1966 VW Bug - Rust free Old School California Custom

1966 Volkswagen Beetle - Classic Description

Up for auction and offered at no reserve is my rust-free California Custom 1966 Bug. The Bug has spent most of its life in sunny Southern California and is rust free. Whether you are looking for a fun little daily driver or a fun little beach cruiser this bug is one to take a look at.

I purchased the VW from a good friend of mine in Bakersfield, California. He owned a local paint and body shop specializing in classic restorations but recently retired. His passion is anything Ford but he needed something other than a big block Ford to commute back and forth to work. His solution, he built this little bug and cruised it daily on the freeways of Southern California to and from work for many, many years.

Nicknamed “Herbie 2” The bug is a throwback to the day when the “California Custom” look was what your bug had to have. Lowered, custom paint, spunky motor, chrome wheels with the iconic VW caps, and it had to handle like it was on rails. This little bug has it all!

The Bug has not been abused or cut up. It was built by my buddy to be a reliable sweet little ride that could run the freeways of Southern California at 70 MPH with no problem, handle like it was on rails and look great. If you are looking for a nice daily cruiser, something to take to local shows, Saturday coffee or a just little fun driver this Bug is one to consider.

Over the last 25 years my hobby of collecting and restoring muscle cars has expanded to anything clean and vintage. It is getting increasingly difficult to find unmolested, nicely built, rust free vehicles. When I see something unique and well cared I buy and enjoy it! That is exactly how this VW ended up in my collection. Unfortunately, I am relocating from California to Colorado and am having to seriously downsize my collection and as a result some lucky EBAYER is going to end up with a really cool California Custom 1966 VW Bug.

Exterior: From 20’ the VW looks great, but being an old build (and driver quality paint job to begin with) when you get up close you will notice imperfections. There are light chips, a couple small areas where the paint is cracking and the nicks and scratches you would expect on a 20 year old build that has been driven daily. Rockers, floors, inner fenders, pan and cowl are super dry and rust free. Glass is all in good condition and all panels doors and fenders fit nicely and close solid. Tires have plenty of tread but are old and cracking and should be replaced. Wheels have light surface rust and the chrome finish is beginning to flake off in several locations. One headlight lens has a rock chip in it but a spare will be included with the car.

Interior: Interior is good shape but is showing its age! The seats are original style material (and pattern) and are in good shape with the only blemish being a small split in the driver’s seat (see photo). Door panels are custom and nice. Carpet is showing wear, is faded and ready to be replaced. The carpet presentable and not torn and tattered but it is faded – A fresh carpet install would be a nice addition! Headliner is in good shape.All gauges and lights work. The doors lock properly but for some reason will not unlock with the key. I have not looked tried to fix them yet but suspect they are just dirty and gummed up from lack of use – My friend never locked the car. And last, a custom, hand painted “Herbie 2” insignia occupies the face of the glove box door, a cool little touch!

Mechanical:The little Bug sports a spunky, dual port 1600 CC engine. Nothing over the top or crazy just a nice smooth running 1600 that moves down the freeway with all the other Southern California traffic no problem. Transmission shifts smoothly, brakes are good and suspension is tight. The Bug does have on oil leak that I suspect is coming from the oil drain/screen gasket. And last, the electrical system has been converted to 12 volt.

If you are in the market for a fun little bug this is one to be considered. This is a super fun, solid honest rig! Take it to cruise night or Saturday morning coffee or tuck it away at that special coastal retreat as your surfing rig or to cruise the coastal roads. And whenever you drive it be prepared for lots of thumbs up and gas pump conversations! Don’t let this one slip away!

Feel free to call Dean at 661-703-8402 should you have any questions and happy bidding!