Beschreibung:

The Beetle, like the Ford Model T, occupies a special place in automotive history. Conceived in the Thirties as the “People’s Car”, its design and engineering was by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche and his staff where it began as “Project 12”. Its simple concept lent itself not only to mass production but also to being adapted to a multitude of purposes, configurations and applications. During the war years it served as the Wehrmacht’s equivalent of the Allies’ Jeep. After hostilities ended the Wolfsburg factory was rubble but Volkswagen’s management and staff pitched in to reestablish production and it not only helped get Germany’s economy running again but found new markets outside Germany and Europe. The first Volkswagen arrived in the United States in 1947, the convertible with coachwork built by Karmann only two years later in 1949. The Volkswagen, like many other new concepts, invited ridicule. Its size and funny (but extremely efficient) shape alone brought it the nickname Beetle and became so pervasive it was eventually adopted by the company. Volkswagen convertibles have long been highly valued for their light-hearted flair and style. With room for four, a full complement of amenities and equipment, a tight folding top and rollup windows, a Beetle convertible is appropriate and adaptable for summer touring, daily commuting, trips with friends to the lake or with boards to the nearest surf spot, picking up groceries, running errands or going to the country club. As with the standard Volkswagen two-door sedan, the Convertible changed with its market and its acceptance. Although its size and layout remained the same from 1947 until it ceased being sold in the U.S. its mechanical configuration went through several changes. Notably the engine size increased from the initial 1,131cc and 30 horsepower through several generations to the 1,585cc and 46 horsepower of the final year, 1974, after peaking at 60 horsepower in the pre-emissions days of 1971-72. Also important, the original swing arm rear suspension was superseded in 1969 with fully articulated independent rear suspension. The Paine Collection’s 1974 Beetle Convertible joined the collection new as an example of the final year of Beetle availability in the U.S. and has covered only 1,548 miles from new. Finished in red with black vinyl upholstery and a matching black vinyl top, it has a four-speed manual transmission and the original narrow whitewall tires. It was Ziebart rust-proofed (evidenced by Ziebart’s signature yellow plastic plugs in the sills) when new and the glove box contains one receipt, dated August 16, 1976 for the 1,000 mile service (no charge except for $3.75 for three quarts of oil) and $12.13 for a locking gas cap which has never been installed and is still in the glove box. As might be expected its cosmetic condition is pristine aside from some minor corrosion on the body side trim. Avidly sought as examples of a seminal concept in the history of the automobile, Beetle convertibles like this low mileage, original example from the Paine Collection are attractive additions to any collection with the advantage of being happily usable on fair days for a quick run to the beach or through the woods. An example of the last year these attractive cars were sold by Volkswagen in the U.S., it will bring a cheerful attitude to any setting.