1967 Volkswagen Beetle – Project Profile

The Volkswagen Beetle is a car that resides fairly high on the ‘all time’ classic car list. It’s a car that has, impressively, even managed to transcend the automotive world. Even someone who knows absolutely zero about cars will be able to correctly identify the humble Volkswagen Beetle. This is in part down to the numbers – some 21,000,000 were built. But more than that, it’s a case of the way in which the Beetle has permeated popular culture. There’s Herbie, of course, and countless other on-screen appearances like Transformers (Bumblebee was a Beetle, remember?), Bullitt and many, many more. We have been exposed to the Beetle at every angle, and we’ve grown up with it. And for the most part, we love it. It’s a cheeky, inoffensive, little car that makes you smile when you see it, and that’s a lovely legacy to leave.

The Beetle is also a car that, like the Mini, we are almost always never more than a degree or two of separation from. Maybe you had one as your first car, maybe a girl or boyfriend had one, a brother or sister, a family friend. Whoever had one, we all know someone who did. We all have a familiarity with the Beetle, and that’s what makes us want one. 

Then of course, there is the longstanding and ongoing popularity. You can buy a Beetle today safe in the knowledge that the enthusiast base, the aftermarket and the classic car world as a whole is there to prop up your passion. Parts are easy to find, as are modifications and upgrades, and specialists are bountiful and willing to aid you in whatever way possible. The Volkswagen Beetle could well be the perfect classic car. 

What is it? 

What we have here is a special little Beetle, what with it being a ‘67 model. For many, this is considered to be the last of the ‘pure’ Beetles, before legislation and rules interfered and changed the way the car looked. A case in point would be the ‘sloping’ front wings with bigger headlights that lean back – ‘67 was the last year for these, as they switched to upright headlights after. The same can be said of the rear, which has the smaller tail lights sans reverse light. Another change made after ‘67 was the fuel filler solution. On the car here, you have to open the bonnet to fill the tank – later cars had an external flap. 

This car is fitted with the 1300cc 50bhp engine, will more than likely have drum brakes all round, four-speed manual transmission, two-speed wipers and revised rear suspension featuring a wider track and softer torsion bars. 

This little Beetle is an appealing project because it has survived in pretty much factory specification, bar the bumpers, which have been changed for the popular Californian versions at some point. Other than that, though, this Beetle is pretty much as it left the dealership and has only 48,000 miles on the clock. A rare find indeed. 

Why is it a project? 

The impassioned listing explains that this little Bug is a project that, quite simply, never started. The current owners bought the car from a deceased estate a number of years ago, after falling in love at first sight – we’ve all been there. The Beetle, which was housed in a dry garage, needed some light recommissioning, which the current owners have done. They have serviced the brakes and the engine has received some attention so it now runs. However, there is still work to be done. 

The current owners state that there is an oil leak that requires further investigation, and there is also a judder from the clutch when the car is put into reverse. Happily, taking the engine out to access the clutch is a job you can do at home, so sorting a new clutch should be no issue. The seller also states that, unsurprisingly, the engine would benefit from a tune up having been sat idle for so long. 

The interior is all stock, complete with the big steering wheel and horn push, and has worn wonderfully. The light vinyl looks lived in, but doesn’t seem to have split anywhere. A quick clean and you’ll be set by the looks of things. 

Externally, the Beetle is a little weathered, but it’s a look that suits these little cars. The seller states the chrome is still shiny and free from serious corrosion, the panels seem to be largely rot-free, and the paint still has a pleasing shine. The only issue is where someone has done some home ‘rattle can’ repairs around the rear wing and rear window – though to be honest, things like that add to the charm. 

Best case scenario, this is a Beetle that needs some light recommissioning rather than a full rebuild. Though be warned, Beetles love nothing more than to rot out, so you’re going to need to be thorough when having a look. But have a look you should.  

Five things to look for:

1) Heater Channels

Normally we’d say ‘rust’ but Beetles have known weak spots, such as the heater channels under the rear seats. These can rot out, resulting in exhaust fumes getting into the car along with damp. Bad times. Repair panels are available though. 

2) Floorpan

The Beetle isn’t, technically speaking, a monocoque. Instead, the body sits on a chassis  that is closely integrated with the body. Lift the carpets and look for serious corrosion, especially around the outer edges. 

3) End Float

Beetle owners will tell you to check for ‘end float’. To do this, grab the pulley on the crank and look for in/out movement. This is ‘end float’, and there shouldn’t be any more than 0.13mm. So, none really. If there is float, the engine needs to be stripped and investigated.

4) Oil Leak

The seller states there is an oil leak, which is always worth looking at. Common weak points are rocker gaskets, but they’re easy to sort. So look for oil emerging from the engine, as this will be more serious and again, will probably mean engine out. 

5) Under the bonnet

There are all manner of things to check under here. The biggest being the fuel tank, especially under and around it. Then the wiring for the dash, which is right there – and not a good mix with fuel if there are any exposed wires. Also, check the nose where the front wheel sits for any corrosion. 

What should you do with it?   

This little 1967 Volkswagen Beetle is so special in that it’s completely unmodified, and we love it for that. As such, we would almost definitely just give the car an ‘oily rag’ restoration and enjoy it as is. There’s not a thing we’d change. If you absolutely cannot resist the urge to modify, then wheels and some new, lower suspension would be it. Mainly because said changes are reversible. But honestly, would you want to modify it? It’s pretty much perfect as is.