Hey Volks! A couple of Classic VW Super Beetles crossed the Bring A Trailer auction block recently that did very well! These were two very particular models that actually surprised me when the hammer slammed down. Never thought they would pull the money that they did. 1979 VW Super Beetle SOLD on BAT HERE bringatrailer.com/listing/1979-volkswagen-super-beetle-convertible-6/ 1974 Orange Super SOLD on BAT HERE bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-volkswagen-super-beetle-sedan-11/ 1961 Microbus ready to cross RM in March HERE rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mi24/miami/lots/r0003-1961-volkswagen-type-2-deluxe-23-window-microbus/1404789 Chapters on this video: Intro 0:00 BAT Market Currently 1:04 Supers 3:10 Orange Super 6:05 Microbus 11:37 Outro 12:40 Please Subscribe to my Channel Here! Be sure to hit the "BeLL" www.youtube.com/@classicvwbugs?sub_confirmation=1
I have an original 71 Super Beetle that had been in my family’s possession since it was 8 months old. The fender beading is body color, not black. This was also true for early 70’s beetles as well.
I'm glad to see that Super Beetles are finally coming into their own. I think that many in the VW community ostracized Super Beetle owners in the past. Some still do today. My first VW was a '79 Super Beetle convertible (triple white). And 37 years later, I still have it. It has 80k miles on it. It's still fuel injected and that seems to surprise a lot of people. I have been snubbed by other VW folks because I own a Super Beetle. I've also owned a lot of other VWs as well, including Oval Windows, a Notchback, a couple of ragtops, an early Single Cab, a Type 34 Ghia, a couple of '67 Beetles, and many Westfalias from '68 to '78. However, the one that has always stuck around was my first VW. That wonderful old Super Beetle that holds the memories. It still has the magic for me. I like the way it looks, rides and drives. Now, for the cars you mentioned in the video. I don't care for the interior in the convertible. I think it would have looked better if it had been all white. The AC probably helped to increase the price. The photos of the orange car looked too artistic and didn't really show the true condition of the car. Someone really must have wanted it pretty bad. The Bus at Sotheby's will probably never get driven or appreciated. Someone will buy it, put it in a garage never to be driven. Maybe it will end up in someone's collection. It's hard for the true VW enthusiast to really afford the hobby that they love anymore. It's sad, but true. Thanks for the video. A few more auctions like that and everyone will start thinking their cars are worth that kind of money.
The fuel injection on air cooled VWs works very well-why anyone would remove it and install a carb on a stock engine rather than taking the time to fix whatever the issue was with the FI, is beyond me.
I’ve had my savanna beige 1970 single port 1600 beetle since new. Fender beading matched the color when new. During its life, I changed it to black beading out of necessity. Recently, I found that Wolfsburg West has a tan beading that is a close match. Installed that tan beading and am very happy to have it back to the original look.
It's crazy that Supers are coming around. My first bug was a 72 Super that I got back in 1989. I didn't know anything about bugs other than the fact I wanted one. Ended up with the 72 and then soon realized I had made a mistake and should have gotten a standard. By that time it was too late and I had already started dumping money into it. I made the best of it... lowered w/ adjustable strut housings, custom interior done my my dad and I, 1776 built by the guys at V-Dubs Unlimited in HB, cloth ragtop, and various other bits. I did end up getting a 58 that I sold to my dad after he threw a fit that I was going to lower it and put one-piece windows in it! I got out of the scene from about 1995 until last year. Got back in with a 63 and have since found out that Supers are now quite welcomed in the community. I've even seen a couple made into bajas which I thought was a no-no.... Strange days!
My first bug was a 71 super beetle, clementine orange. It was a great bug. 71 was the only year super with the old style two spoke, half horn ring steering wheel, and the two vent grates on the deck lid like older convertibles instead of the four all the way across
I have a ‘71 Super (flat windshield). It’s lowered and I installed a strut crossbar. No more “super-shake” and it handles corners like it’s on a rail. Added dual carbs, so it scoots right along. Needs a new interior tho. Also have a ‘75 super chassis only. Looking forward to building that from the ground up, but will need a donor body. Happy to hear I made a good investment a few years ago.
I have a 1974 Super Beetle, Marina Blue, and it has the colored beading on the fenders. So, yes, they were still using color matching fender beading. Mine has 34,500 original miles. It is all original. The front seat covers are pushing their life expectancy, but are still there and look good. --Ed Gibbons
Yes, that '79 is River Blue. That year and color is on my to-buy list. I've been eyeing one on eBay for $34,995. Currently own a '74 Super Marina Blue with 48,000 documented miles. I got for $6k a few years back, had off body restore paint and new rubber (black fender beads).
