To be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at Auctions America’s Fort Lauderdale event, April 1-3, 2016.

Chassis No.
1592039322

Estimate:
$ 35,000 - $ 45,000 US

The original Volkswagen was built in soft-top form from the late 1940s through 1979, and the last Super Beetle Convertibles were sold in America in 1980 for approximately $6,800. This price was a long way from the $2,249 MSRP for a convertible just 10 years prior. This helped to signify the increasingly collectible status of this popular automobile, which at that point held the distinction of being the only small four-passenger convertible sold in the United States. The Super Beetle Convertible was truly the end of a long line of rear-wheel-drive, air-cooled, horizontally-opposed four-cylinder Volkswagens. The rest of the VW lineup had now switched to water-cooled engines and front-wheel drive.

The Super Beetle dated back to 1971, and was distinguished by its coil spring and MacPherson strut front suspension, which allowed a flat spare tire placement and more luggage space under a taller front decklid. In 1973, the Super Beetle received a taller, curved windshield backed by a modern-style padded dashboard, side impact protection door bars and larger taillamps. Electronically controlled Bosch Air Flow Control fuel injection raised the 1,585-cc engine's horsepower to 48 in 1975, and standard full carpeting, a rear window defogger, dash woodgrain appliqué and two-coat metallic paint would give the soft-top a taste of luxury-car feel. The last Karmann-built soft-top “bug” came off the line on January 10, 1980 and headed into the Volkswagen museum in Wolfsburg.

Volkswagen sold 10,681 Super Beetle Convertibles in 1979. It is reported that initially a number of these 1979 cars were purchased and preserved with delivery mileage. 1979 was the last year for production of this vehicle.

The light blue Super Beetle convertible being offered is one of those that has been extremely well preserved and has only (approximately) 600 miles on the odometer that are reported as actual on the title. The interior is fashioned in black, while the soft-top is white. The 1979 Super Beetle is powered by a 1,585-cc flat four-cylinder engine that produces 48 horsepower; this reliable unit is paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The Volkswagen is in original condition, has a radio, original manual and is sure to provide the fun that this model has always represented to the buying public.
1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible