1970 Volkswagen Beetle
Description
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
The Volkswagen Beetle, officially known as the Volkswagen Type 1, is celebrated for its distinctive shape and remarkable longevity, with production spanning from 1938 to 2003. Never straying far from its simple, utilitarian origins — a rear mounted, air-cooled engine mated directly to the transaxle, a 94.5-inch wheelbase, and independent front, swing axle rear suspension — the Beetle sold in the hundreds of thousands in the United States throughout the 1960s.
The 1970 Volkswagen Beetle saw some notable updates, including an increase in engine size to 1600 cc, which boosted output to 57 horsepower. The 1970 model also featured larger front turn signals and an ignition-key warning buzzer, reflecting the growing emphasis on safety and convenience. Then there was the legendary price, only $1,839, which undercut most compact competition; the new AMC Hornet that year cost $1,994, the new Ford Maverick $1,995.
Volkswagen’s ability to evolve the Beetle without compromising its essential character is a strategy that has continued to pay dividends in the model’s ongoing popularity.
Highlights
Complete rebuild with a new engine in 1999
Air-cooled 1,600 cc flat-four
Four-speed manual transaxle
The chassis number (1102584162) decodes as:
1 – Manufacturer (Volkswagen)
1 – Model (Type 1, Beetle)
0 – Model year (1970)
2 – Assembly plant (Emden, Germany)
584162 – Serial number
Features
Steering wheel column rebuilt and rewired in spring 2024
Cassette player in glove compartment
Large speakers behind back seat that can be placed on luggage rack
Bamboo shelf under dashboard
Custom car cover
Known Imperfections
No heater (used in summer only)
Rear window defroster inoperable
Passenger side door is a Brazilian door, there are no leaks, but it needs a different key to lock it
Included
Custom car cover
Black steel roof rack
Three repair manuals and original manuals that came with car
Ohm meter
Standard Motor Products Blue Streak heavy duty points, condenser, and distributor cap
Ownership History
This three-owner 1970 Volkswagen Beetle was originally sold in California; the original owner's name is in the maintenance book.. The consignor’s sister-in-law then bought it for college in 1982. It was restored in 1995 with a new engine in 1999, the right front fender replaced because of dent, and a new passenger door because of rust. The chassis was sprayed with a rust resistant product, and all sheet metal was primed and painted. The Beetle also has a rebuilt steering column with a new ignition switch. The owner states, “Kept everything as stock as possible. Custom car cover was never used since it always had a garage.”
