Volkswagen Beetle Typ1 1966
General description :
Model History
The VW Beetle has become an iconic vehicle worldwide, and has built a huge loyal following. As the floor pan and running gear can be used without the body being attached, it’s become a firm favourite amongst kit car builders. Beetles have been turned into Porsche 356 replicas, beach buggies, and Nova kit cars to mention just a few. When production stopped in 2003 in Mexico over 21 million air-cooled Volkswagen Beetles had been produced. Over eight decades of manufacturing came a whole variety of models, ranging from 25hp through to the 1303S, or Super Beetle, with independent rear suspension.
Fashions change and over the years the VW Beetle has seen styles come and go. By the 1960s the trend to build street-legal drag racers was taking hold in the USA, especially on the West Coast. Here in the UK smaller tuning companies such as Speedwell developed carb tuning kits and alloy wheels.
The Beetle story started in the early 1930s but production started officially in 1936. The Second World War all but stopped production until the British army rebuilt the factory and production commenced of the ‘Splitscreen’ Beetles. These were very basic cars with engines from 985cc (24hp) to 1131cc (25hp).
1953 to 1956 was the time of the “Oval Beetle”. Very similar to the Splitscreen, but with the split removed from the rear window making it an oval. Small developments aimed at improving driver comfort and making the Beetle appeal to foreign markets, including a new 1192cc engine with 30hp.
In 1957 the rear window was enlarged to the rectangular shape that would stay for the remainder of production. The windscreen and side glass were also enlarged in August 1964. These Beetles still retained the sloping headlights, long bonnet, link and king pin torsion bar front suspension, swing axle torsion bar suspension at the rear, and 5 bolt wheels as previous models. Engine options were now 1192cc (34hp), 1285cc (40hp), and in Aug 1966 the 1493cc engine with 44hp. The flat windscreen design remained until 1973.
Equipment
Factory sunroof, High performance 1776cc engine, Twin Weber carburettors, Dual circuit brakes with front disc conversion, Adjustable front suspension, Stainless steel exhaust system, EMPI Fuchs style alloy wheels in chrome, Porsche wheel centre caps, 12 Volt alternator conversion, Headlamp grilles, Door mirrors, Sports bucket seats in leather, Rosewood sports steering wheel, Additional dash gauges, EMPI short shift gear stick with polished gear knob, RetroSound stereo with auxiliary input, Pioneer speakers front and rear, Front seat belts, Pop-out rear windows, Carpet overmats, Spare wheel.
Exterior
Having been treated to a full restoration this rare “factory sunroof” Beetle looks magnificent in the classic combo of black with red upholstery. The lustrous paintwork is perfectly accented by striking 911 style wheels and plentiful chrome detailing, all of which presents impeccably. The panels are lovely and straight along both sides with even gaps to report, and there are no unsightly marks to any of the bodywork or trim. Chrome still features in all the right places and the additional headlight grilles look tremendous.
Originating from the dry US state of California this example has never suffered from any of the common rust issues normally found on Beetles of this vintage. The underside is a real treat for the enthusiast with common weak spots such as the heater channels and floor pans in excellent corrosion-free condition; photos are available upon request.
Interior
The gorgeous cabin retains a wealth of period charm while boasting upgraded features to include leather bucket seats, a rosewood steering wheel, a modern vintage-style radio, and a four-speaker sound system. With few miles covered since restoration the upholstery presents like new front and rear; the same is true of the carpets, door cards, switchgear, and gauges. Pleasingly the original sunroof operates exactly as intended and really adds to the sense of occasion when open. Under the bonnet you’ll find a freshly carpeted luggage area housing a pristine alloy spare wheel.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The Beetle sports an uprated 1776cc air-cooled engine boasting a full flow oil system, bolt-up rocker shafts, ported heads, a performance camshaft, and dual Weber 40 carbs giving an impressive 100hp. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a short-shift manual transmission and performance clutch. The stainless steel exhaust is merged to ease the flow of exhaust gases and prevent power loss regardless of the RPM. All in all this is one excellent driver!
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Filling those voluptuous arches is a set of 15-inch Fuchs style alloys in chrome; a matching spare can be found under the bonnet. The finish is perfect throughout, the wheels having seen little use since fitting. The same is true of the tyres, which are very much unworn. As part of the restorative work the brakes were upgraded to a dual circuit system, and discs were fitted at the front.
History File
This rare sunroof Beetle was first registered in 1966. As a rust-free example it was imported from the dry state of California in 2013, and subsequently registered for UK road use. Since that time the car has undergone a comprehensive amount of mechanical and cosmetic restorative work to make it the gleaming example you see today. It now presents an excellent opportunity to purchase one of the all time classic car icons in first-rate condition. Fully restored and upgraded in the most tasteful ways this Beetle is more than ready to be driven and enjoyed.
http://www.4starclassics.com/for-sale/vw-beetle-for-sale/
1966 Volkswagen Beetle Typ1 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Kingsley by 4 Star Classics for £12995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Volkswagen Model : Beetle Typ1 Engine size : 1.8 Model Year : 1966 Sub type : Race/Rally Car Location : Hampshire
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About Volkswagen
The Volkswagen story is indeed an intriguing tale of innovation, resilience, and post-war revival, marked by various models that have become iconic in automotive history.The People's Car (Volkswagen): Initially envisioned by Adolf Hitler in the 1930s as a "people's car" or "Volkswagen" in German, the idea was to create an affordable and practical vehicle for the German people. This concept led to the development of the Volkswagen Beetle (or the Type 1), designed by Ferdinand Porsche.
Post-War Challenges: After World War II, Volkswagen faced significant challenges. The factory was heavily damaged, and the brand's association with the Nazi regime led to a lack of interest in the car in some regions.
British Intervention - The British Army & Ivan Hirst: The British Army took control of the factory in the immediate post-war period. Major Ivan Hirst, a British Army officer, played a crucial role in reviving Volkswagen. He recognized the potential of the Beetle and advocated for its production, convincing the British military to order several thousand cars. This decision helped jumpstart the brand's revival.
Export Success and the Beetle's Global Appeal: The Beetle gained popularity not only in Germany but also globally, becoming an icon of affordable motoring. Its simple, reliable design and unique appearance made it a favorite among consumers worldwide.
Model Evolution: Over the years, Volkswagen introduced various models alongside the Beetle, each contributing to the brand's growth:
Type 2 (VW Bus or Transporter): Introduced in the 1950s, it became an iconic symbol of the hippie movement in the 1960s, loved for its spaciousness and versatility.
Golf (Rabbit in the U.S.): Launched in the mid-1970s, the Golf (or Rabbit in the U.S.) marked a shift towards front-wheel-drive, modern design, and hatchback practicality, becoming a cornerstone of the brand's success.
Passat, Jetta, and Other Models: Volkswagen expanded its lineup with models like the Passat and Jetta, catering to different market segments.
Challenges and Innovations: Despite success, Volkswagen faced challenges, including quality issues in the 1970s. However, the brand continued to innovate and develop new models and technologies.
Rise of the GTI and Global Expansion: The 1980s saw the rise of the iconic Golf GTI, a high-performance version that sparked the hot hatch trend. Volkswagen also expanded its global presence during this period.
The British intervention in reviving Volkswagen after World War II played a pivotal role in the brand's resurgence. While there might have been some tensions or competition among automotive companies in the 1950s and 1960s due to Volkswagen's post-war success, the brand's ability to produce innovative and popular models solidified its place in automotive history.