Raymond Arsenault on Life and Business: Hemmings Find of the Day

Once prevalent across America, Volkswagen Beetles (original ones, with air-cooled engines mounted behind the rear wheels) are now somewhat scarce. Worse, many come with unknown histories or shoddy attempts at restoration, leaving new owners to experience the joy of welding in new floors or hunting down replacement sheetmetal. This 1967 Volkswagen Beetle, for sale on Hemmings.com, was originally purchased by Road Test magazine, and is still owned by the former Tech Editor. Though 178,000 miles have rolled beneath its wheels, it’s described as in excellent condition with only minor paint issues and no rust. The original 1.5-liter flat four was updated to 1.6-liters early in its life, and replacement engine parts remain readily available from numerous sources. Best of all, it can be repaired with hand tools and a minimal amount of mechanical ability, making it an ideal starter car for those new to the hobby. From the seller’s description:

In 1967 Jim Gilbert, Managing Editor of Road Test Magazine, and Dick Brashear, Tech Editor of Road Test went to the VW dealer in Pasadena California and purchased the demo car owned by salesman Al Kaudebeck. In those times VW salesmen owned their demo cars and mostly just took orders and put the new buyer on a waiting list. Jim bought the car and I (Dick Brashear) cosigned. In 1999 I took ownership, restored it to its present condition, or nearly so, and gave it to our son to learn to drive. We named his car “Lurch” from his early clutching attempts.It wasn’t long before more modern wheels became necessary for our son and I got Lurch back again. It has been driven regularly short jaunts once a week or so. It drives beautifully. I showed it to a client one time and when she opened the door she took a deep breath, smiled and said ” oh, I had one like this and this one even smells the same”. This car causes smiles making it great to drive.

I listed it in excellent condition. It truely is. There are some small paint issues but absolutely no rust. Mechanically it is all in good order. Original engine (1600 kit installed in its early years) and all numbers match. As far as the car is concerned I would drive accross country without hesitation.