3,100-Mile 1973 Volkswagen Beetle

Description

By 1973, the Volkswagen Beetle had already become a global phenomenon, celebrated for its simplicity, reliability, and distinctive shape. It was already the best-selling car of all time, but tightening safety regulations pressured Volkswagen to update its design. Two versions were offered — the standard Beetle and the Super Beetle with MacPherson strut front suspension plus additional interior and trunk space.

On April 30th, 1973, Dale and LaVern Abbott walked into Coyne-Dee Motors of Quincy, Illinois, traded in their 1969 Beetle, and walked out with this Pastel White standard Beetle. Optional factory leatherette interior added $44, and dealer-installed undercoating and an AM radio cost another $104.95. Over 50 years later, not much has changed on the Beetle — and the odometer reads just over 3,100 miles, documented as “actual” on the Arizona title. Equally important, the chassis number matches the body serial number.

The car rides on a set of chrome JBugs wheels, while the original wheels with recently-replaced tires are also included. The distributor, fuel pump, and carburetor have been updated, and the original components accompany the sale.

This exceptionally low-mile 1973 Volkswagen Beetle is now offered with its original window sticker, OEM wheels, sales documents, owner's manuals, and a clean Arizona title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Showing just over 3,100 miles from new

• Window sticker, sales documents, and factory manuals included

• OEM wheels with recently-replaced tires included

• Floor pan number and VIN matches

Factory Equipment

• Rear-mounted, air-cooled 1.6-liter flat-four engine producing about 46 hp

• Four-speed manual transmission

• Finished in the original Pastel White (L90D) paint

• Black leatherette (vinyl) interior

• First year for curved front glass

• Padded dashboard

• Improved ventilation

• Inertia-reel seatbelts

Modifications

• Chrome JBugs wheels

• Fog lights

Servicing & Documentation

• The distributor, fuel pump, and carburetor have been updated (original parts included)

Known Imperfections

• A few paint nicks are noted by the seller

• A door scrape is noted

Ownership History

This 1973 Volkswagen Beetle was purchased new by Dale and LaVern Abbott of Macomb, Illinois, on April 30th, 1973. Since then, it has traveled just over 3,100 miles. The seller has owned it since 2025.

Included Items

• Original Bill of Sale

• Original dealer invoice

• Original warranty documents

• 1973 Illinois license plates

• Original owner’s manual

• Chrome JBugs wheels

• Original factory distributor, fuel pump, and carburetor