That 1979 is definitely River Blue Metallic. Everywhere I drive my Beetle, the number one question is about the River Blue color. Many traditional and older VW enthusiasts have tunnel vision for the 1950s and 1960s. When it comes to the 1970's and Super Beetles with McPherson struts, a curved windshield, wider hood, and fuel injection - they're strongly biased against that era. But that doesn't apply to younger people coming into the VW scene. They love the Bug shape, the external teardrop fenders, running boards, light touch manual steering, and what it's really all about in my opinion: the sound of that air cooled engine whirling in back. (FI Beetles have a unique whistle from the cooling fan at a certain speed) "Gotta have a swing axle!" "Kingpins!!" That's not a young buyer. And it doesn't stop at 1979. Get ready for the Mexi Bugs! The Germans are far ahead of the US in that area. The last REAL air cooled Beetle was manufactured in Mexico 2003. The whole 60 plus year history of the Beetle makes it great - not just the 1950s and 1960s.
I have an all original 74 Super with 31k miles. Love this car. Handles and rides much better than the standards. 😮 ....and it does have Marina Blue fender beading to match the body color. 😁
Woot woot!!! Thanks for this..my 74 Super my dad got new..it was Sahara Beige..and the fender beading was not black.. i cant remember if it was body color..but for sure it wasnt black..I would have liked it a lot better.
As others have mentioned , the fender beading is correct on that 74. Beetle sedans kept body colored fender beading until 1975 when it went black. Convertibles want to black a couple of years earlier. Later model Vw‘s including super beetles are coming up in value. They were very popular when they were new but were not as cherished as earlier models by enthusiasts even though they are much better cars in many respects. So there are probably not as many truly nice and correct late models as there are earlier models left. $30k sounds like a lot BUT if someone purchased a $2000 beat up Super Beetle that needs a full nut and bolt restoration, and brought it to your shop, and wanted only NOS German replacement parts installed, could you realistically do it for anywhere close to that amount and remain in business ? It would probably cost double to the client really. So yes 30k is a lot of Money but still far less than having someone restore a beater. I know because I had a 73 Super Built and it was silly money, but worth it to me. People will pay good money for exceptional cars.
That was not in any way as disrespect to your business btw Chris! I think what you do for the hobby is fantastic, and that to restore a car right as you do, you guys should charge good money for your skill and expertise, and to be a viable business. If you are charging $150.00 per hour, that would allow for only about 208 hours of work and that is not accounting for ANY parts at the price this car went for. So to pay $31K or so for one that is in supreme condition is pretty reasonable if you want a VERY nice car. The Super Beetle that I have was in my family for a long time-it was my brothers car in HS and College, and was used every day for many years by both of us. All that daily use in Chicago and its salted brutal streets left it in pretty dire condition (although it still ran very well. I decided I wanted to do THIS car, so I had to ignore the financials and just do the car right and the way I wanted to do it. I probably have nearly double what this '74 went, into the car, not to mention the years it took to get the car completed. Zero regrets as I now enjoy the car, taking it to shows, out to dinner now and then, etc.
Chris, Have you seen the RUclips videos of some very unusual VW Vans being restored in Germany? I forget the model name, but I’ve never seen them before. Looks like they are 8 passenger vans with large cargo area behind the 3rd seat. I tried to look for one on Bring-a-Trailer, but only found 1 van and it was a standard model not the one I was looking for. Oh, my electric ‘64 was a big hit yesterday at the new Tesla Service Center and the BMW dealership in San Luis Obispo yesterday!
Yep, supers especially 1973 sunroof are going to be sought after. Try finding one.That along with the 73 sport bug were one year only bugs. Non shock bumpers and round windshield. Paid $12k for mine plus shipping from CA to PA. They make great handling fun cars when set up properly. Look how many rally bugs are supers overseas. Just as fun as my ole 911. Plus they make great Subaru conversion candidates
This same 1974 orange Super Beetle with sunroof sold on BAT couple years ago for $21k. Was interested in it as that is the specific year I would want. At some point ...
So long story short is that its ok to break from original "if" the look is tasteful....it goes without saying that everything has to be in working order....
Love "Bring a trailer" They send me alerts about Meyers Manx's for sale.. Which brings me to my next question, have you, or do you restore Manx's? Chris take care and thx for the updates....
Hey Volks! A couple of Classic VW Super Beetles crossed the Bring A Trailer auction block recently that did very well! These were two very particular models that actually surprised me when the hammer slammed down. Never thought they would pull the money that they did.
