1979 VW Beetle convertible - restored and beautiful! garaged and clean! 61K mile

1979 Volkswagen Beetle - Classic convertible Description

It's time to sell "Riversong", my 1979 Beetle Cabriolet. Bought in 2011, and restoration completed in 2012. Garaged ever since! 61,000 miles, which I believe to be original based on the condition of surfaces such as the steering wheel, pedals, touch surfaces, etc. The restoration was done with attention to originality and details. During the restoration, the exterior was completely stripped of trim, bumpers, glass, fenders, running boards, etc. so it could be painted the right way. Undercoating was added and full floor pans replaced with new metal. Car was then given a full repaint with base coat/clear coat for a great, deep shine in the original color. The top was stripped to the frame, which was cleaned and lubed. All new vinyl headliner, padding, and Haartz canvas top were then installed. The body was reassembled using all new top-quality rubber everywhere, as well as soft parts such as the trunk liner and engine insulation. Thousands of dollars in receipts will be included in the sale.
This was an original car when I bought it, and I wanted to maintain that correctness in the restoration. The only exceptions are the carb conversion on the original engine-it wasn't broken, so I didn't try to fix it. A box with all the fuel injection parts will be included, of course, for the purist. The other exception is the canvas top, instead of the factory vinyl. It adds a great, classy look to the car! The top seals out wind, noise, and water when it is up and keeps in the heat!
Condition:
Body and underside are straight and rust-free. There is a little corrosion under the battery from a leak, which I have treated. Paint looks like it was just applied, clear, clean and shiny! There are just a few tiny stone chips in the front (zoom in on the pic of the front). New Hella tail lights, new turn signal lenses. Bumpers are original and haven't been rechromed, so there are a few scratches, but shine very well. New bumper strips and end caps. I left the interior with as many of the original parts as possible, while replacing anything that was worn. Therefore, the seats and dash are not flawless, but very nice. There are couple of small cracks in the driver's seat and a small cigarette burn in the back seat, and a tiny, round crack in the dash. The radio works, but doesn't get great reception. No holes were cut for the speaker, which is in its original spot in the dash. Heat is excellent. Defrost fan works. New parts include door panels, parcel shelf carpet (in original upholstery), correct rubber floor mat with cocoa fiber floor mats, and extra sound insulation underneath it all. Tires are BFG Silvertown from Coker with the correct whitewall width, bought in 2011, and have only around 5K miles
It drives and handles as it should. Engine doesn't burn oil, but will seep a little as most VWs do. Carb was installed for reliability, but, like most carbed engines, likes to be warmed up. Transmission shifts smoothly, with good synchros. Front end does have a tiny bit of the typical "Super Beetle Shimmy", but no problems going down the highway at interstate speed with the top up or down.
I've had some great times in this car, but I'm afraid it is time to let it go to a new home. Please ask any questions prior to bidding! Buyer is responsible for shipping, but I'm happy to help facilitate and work with shippers. Car can be viewed locally in Chattanooga and is for sale, so I reserve the right to cancel the auction at any time. Thanks and good luck!