Fresh Paint: 1966 Volkswagen Beetle
Volkswagen built its entire empire off the back of the sales success of the humble Beetle. It is hard to fathom how a company that produced what many believe to be the ultimate people’s car could rubberstamp the production of a vehicle like the Bugatti Veyron. However, that is a reality, and it is fair to say that the automotive landscape would look entirely different if it weren’t for the humble “Herbie.” This 1966 Beetle is a largely original survivor. It sports a shiny new paint job, and there are a few minor touches a new owner could add to lift the overall presentation to a higher level.
The seller is closing their business, and everything must go before they close the doors. That was the motivation behind this Beetle hitting the market. Its exterior wears a fresh coat of Beige Gray paint, and some included images in the listing show the car before the seller applied the paint. They replaced the fenders and a few other body items, but there is no evidence of rust repairs. It is a similar story below the surface, with the pans as solid as the day this gem left the showroom floor. The paint shines beautifully, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. The seller includes a few shiny new trim pieces so the buyer can add the finishing touches. The glass is in good order, and the period-correct roof rack is a practical addition.
I am fond of the Beetle, although I didn’t experience much luck with the two that have graced my garage over the years. The first dropped an engine bearing, and I will always bear the blame for that. However, when the second snapped a conrod at 50mph on the open road, I decided the Beetle and I weren’t suited to each other. The failure remains a mystery but hasn’t diminished my affection for these classics. This VW features its original 1,300cc air-cooled flat-four, an engine that joined the Beetle range in August 1965. It should send 40hp and 69 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed manual transmission. The aim of the exercise with the Beetle wasn’t outright performance, with Volkswagen’s goal to produce a car that could cruise for hours at 60mph while sipping delicately from its fuel tank. It achieved that goal, and the Beetle enjoys a well-earned reputation for crossing vast distances without causing owners the slightest grief. Potential buyers can consider this gem a turnkey proposition. It runs and drives well, allowing the new owner to fly in and drive it home.
The seller describes the Beetle’s interior as “gorgeous.” I will allow for poetic license because the Black vinyl trim is free from wear and physical damage. The carpet looks okay, and the painted surfaces are excellent. However, what I believe this interior needs more than anything is a deep clean. The lack of wear and physical damage makes me think it could present extremely well after a few hours of hard labor. It would be worth the effort because that approach will cost nothing. It represents motoring at its most basic, with the heater the interior’s only creature comfort.
The seller listed this 1966 Volkswagen Beetle here on eBay in Gray Court, South Carolina. They set a BIN of $10,500 with the option to make an offer. It wasn’t many years ago when buying a driver-grade vehicle of this vintage for under $1,000 was possible, making them a popular choice for people on a limited income. Those days are long gone, and even though this gem sits in five-figure territory, it is within market expectations. Its few remaining shortcomings require time, rather than money, to address. Does that tempt you to pursue it further?
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Comments
1966 was the only year for the 1300 engine in the US market, and I believe it put out 48 hp. I miss owning a VW Bug, I’ve owned 5 over a period of time but haven’t had one since the early 90s. My favorite was a ’69 with the Auto-Stick.
Her Nibs had a “Super” w/ an auto. Slowern mole asses Minnesota in February ….
50 HP for the US market 1300 Best engine VW ever made!
Ten-five looks like a screamin’ good deal; I’m surprised that it’s still available. Seller has a good feedback rating.
I owned two beetles, one for two years in school and the other as my airport car. NEVER let me down and I remember cruising at 70 on the freeway in the 1960’s. It is the true “peoples car”. My first one was totaled when a drunk rear ended me and pushed me into the car in front of me. I had spent a lot of time adding some oomph, pinstriping, and just tinkering. It was a shame but I went out and used the insurance bucks to by a 1968 Pontiac Firebird 4 speed but bought the second one because I loved it’s vibe and practicality.
Had a ’65 in the early 70’s that I loved to drive everywhere. For some reason that 6 volt system just did NOT like to start, though. I replaced batteries (under the rear seat, blah), starter twice, 3 different generators and always said a prayer that “my” parking spot where I worked hadn’t been taken. It was on a slight grade, so when I got ready to leave for the day, I could put the old girl in reverse, leave the door open with my right foot on the clutch and left foot ready to push backwards so I could pop the clutch! It always started and my left thigh got bigger than my right from the exercise it got. After fighting with the starting issue, a VW mechanic offered to trade for a ’68 Renault R-10 he had, but that’s another story for another time…
Hard hard pass.
