1965 Volkswagen Beetle

Description

Volkswagen updated the Beetle for the 1965 model year by reducing pillar sizes, increasing the size of all of its exterior windows for improved visibility, adding larger wiper blades, which were now positioned to the left, and a new push-button decklid latch in place of the previous T-handle design. Inside, the front seat backs were redesigned to be slimmer for increased rear leg room, the rear seat could fold flat for increased cargo space, and the sun visors now swiveled to the sides.

Volkswagen also introduced a new chassis numbering system, which increased from seven to nine digits. This new system used the first three numbers to indicate the chassis type, body style, and model year, and the final six numbers were the production sequence. Total production for the year increased to 1,090,863 units worldwide, with 288,583 destined for the U.S. market.

This '65 Bug has received a two-tone repaint, reportedly using Volkswagen factory colors Bahama Blue (L519) and Pearl White (L87), and it has been fitted with a wood-slat roof rack, chrome headlight eyelids, door handle guards, rear fender gravel guards, rain deflectors, and an animated wind-up key in place of the license plate light housing.

The interior has been reupholstered in blue and white vinyl and features a bamboo parcel shelf, EMPI door sill guards, and front lap belts. Lastly, the 1,192cc air-cooled flat-four engine is fed by a replacement factory-style EMPI carburetor that has a 12-volt electric choke element.

This 1965 Volkswagen Beetle is now offered with a period suitcase and a clean Michigan title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• 1,192cc air-cooled flat-four engine

• 6-volt electrical system

• Engine number: 9235307

• Four-speed manual transaxle

• Wood slat roof rack

• Bahama Blue and Pearl White repaint

• Blue and white vinyl upholstery

• Bamboo parcel shelf

• Front lap belts

Factory Equipment

• 6-volt electrical system

• Spring-loaded hood

• Drum brakes

• Low-back front bucket seats

• Folding rear bench seat

• Passenger grab handles

Modifications

• EMPI carburetor with 12-volt choke element

• Driver’s door pull

• Wood slat roof rack

• Bahama Blue and Pearl White repaint

• Blue and white vinyl upholstery

• Bamboo parcel shelf

• Chrome headlight eyelids

• Door handle guards

• Rear fender gravel guards

• Rain deflectors

• Animated rear wind-up key

• Cheese grater exhaust tip trim

• Wheel beauty rings

• Windshield with tinted top

Known Imperfections

• Replacement bumpers

• Dent on the left rear fender

• Chipped paint on door hinges

• Worn paint on the shifter

Ownership History

This '65 Beetle was acquired by the seller in August 2018.

Included Items

• Period suitcase