1979 VW Super Beetle SOLD on BAT HERE bringatrailer.com/listing/1979-volkswagen-super-beetle-convertible-6/
1974 Orange Super SOLD on BAT HERE bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-volkswagen-super-beetle-sedan-11/
1961 Microbus ready to cross RM in March HERE rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mi24/miami/lots/r0003-1961-volkswagen-type-2-deluxe-23-window-microbus/1404789
Chapters on this video:
Intro 0:00
BAT Market Currently 1:04
Supers 3:10
Orange Super 6:05
Microbus 11:37
Outro 12:40
Please Subscribe to my Channel Here! Be sure to hit the "BeLL" www.youtube.com/@classicvwbugs?sub_confirmation=1
I have an original 71 Super Beetle that had been in my family’s possession since it was 8 months old. The fender beading is body color, not black. This was also true for early 70’s beetles as well.
Thank you 👍
I'm glad to see that Super Beetles are finally coming into their own. I think that many in the VW community ostracized Super Beetle owners in the past. Some still do today. My first VW was a '79 Super Beetle convertible (triple white). And 37 years later, I still have it. It has 80k miles on it. It's still fuel injected and that seems to surprise a lot of people. I have been snubbed by other VW folks because I own a Super Beetle. I've also owned a lot of other VWs as well, including Oval Windows, a Notchback, a couple of ragtops, an early Single Cab, a Type 34 Ghia, a couple of '67 Beetles, and many Westfalias from '68 to '78. However, the one that has always stuck around was my first VW. That wonderful old Super Beetle that holds the memories. It still has the magic for me. I like the way it looks, rides and drives. Now, for the cars you mentioned in the video. I don't care for the interior in the convertible. I think it would have looked better if it had been all white. The AC probably helped to increase the price. The photos of the orange car looked too artistic and didn't really show the true condition of the car. Someone really must have wanted it pretty bad. The Bus at Sotheby's will probably never get driven or appreciated. Someone will buy it, put it in a garage never to be driven. Maybe it will end up in someone's collection. It's hard for the true VW enthusiast to really afford the hobby that they love anymore. It's sad, but true. Thanks for the video. A few more auctions like that and everyone will start thinking their cars are worth that kind of money.
The fuel injection on air cooled VWs works very well-why anyone would remove it and install a carb on a stock engine rather than taking the time to fix whatever the issue was with the FI, is beyond me.
I’ve had my savanna beige 1970 single port 1600 beetle since new. Fender beading matched the color when new. During its life, I changed it to black beading out of necessity. Recently, I found that Wolfsburg West has a tan beading that is a close match. Installed that tan beading and am very happy to have it back to the original look.
It's crazy that Supers are coming around. My first bug was a 72 Super that I got back in 1989. I didn't know anything about bugs other than the fact I wanted one. Ended up with the 72 and then soon realized I had made a mistake and should have gotten a standard. By that time it was too late and I had already started dumping money into it. I made the best of it... lowered w/ adjustable strut housings, custom interior done my my dad and I, 1776 built by the guys at V-Dubs Unlimited in HB, cloth ragtop, and various other bits. I did end up getting a 58 that I sold to my dad after he threw a fit that I was going to lower it and put one-piece windows in it! I got out of the scene from about 1995 until last year. Got back in with a 63 and have since found out that Supers are now quite welcomed in the community. I've even seen a couple made into bajas which I thought was a no-no.... Strange days!
My first bug was a 71 super beetle, clementine orange. It was a great bug. 71 was the only year super with the old style two spoke, half horn ring steering wheel, and the two vent grates on the deck lid like older convertibles instead of the four all the way across
I paid 4200 for my 71 super in 2019. I's an early 71, too, with the wiper switch on the dash.
I have a ‘71 Super (flat windshield). It’s lowered and I installed a strut crossbar. No more “super-shake” and it handles corners like it’s on a rail. Added dual carbs, so it scoots right along. Needs a new interior tho.
Also have a ‘75 super chassis only. Looking forward to building that from the ground up, but will need a donor body. Happy to hear I made a good investment a few years ago.
I have a 1974 Super Beetle, Marina Blue, and it has the colored beading on the fenders. So, yes, they were still using color matching fender beading. Mine has 34,500 original miles. It is all original. The front seat covers are pushing their life expectancy, but are still there and look good. --Ed Gibbons
very cool man, thanks for the clarification.
Yes, that '79 is River Blue. That year and color is on my to-buy list. I've been eyeing one on eBay for $34,995.
Currently own a '74 Super Marina Blue with 48,000 documented miles. I got for $6k a few years back, had off body restore paint and new rubber (black fender beads).
Oh man, wow.
That is what I have--a 74 Super in Marina Blue. Quite bone stock. Only I have 34,500 miles. It would take a lot for me to let it go !
That 1979 is definitely River Blue Metallic. Everywhere I drive my Beetle, the number one question is about the River Blue color.
