1961 Volkswagen Beetle * Classic Cal Look * California

1961 Volkswagen Beetle - Classic Description

Volkswagen's classic Beetle needs no lengthy introduction. It is the most recognized car on the face of the planet, an automotive icon.

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A vintage Beetle has everything one ever needs to have in a car, not more, not less. Without black boxes, sensors, power options, electronic gimmicks, it is as pure and basic as one could imagine. Thus, it is the perfect car!

Unfortunately--and despite its large production numbers--the majority of classic Bugs have gone to automobile heaven. Most have been eaten alive by the merciless rust cancer, others have been driven into the ground or chopped up.
Here's one that has survived and looks to be in great condition.

Starting our inspection up front, in the trunk, we're pleased to find nothing but healthy metal and shiny paint.

The vulnerable spare tire well appears rust and accident free.

Undercarriage is that of a typical California survivor, dusty but not rusty. Wow!

Bug looks stunning in its Aquamarine Blue finish. Paint is very nice, with minor imperfections, such as some chips and touch-ups, and an isolated scar on the trunk lid. Removable, period roof rack is like new and included in the sale.

Rolling stock consists of polished 15 x 5" EMPI alloys, shod with 155 tires up front and 185 tires out back. Aided by 2-1/2" dropped spindles up front, the stance is just about perfect. Recent work includes new brakes on all 4 corners, all new brake lines, new shocks, new tie rods and tie rod ends, and a new steering stabilizer.

Perforated Vee Dub headliner is clean and free of imperfections.
Dome light is LED-powered and lights up the night.

Dashboard is the poster child of simplicity. A single gauge tells you everything you need to know. Steering wheel is beautifully preserved, a modern radio provides the tunes.

Two-tone, white and gray interior is nicely preserved, with no signs of wear. Note the spiffy SCAT "reverse lockout" shifter!

Wide rear seat provides space for three more passengers, two of which can enjoy lap belts.

1961 was the last year for the desirable glass "snowflake" taillights. Here, they are in perfect condition, and thanks to a 12-volt conversion, they provide plenty of light. Also note the cool EMPI Single Outlet Quiet Pack exhaust.

Motorvation comes from a 1,776cc dual port engine, spruced up with plenty of go-fast goodies, and fed by a set of 40mm IDF Weber carburetors. Even at low RPMs, this Bug sounds strong; at wide open throttle, the sound is just heavenly!

The engine runs great, with no issues to report.

Monday, September 26th, greeted us with unusual, 100-degree weather, and not a cloud in sight. We headed out to our favorite neighborhood in the Ventura Hills to excercise the Vee Dub and snap these photos along the way.

Driving this Beetle is a pleasure that needs to be experienced in order to be fully appreciated!
Turn the ignition key and the 4-cylinder boxer starts instantly. Idle is stable, throttle response is crisp. Step on the gas pedal and the light car effortlessly scoots along, strong enough to run with the big boys in the passing lane!

Handling is precise, shifter engages with the characteristic "click" of a Ferrari gate shifter.
Everything on this car is clean, tuned, balanced, and well taken care of. The Volkswagen gets thumbs up wherever we take it, and fuel consumption is better than that of many 2016 models.

After being "cheap transportation" for decades, the surviving air-cooled VWs are finally lifted up into the "collectible" realm. 1950s and early 1960s Bugs are finally receiving the appreciation they deserve, with values for solid examples -- like the one presented here -- on a strong upward trajectory.

If you are looking for a fun Beetle to enjoy and to keep, perhaps to pass on to your children, please consider bidding on this cool California specimen.

This Bug is registered to the 1961 Y.O.M. license plate shown. 2017 registration fees have been paid and the car is ready to be driven across the country, if so desired.

• By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below.
• If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final.
• Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available!
  I require a $500 deposit to be paid via PayPal within 24 hours of the end of the auction and the balance to be paid via bank wire transfer (or in cash) within 5 business days, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon during the auction.
• The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title. It is smog exempt and sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Mileage stated above is the current odometer reading.

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