Vintage Air-Cooled Icon | Extensive Recent Service
Offered here is a beautifully restored 1966 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible, one of the most recognizable and beloved automobiles ever produced. This example spent over three decades with a prior owner before undergoing a restoration in 2017, and it was acquired by the current owner in May 2025.
Finished in classic red over black upholstery with a beige convertible top, this Beetle blends period-correct charm with thoughtful mechanical upgrades designed to improve reliability and drivability. Under current ownership alone, more than $16,000 in documented service work has been performed, making this a highly sorted example of the iconic air-cooled convertible.
Exterior --- Classic Beetle Styling
The body was refinished in red during the 2017 restoration, complemented by a beige convertible soft top that gives the car a timeless European appearance.
Exterior highlights include:
-
Chrome bumpers with overriders
-
Front and rear stone guards
-
Dual side mirrors
-
Quarter vent windows
-
Vented rear decklid
-
Beige convertible soft top (2017)
Recent service in 2025 included:
-
Rewiring the lighting system
-
Replacement headlights
The car sits on 15-inch EMPI Sprint Star alloy wheels, a period-inspired upgrade popular among vintage Volkswagen enthusiasts.
Tires are Classic Radial LL800 models.
Suspension, Wheels & Braking
This Beetle benefits from mechanical improvements aimed at enhancing driving confidence and stability.
Key components include:
-
Rear coilover suspension
-
Four-wheel drum braking system
-
15'' EMPI Sprint Star alloy wheels
Recent chassis service performed in 2025:
-
Replacement steering box
-
Upper and lower ball joints
-
Rear brake drums
-
Rear wheel cylinders
These upgrades contribute to a tighter, more confidence-inspiring driving experience compared to many unrestored examples.
Interior --- Vintage Simplicity
The cabin maintains the Beetle's classic minimalist character while adding tasteful upgrades.
Interior features include:
-
Black vinyl upholstery
-
Front bucket seats and rear bench
-
Retractable front shoulder belts
-
Cabin heater
A wood-rimmed steering wheel featuring the Wolfsburg crest adds a refined vintage touch.
Instrumentation includes:
-
Refurbished 90-mph speedometer
-
Fuel-level gauge
The five-digit odometer displays 85,000 miles, though total mileage is unknown (TMU).
Additional upgrades include a retro-style stereo system with kick-panel speakers, blending modern sound quality with classic appearance.
Recent interior-related service includes:
-
Replacement horn
-
Replacement ignition switch (2025)
Engine --- Air-Cooled Volkswagen Reliability
Power comes from the legendary air-cooled flat-four engine, one of the most durable and recognizable engines in automotive history.
Specifications:
-
1.3-liter air-cooled flat-four
-
Factory rating: 50 horsepower / 68 lb-ft torque
Engine features include:
-
12-volt electrical system conversion
-
Pertronix electronic ignition (improved reliability over points ignition)
-
Solex single downdraft carburetor
-
Oil-bath air cleaner
Recent engine-related service under current ownership includes replacement of:
-
Fan belt
-
Battery
-
Starter





