1979 Volkswagen Convertible “Last Edition” One Owner Survivor Rare 25K Miles

  • Location: San Clemente, California, United States
  • Condition: Used
  • Make: Volkswagen
  • Model: Beetle-New
  • Type: Convertible
  • Trim: Convertible "Last Edition" Rare Survivor
  • Year: 1979
  • Mileage: 25401
  • VIN: 1592041685
  • Color: Alpine White
  • Number of cylinders: 4
  • Fuel: Gasoline
  • Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
  • Drive type: RWD
  • Interior color: Ermine White Smooth Leatherette
  • Drive side: Left-hand drive
  • Options: Convertible, Dual Outside Mirrors, Quartz Clock, Padded Convertible Top, Vanity Mirror, Motorola AM/FM Video, Rack & Pinion Steering
  • Vehicle Title: Clear

1979 Volkswagen Beetle-New Convertible "Last Edition" Rare Survivor Description





1979 Volkswagen Convertible

“Last Edition”


Survivor Original

ONE OWNER
(Always in Newport Beach & Palm Desert, CA)


Triple White

Code P1V3LW

VW Factory L90E - Alpine White
Light Sand Top

Ermine White Smooth Leatherette Interior


VIN # 1592041685


25401 Miles


Purchased New at Jim Marino Volkswagen

in Huntington Beach, CA

Original Window Sticker

Original Bill of Sale

Original Owners Manual

Original Warranty Book

(w/ stamps verifying mileage)

All Service Records Verifying Mileage

Original CA Blue/Yellow Plates
(that came with the car)

First Year Registration Showing License Plate Number

Original Temporary Window Registration

Original Mechanical Breakdown Service Contract



1.6 Liter Air-Cooled Engine
Electronic Fuel Injection

4-Speed Manual Transmission


Rack & Pinion Steering

Dual Outside Mirrors

Leatherette Covered Sport Steering Wheel

Woodgrain Dash Appliqué

Quartz Clock

Padded Convertible Top

Day/Night Mirror, Vanity Mirror

Motorola AM/FM Stereo
(replacement)



Survivor Original
Zero Rust Southern CA Car
Straight as an Arrow Body

All Original Factory Welds

All Original Sheet Metal

Very Clean No Rust Undercarriage
No Leaks


Runs & Drives Beautifully

Needs Tires

(Bridgestone tires on it from 1985 in great shape but…)



NOTE: There are a total of 102 large format pictures that load below the text of this ad. Depending on the age of your computer or the speed of your internet connection, it may take up to several minutes for all the pictures to load to your screen, be patient. You may also go directly to my ImageShack account to view all these pictures:


https://imageshack.com/a/pK5o/1




Walk-Around Video: https://youtu.be/W-2CVVdtTA8




This has to be one of the nicest unrestored and completely original low mileage 1979 Beetle Convertibles in the Country.


I have been restoring and collecting Porsche’s, Corvettes and VW’s for about 40 years and have also been involved in Judging cars at concour events all over Southern CA for the past 20 years.


These little “Verts” are getting harder and harder to find, especially in original survivor… zero rust condition. The owner was a friend of mine and I am helping his family sell the car. The owner’s son and wife are available if anyone wants to talk to them.


The car was purchased new from Jim Marino Volkswagen, Inc in Huntington Beach, CA and has always been in the Southern CA area, specifically Corona del Mar, Newport Beach and Palm Desert at their second home, where it spent many years just relaxing and rarely driven. The odometer is the original and works perfectly. This little gem has always been in this dry climate as there is zero rust anywhere. The documentation and smog receipts date back to the early 80s and document the incredible low mileage on the car.


The body is in superb condition and absolutely laser straight.

The exterior paint is the original, mirror finished and indicative of a car that has never sat out in the sun or weather for any extended periods. This is a garaged car from day one.


I absolutely cannot stress how nice the body is on this car. Take a look at the close up pictures down the sides of the cars and look at the gaps between the doors, hood, trunk. Absolutely original and near perfection.


NOTE: the pictures were taken over several days and the light conditions were moving around both days, sometimes sun behind the clouds, sometimes not. Some pictures make the paint look white/cream, others bright white.


The color is the original VW L90E - Alpine White, which is a solid white that I would say is in the medium spectrum of white. The Alpine White on the 1979 Convertible is iconic and really speaks to the last year of the original style bug production. The paint color matches all the way around the car and is in excellent shape.


The chrome bumpers as well as chrome wheels are all in excellent condition and would rate at a 9+ out of 10.


The Interior is 100% original to the car, with the exception of the inside headliner on the top that was replaced in 2007 at a cost of $1950 including new sun visors. The seat upholstery, door panels and carpets are all original and are a solid 9+ out of 10. The dash is perfect, no cracks or discoloration.


The engine starts right up instantly at the turn of the key, idles and runs like a brand new car. This little bugs moves with authority. It drives straight down the road. The transmission works well and shifts through all the gears smooth and effortlessly. The brake system was completely gone through including the master cylinder and the car stops straight and true. Tires appear to have about 90+ percent tread remaining, however they are old, purchased in December of 1986 and probably should be replaced, though there is no cracking in the sidewalls.