In the body shop biz we had the saying… “You can cover a multitude of sins with paint”.
And we wouldn’t have refinished the exterior on this Beetle period.
I’ve owned three 1960’s Type 1’s and a couple Type IIs and a couple Type IIIs and I definitely know how and where they all rust.
One look at those metal plates on the door front posts and sills is a HUGE reason to shine this Bug on…
Those were installed to cover huge (structural) rust holes and I’d guarantee that the heater channels and sills are toast too…
I’d also want to look at the portion of the footwell that is also the lower backside of the front fenders. That area is notorious for rust through as well…
And I haven’t even mentioned the floor pans or the magic trap door under the battery that allows that battery to disappear.
This is the second time this Beetle has been listed… serious buyers are probably knowledgeable buyers and are shining this puppy on.
Sad because the ‘66 Beetle is in my opinion the best year for looks..
Lensed headlamps and a the first year for 12 volt electrics are the high points..
As far as the engine only displacing 1300 cc’s not even the later 1600 cc dual port Beetles were 0-60 mph wonders.
And…
I’ve bought enough South Carolina cars to know that regardless of them being from a Southern state, the vehicles there will and do rust profusely.
I bought a ‘71 five years ago out of central Tennessee and even with 62,000 miles on it there was nary a tiny spot of rust anywhere on it and the soft bits weren’t baked to a crisp like Arizona and California Beetles tend to be.
I thought the ’66 1300 was 50 horsepower. Either way 40 horses is what it replaced. My first VW was a ’66 I bought in high school in ’73. When I blew that engine up I bought a ’67 motor that was 53 horsepower. I learned a lot about working on cars from that Bug. I’ve had many over the years and still own a ’67 I bought in ’82.
Loved my ’66, but it was the last year of 6V, 12V and sealed beams came out in ’67. Mine started life this color, but had 2 white fenders and a blue engine lid when I finally sold it!
I’ve seen a lot of 6 volt ‘66 Beetles but oddly enough my ‘66 was 12 volt right down to the decal in the driver’s side door jamb..
maybe mine was a late production model?
Did it have sealed beams like a ’67? True “bugs” had that glass cover over the headlights with 6V bulbs. No question that 12V/sealed beams is a better deal. That 1300 engine lived on in Mexico and Brazil long after US went to 1500 and 1600 dual port mills.
I’ve seen one 12v ’66 Bug and one 12V ’66 Bus. Apparently a few late production ’66s got the 12V system.
On barn finds its one solid color. On ebay it has red front front fenders.. buyer beware .. I don’t see but 5000 with a lot of work to be done. You be the judge..
Geez, weed-head; for what you’re asking you can’t even clean up the inside. not to mention the engine bay.
As Dr. Ron stated: HARD PASS–VERY HASRD PASS
I had many “bugs” over the years and they served me well. However, the heater never provided “creature comfort”. Maybe in Florida but certainly not in NH winters!
I repaired VW’s for a living for about 20 years and owned/sold dozens of them for some 30 years or so. They weren’t luxurious, but they were well-built and reliable if cared for properly. This one looks pretty good on paper, but I’d have to inspect it before making an offer.The 1300 motor in the ’66 was the best motor they ever built. Too bad they only had it for one year. These cars were a phenomenon.
In the early eighties I had an Orange “bug” that was banged up with multiple spray paint spots covering dents. It ran great and a cheap car to run. Along came a company called Beetle Boards. They fixed the dents, painted it silver and turned it into a rolling add for Rich Light Cigarettes. My car was fixed up at no cost and I got $25 dollars a month for two years. After that the decals were taken off and I had a beetle that looked like new. The company went belly up soon after. (I was anti smoking but pro income!)
Pictures Ken !! We would like to see your B4 and after of your famous car! (-;
Wish I still had some pictures! It was quite a transformation. Sadly the car was stolen, recovered minus the engine. I guess the new paint job made it too attractive, someone probably thought the engine was much newer than it was!
Those door panels look like they have a white mildew on them. The outside looks nice, but the interior seats and trim look poorly. Just sayin’