1970 Volkswagen Beetle

1970 was not a significant year for change in the Beetle’s design, but the 1960s certainly were. 1962 saw the first inclusion of a mechanical fuel gauge, but 1965 was a major year for updates. The body was heavily revised to allow for larger windows, the windshield became 11% larger and featured a slight curve as opposed to being flat previously, door windows became 6% larger, rear side windows increased by 17.5%, and he rear windshield jumped up a whopping 19.5%. The goal of this was to create a more modern and airy feel inside the cabin which Volkswagen executed perfectly. Two new engine options became available by 1967, and disc brakes also became available as an optional extra. Lastly, 1968 saw higher mounted bumpers for US-required back-up lights, a new location to fuel the car from, the previously added fuel gauge became electrically operated, and an A/C unit was finally fitted to the vehicle.

Finished in flat gray, the exterior condition of this Beetle is modest, and there is no obvious major damage to speak of around the exterior. There appear to be two small chips on both the front and rear fenders on the passenger side. Windows around the car are in good condition, showing no major cracks or chips. The hubcaps are likely in their original condition and do show some surface corrosion by extension. Tire tread appears decent at best, and we highly recommend a new set. Overall, exterior condition is solid. A healthy detailing would certainly liven up the exterior, and potentially turn the clock back a few years too.

Draped in black leather, this Beetle’s interior, while it has seen better days, is in solid shape. Healthy layer of dust aside, the black leather seats both up front and in the rear appear to be in solid shape while showing no major holes or tears. White headliner does show some minor stains, and the driver’s sunshade shows heavy weathering, but everything attached to the ceiling hangs tightly in place. Black leather door panels do show some staining, but the leather on each side appears unharmed. Some black shag carpeting has been protectively laid over the actual dash pad, but whether this covers a crack or is simply a protective measure is unclear. The dash itself is clean, and center-mounted speedometer is clear and easily readable. The carpets that line the footwells don’t appear to be stock, but nevertheless they do the job and lay perfectly flat in their respective positions.

Lifting the rear lid reveals an engine bay that looks quite tidy. The engine itself doesn’t show any obvious major damage, and the area surrounding it seems to have been nicely maintained. It should be noted that we did not attempt to start the vehicle. The brakes are seized and would require recomissioning.

This Beetle comes to us as part of the Volkswagen Collection, curated by an avid Volkswagen enthusiast operating out of Santa Barbara, California. The collector has been the long-term owner of this vehicle for a number of years.

The Volkswagen Beetle is far and away one of the most produced and widely recognizable vehicles of all time. However, with over 21 million units produced, Beetles in rough shape are also a dime a dozen. Especially when one looks for increasingly older years. Today’s example is in solid condition, with a modest exterior and interior that show no major flaws in either area. This Beetle would make a fantastic starting point for either a full restoration or a radical restomod. Options aplenty, we believe this vehicle will have very few issues achieving its $10,000 - $15,000 estimate.