Many traditional and older VW enthusiasts have tunnel vision for the 1950s and 1960s. When it comes to the 1970's and Super Beetles with McPherson struts, a curved windshield, wider hood, and fuel injection - they're strongly biased against that era. But that doesn't apply to younger people coming into the VW scene. They love the Bug shape, the external teardrop fenders, running boards, light touch manual steering, and what it's really all about in my opinion: the sound of that air cooled engine whirling in back. (FI Beetles have a unique whistle from the cooling fan at a certain speed)
"Gotta have a swing axle!" "Kingpins!!" That's not a young buyer.
And it doesn't stop at 1979. Get ready for the Mexi Bugs! The Germans are far ahead of the US in that area. The last REAL air cooled Beetle was manufactured in Mexico 2003. The whole 60 plus year history of the Beetle makes it great - not just the 1950s and 1960s.
I have an all original 74 Super with 31k miles. Love this car. Handles and rides much better than the standards. 😮
....and it does have Marina Blue fender beading to match the body color. 😁
Woot woot!!! Thanks for this..my 74 Super my dad got new..it was Sahara Beige..and the fender beading was not black.. i cant remember if it was body color..but for sure it wasnt black..I would have liked it a lot better.
I'd like to have a bone stock 74 super Beetle with big window for my daily driver!
give me a shout, I can help ya.
As others have mentioned , the fender beading is correct on that 74. Beetle sedans kept body colored fender beading until 1975 when it went black. Convertibles want to black a couple of years earlier.
Later model Vw‘s including super beetles are coming up in value. They were very popular when they were new but were not as cherished as earlier models by enthusiasts even though they are much better cars in many respects. So there are probably not as many truly nice and correct late models as there are earlier models left.
$30k sounds like a lot BUT if someone purchased a $2000 beat up Super Beetle that needs a full nut and bolt restoration, and brought it to your shop, and wanted only NOS German replacement parts installed, could you realistically do it for anywhere close to that amount and remain in business ? It would probably cost double to the client really. So yes 30k is a lot of Money but still far less than having someone restore a beater. I know because I had a 73 Super Built and it was silly money, but worth it to me.
People will pay good money for exceptional cars.
That was not in any way as disrespect to your business btw Chris! I think what you do for the hobby is fantastic, and that to restore a car right as you do, you guys should charge good money for your skill and expertise, and to be a viable business. If you are charging $150.00 per hour, that would allow for only about 208 hours of work and that is not accounting for ANY parts at the price this car went for. So to pay $31K or so for one that is in supreme condition is pretty reasonable if you want a VERY nice car. The Super Beetle that I have was in my family for a long time-it was my brothers car in HS and College, and was used every day for many years by both of us. All that daily use in Chicago and its salted brutal streets left it in pretty dire condition (although it still ran very well. I decided I wanted to do THIS car, so I had to ignore the financials and just do the car right and the way I wanted to do it. I probably have nearly double what this '74 went, into the car, not to mention the years it took to get the car completed. Zero regrets as I now enjoy the car, taking it to shows, out to dinner now and then, etc.
Chris, Have you seen the RUclips videos of some very unusual VW Vans being restored in Germany? I forget the model name, but I’ve never seen them before. Looks like they are 8 passenger vans with large cargo area behind the 3rd seat. I tried to look for one on Bring-a-Trailer, but only found 1 van and it was a standard model not the one I was looking for. Oh, my electric ‘64 was a big hit yesterday at the new Tesla Service Center and the BMW dealership in San Luis Obispo yesterday!
gosh no! would love to see them.
@@classicvwbugs I’ll try to find the video again and post it for you.
Yep, supers especially 1973 sunroof are going to be sought after. Try finding one.That along with the 73 sport bug were one year only bugs. Non shock bumpers and round windshield. Paid $12k for mine plus shipping from CA to PA. They make great handling fun cars when set up properly. Look how many rally bugs are supers overseas. Just as fun as my ole 911. Plus they make great Subaru conversion candidates
This same 1974 orange Super Beetle with sunroof sold on BAT couple years ago for $21k. Was interested in it as that is the specific year I would want. At some point ...
So long story short is that its ok to break from original "if" the look is tasteful....it goes without saying that everything has to be in working order....
Love "Bring a trailer" They send me alerts about Meyers Manx's for sale.. Which brings me to my next question, have you, or do you restore Manx's? Chris take care and thx for the updates....
Yeah BAT is great, but no restos on manx, but will do repairs.
@@classicvwbugs ok.. thx Chris...
Yeah i cant even find a super beetle for under 15k anymore.
I have a picture of my dad's 73 super when new and the fender beading is Yellow just like the body
I love supers! I feel I have waited to long to buy one now due to prices.... Very sad...
There's an ASS for every Seat and BRING A TRAILER , they seem to Attract them on Bring A STROKE