1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The Volkswagen Beetle underwent its final major overhaul for the 1973 model year and was given the designation 1303. Slightly longer than its predecessor, the 1303's visible changes included a curved panoramic windscreen, larger “elephant's foot” taillights, and a sculpted, padded dashboard with toggle switches instead of pull switches.

This '79 VW convertible has had its original fuel-injected engine replaced with an earlier carbureted unit that has reportedly been rebuilt and fitted with larger 87mm pistons and cylinders for a displacement of 1,641cc. The engine is equipped with a Bosch 009-style centrifugal advance distributor, a degree pulley, bolt-on valve covers, and a 34PICT-3 carburetor.

Additional work performed under current ownership is said to have included reindexing the rear torsion bars, converting the front brakes to disc, installing urethane control arm and sway bar bushings, installing an EMPI shifter and Ross Wulf shift coupler, and replacing the struts, ball joints, tie rods, steering rack boots, alternator, and convertible top boot.

This 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible is now offered at no reserve with an owner's manual and a clean Ohio title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Repainted metallic maroon

• White convertible soft top

• White vinyl and maroon cloth upholstery

• Replacement carbureted 1,641cc air-cooled flat-four

• Four-speed manual transaxle

• Front disc brakes

• Urethane suspension bushings

• Ross Wulf shift coupler

• EMPI shifter

Factory Equipment

• MacPherson strut front suspension

• Dual side-view mirrors

• 15" Lemmerz Sport steel wheels

• Bucket seats with integrated headrests

• Rear bench seat

• Locking glove box

• heavy-duty, shock-absorbing bumpers

Modifications

• Louvered headlight eyelids

• Repainted metallic maroon

• White and maroon upholstery

• Kenwood head unit

• Aftermarket speakers in door panels

• Dual cupholders that slide into ashtray receptacle

• Replacement carbureted 1,641cc air-cooled flat-four

• Bolt-on valve covers

• Front disc brakes

• Urethane suspension bushings

• EMPI shifter

Servicing & Documentation

From the seller: “I replaced the control arm bushings, sway arm bushings, tie rods, ball joints, struts, rack and pinion rubber boots, and the convertible boot. While I was working on the front end, I just went ahead and converted to disc brakes. The engine was rebuilt 750 miles ago. Supers start to sag in the rear when they get older, so I re-indexed the torsion bars and lifted it. The 4-speed shifter was replaced with an EMPI shifter.

Known Imperfections

• Mismatched dashboard woodgrain trim

• Loose door panel clips

• Turn signals do not self-cancel

• Dashboard clock inoperative

• Loose carpeting in footwells

• Cracks on dashboard

• Heat blocked off

• Rear bumper impact strip missing

• Paint chips and scratches

• Various areas of bubbling paint

Ownership History

The car was acquired by the seller in September 2022.

Included Items

• Owner’s manual

• Jack

Additional Information

• The current Ohio title carries an “Exceeds Mechanical Limits” notation.