Vehicle Details
- Year: 1972
- Make: Volkswagen
- Model: Beetle
- VIN: DMV47252NV
- Mileage: 9,475
- Transmission: Automatic
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Red
- Seller: 6inatub
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Forked River, NJ 08731
- Lot #: V-0007519
Up for auction is this custom 1972 Volkswagen Beetle. Reported to have been built on the West Coast approximately 15 years ago under previous ownership, this Beetle features a Masterbuilt 2” tubular frame, coilover suspension, disc brakes, and a host of high-performance Chevy upgrades including a front-mounted 350 small-block V8 engine rated at 400 HP. Since the seller’s purchase about 12 years ago, this Beetle has been kept in excellent show-quality with just over 9k miles currently shown on the odometer, which is believed to reflect the total mileage driven since the completion of the initial build. Offering true American muscle from the iconic Beetle platform, this one-of-a-kind Volkswagen is now being listed by its seller in New Jersey with a clean title.
This VW is said to have been completely refinished in Red under previous ownership. The paint is said to be in excellent condition, detailed images are provided in the photo gallery. A custom vented hood and front fascia provide extra cooling for the upgraded front-mounted power plant. This build rides on 15” American Racing wheels that come dressed in older but barely used Goodyear tires.
Inside, the cabin has been redone with Gray wool cloth upholstery and matching gray carpets. A custom painted graphic was added to the dashboard and an upgraded Pioneer sound system has been installed and paired with a 200-watt amp. Other features include pop-out rear quarter windows, a Chevy tilt steering wheel, a custom dashboard and gauges, and a Mustang automatic gear selector. All gauges and accessories are said to be fully functional.
During the initial build, this Beetle was outfitted with a front-mounted 350 small block Chevy engine featuring a polished Edelbrock intake manifold and Holley carburetor. Other engine features include a US radiator with an overflow tube and electric fan, a rear-mounted 16-gallon fuel cell, and a custom dual exhaust. A claimed output of approximately 400 HP is sent to the rear wheels by way of a GM 700R 3-speed automatic transmission with an S10 Chevy 10-bolt rear with Positraction. Other performance upgrades include S10 Chevy spindles and shortened axles, ’63 Corvette tie-rod ends, AVCO upper and lower control arms, S10 Chevy disc brakes, and AVCO coilover shocks. Proper routine maintenance is said to have been addressed under the current ownership and this Beetle is said to be in excellent turn-key driving condition.
This sale will include a set of 6 keys (2 keys each for ignition, door locks, and trunk), and a clean “manufactured car” title. If you are looking for visceral power and classic looks, this V8 Beetle makes a perfect choice.
Auction Results
- Highest Bid: $10,050
- Auction End: Dec 29, 2020 09:06:42PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 9
Comments (24)
Bid in the amount of $10,050
Bid in the amount of $9,750
Bid in the amount of $9,500
Bid in the amount of $9,000
Bid in the amount of $8,750
Bid in the amount of $8,500
@6inatub Temps usually stay below 200 degrees.
@Chipper Temps hold well while driving, the electric fan is important especially at traffic stop and go. but it hols temp pretty decently. Sorry but I don't have underside pics at this late date. Thanks for your questions.
Bid in the amount of $6,000
what temps does the engine run at in traffic and freeway? do you have some better underside detail pics? thanks
Bid in the amount of $5,250
@Lottacars Hi L, I never contemplated such mods but I'd expect to budget around $4K to add those systems with maybe another $2K for AC? Pricing might be more friendly with an electric steering system but labor is labor. If you're really opening your pocketbook, budget another $1.5K for power or electric braking assist. Anything could be possible but keep in mind that these are just non-professional guesses, you might be able to research and source components at more favorable cost than my guesses. I would suggest and recommend that you find a shop that does this type of proposed modification work unless you have one in which case you could get a hopefully accurate proposal cost. Kindly let me know if my thoughts were in the ballpark.
@6inatub Can you find out the cost of adding power steering and heat/defrost?
@jallgood1225 Hello, There are no immediate services needed at this time other than oil/filter changes and chassis lubrication if and when desired. There are no drive train issues. Not sure about a survey but a Covid-19 respectful pre-purchase inspection might be arranged. Thanks for your interest.
@Lottacars Hello, Thanks for your interest. It actually drives very steady and feels nimble enough at 50+ despite the front end weight. It does not have power assist steering or braking so at slow speed (like parking) you definitely feel the weight. It does have coil over adjustable shocks at all corners and the tires are virtually new without any wear, they are just older but do not show any dry rot etc (it has been stored in environmentally protected garage which I believe has protected it). No room for a spare tire but a roof/surfboard rack could be added which might look pretty cool.
What maintenance services need to be done?
drivetrain problems/issues?
Can I send my mechanic to inspect and drive by Tuesday
Thanks, Jim A
How does it drive at 50 or so? Lane weaving or steady? I think coilovers were added. Floating around? Asking based on tires etc.
@burnrubr Thanks for your question. No heat or defrost as neither were needed in Las Vegas where this bug was built and here in New Jersey I never thought of cold weather or winter driving but it does have windshield wipers just in case of drizzle. LOL. I only take it out on near perfect days so it doesn't get dirty or wet.
Is there heat and front defroster? where in Jersey? I'm from Cherry Hill , thanks
Bid in the amount of $5,000
This listing is crying for a Drive video.
How do you keep people from writing down your license plate number when you are driving down the street or parked at a car show. I have yet to hear the reason why people blur out license plates. Oh well.
@VintageRacer477 Hi and thanks for your comment. Glad that you enjoyed it and yes it is a whole lot of fun and a real hoot to drive. It is wickedly fast and more like a bucket "T" but with a roof.
Having owned a '70 Bug and having done some hot rodding to it and the Chevy I drag raced in Jersey (Atco, Great Meadows, Old Bridge), this Bug brought a big smile to my face this morning. It looks like a LOT of fun. GLWS.