth top, stainless-steel window roller handles, and aftermarket 15” Porsche-style Fuchs wheels which come dressed in new Kumho tires and lightweight EMPI aluminum lug nuts.
Inside, the cabin has been completely redone with all new upholstery and carpeting. Modifications include a custom black chrome vintage steering wheel, a black dashboard panel, custom hyperwhite SCAT front and rear low back seats, Wolfsburg rubber mats, the Wolfsburg seatbelt system, and a new custom foot pedal assembly with wide-angle clutch wide spacing. The electrical system has been completely overhauled, and the seller confirms all gauges and accessories to be fully functional.
Power comes from a custom-built air-cooled 1776cc flat-four engine purchased from SCAT during the 1980s and rebuilt by Power Haus of Torrance within the last 10k miles. The rear wheels are driven through a custom-built 4-speed manual transmission with a longer 4th gear and custom Vintage-Speed short-throw internally gated shifter system. Noteworthy upgrades include 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. Other 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 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. Approximately 10k miles have been driven on the rebuilt engine and the car is said to be in very good running order.
This sale will include a set of 2 keys, a collection of spare/original parts, a book of records and a branded title which was issued following a carburetor fire 8 years ago. For anyone who admires the iconic Volkswagen Beetle, this tastefully upgraded 1968 example is not to be missed.
Auction Results
- Sold for: $20,000
- Auction End: Dec 13, 2020 03:11:57AM UTC
- Number of Offers: 1
Comments (41)
Congrats you have purchased the best 68 vert in Cali ....enjoy
Sold for $20,000
Hi can you please please let me make time for me to inspect the VW thanks
Offer in the amount of $20,000
Hey dsanford ...we're only $1000.00 away from you owning a great one of a kind car . I just returned from a Beautiful drive to San Diego in the vert top down couple of hundred miles no problem 4th gear all the way .... let me know if you like videos of my drive I love the way the 48 Webber's sound... ?
Almost there guys thanks so much for all your bids
Bid in the amount of $19,000
Bid in the amount of $18,750
Bid in the amount of $18,500
Bid in the amount of $18,025
Bid in the amount of $17,775
Bid in the amount of $17,500
Bid in the amount of $17,250
Bid in the amount of $16,950
Bid in the amount of $16,700
Bid in the amount of $16,400
Bid in the amount of $16,100
Bid in the amount of $15,850
Bid in the amount of $15,500
Bid in the amount of $15,000
Bid in the amount of $14,500
Bid in the amount of $14,000
Bid in the amount of $13,250
Bid in the amount of $13,000
Hey guys one final note: I have over $33,000.00 in receipts that will come with the car $13,000.00 in the motor and Transmition alone . Thanks for all your interest hope Black beauty goes to a good home ..
Fyi guys the body and pan all finders doors hood and decklid are original German steel all original to the car.
@CurtGT3RS Front tire date code is 3216
Rear tires date code is 2116
Tires are about 4 years old with less than 3000 miles on them
Yes all seat belts have been replaced front seats have lap and shoulder belts and are retractable the rear are lap belts only both have been replaced less than two years ago . I'll check tire codes
Does it have seat belts? What are the date codes on the tires?
Hey guys just an FYI this car needs nothing it is as reliable as any daily driver. I have driven the car during many california summers 100 plus degrees from longbeach to San Diego multiple times never had a problem never overheats always runs cool due to the external high flow oil coolers. I drive car just about every weekend regularly car never sits for more than two weeks...
Bid in the amount of $12,500
Bid in the amount of $12,000
Hey guys we added another video showing a quick run down the street note the decklid is removable vert was a little cold but the 48 carbs sound good ...
Bid in the amount of $10,000
Bid in the amount of $9,000
No heat or defrost I never had the need here in sunny california...
Does the car have heat and defrost?
Bid in the amount of $3,000
Hello my fellow car guys here's a chance to have one of the nicest verts in the la area. I'll miss all the attention this car gets but it's time to move on to another project. Any questions please send a comment I'll be happy to answer any and all inquiry's .