I would also recommend balancing the wheels with new tires as there is a ever so slight shimmy in the front wheels at 65mph, probably due to age of tires. The front struts were replaced at 24161 miles in 1998. Since 2000 the car has only been driven 1000 miles, but it was always maintained and driven occasionally. See service records below. All receipts come in a file with the car.


The car’s four-wheel independent suspension features coil springs and struts up front, with trailing and diagonal arms and torsion bars in the rear, and drum brakes (without ABS, of course) are used in all four corners.


Volkswagen Beetle Convertible production was handled by Karmann in Osnabruck, Germany, and the last cars rolled off the production line on January 10, 1980. This car was delivered on January 31, 1980 and was one of the last of these iconic Beetles built. There were 10,681 Volkswagen Beetles built in 1979, followed by an additional 4,572 in 1980. To avoid having to comply with stricter 1980 emissions and safety regulations, all of the final examples were sold as 1979 models.


If you love the look of a very original survivor type vehicle that needs nothing but tires, this would be a great example for you. You would be proud to show this beautiful little bug at any local car show or VW event.


This is one fun little VW to drive and enjoy. It gets consistent 25 mpg and won’t nickel and dime you to death.


Questions may be directed to Frank at 949-310-6262. If you are in Southern CA please feel free to make an appointment to see this wonderful VW before you bid.


Mileage & Servicing Records:


1980-01-31 Purchased new by original owner (same owner) at

Jim Marino Volkswagen in Costa Mesa, CA


1982-03 10684 mi - 15K Mile Service - Stamped in Service Book

@ Chick Iverson VW Newport Beach, CA


1986-12 13691 mi - 22K Mile Service - Stamped in Service Book @

@ Chick Iverson VW Newport Beach, CA


1990-08 22209 mi - Oil & Filter Receipt


1992-12 22445 mi - Oil, Filter & Lube Receipt


1993-12 22610 mi - New Battery Receipt


1995-01 22750 mi - Smog Receipt


1995-08 22883 mi - Oil & Filter Receipt


1997-01 23627 mi - Smog Receipt


1997-05 23733 mi - New Battery Receipt


1998-08 24161 mi - Complete Tune-Up, New Muffler, $1528

EGR Canister Filter

4 - New Chrome Wheels (5.5”)

2 - New Front Struts

Replace Master Cylinder & Adjust Clutch


1999-01 24330 mi - Smog Receipt


2001-01 25036 mi - Smog Receipt & New Catalytic Convert $330


2003-01 25096 mi - Smog Receipt


2004-06 25102 mi - Front Brake Cylinders & Interstate Battery $420


2005-09 25123 mi - Replace Fuel Pump $231


2006-11 25186 mi - Smog Receipt


2007-03 - Taylors Trim Shop - New Headliner w/Pad $1925

Replace Visors & Rear Window Rubber


2008-11 25256 mi - Smog Receipt


2011-01 25287 mi - Smog Receipt


2014-08 New Battery Receipt


2018-07 New Battery AAA


2018-11 25401 mi - Current Mileage


TERMS & CONDITIONS:

The car is for sale locally and we reserve the right to cancel this auction at any time before the end of the auction. We do not have a Buy It Now Price listed.

The car will be made available for inspection by serious bidders throughout the auction. Please e-mail us if you would like to see the car. If you prefer, we can arrange to have a qualified, independent, professional mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection for you (at your expense).


Winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours of auction end, and make arrangements for payment at that time. A $1500.00deposit is due within 48 hours of end of auction. The deposit can be made by cash (please do not mail cash!), bank check, cashier's check, or bank transfer (preferred). The deposit will be going directly to the owner of the car. The remainder is due within 10 days of Auction end. The remaining balance must be made in the form of a bank transfer (preferred) Cashier'scheck, or bank check (all forms of payment subject to verification). PayPal will not be accepted as a form of payment for either the deposit or the final payment. If no contact is made within 24 hours we reserve the right to re-list the vehicle, sell it to the next high bidder, or sell it otherwise. Please arrange financing prior to bidding. Once the final balance has been paid, title transfer paperwork will be initiated.


Buyer is responsible for pickup or shipping of this vehicle. If you wish to have it shipped using a service, we will gladly cooperate, you can locate shippers by doing a search for “auto shippers”. We have relationships with both domestic and international shippers should you need some assistance.


This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type.


It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to purchase based upon that judgment solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle. Please Check My Feedback- I value my 100% positive rating, and will do my best to keep it.


The Seller is simply putting this car on eBay for another party. You will be buying the car directly from that party at the close of this auction. I am simply marketing and displaying the car on eBay. You will be purchasing the car from the owner of the car.


The winning bidder should have the car insured from the time the final payment is made to us. Once final payment is made, we will exercise a generally accepted standard of care, but the buyer assumes all liability and risk once the final payment is made.


Before delivery of the vehicle, the winning bidder must provide a photocopy of a valid driver’s license. Delivery is defined as the time at which physical possession of the car is transferred from us, the seller, to the buyer or the buyers’ agent or chosen transport company.


If you are not sure about something, Please ASK. Do not assume anything not listed is included. We reserve the right to cancel bids for excessive negative feedback. We reserve the right to end the listing if the vehicle is no longer available for sale.


Please do not bid on this auction unless you are serious about owning this vehicle. PLEASE ONLY BID WHAT YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY