1971 Volkswagen Super Beetle

Description

The Super Beetle was Volkswagen's effort to reconnect with thrifty buyers. Making its debut for the 1971 model year, the 1302 offered enhanced comfort and improved handling, thanks to its McPherson strut front suspension. This new suspension system necessitated changes to the chassis and front body design. Notable changes included a new frame head, rounder fenders, a larger and wider hood, a revised front valance, and a redesigned spare tire well. The latter allowed the spare to rest horizontally beneath a cover, increasing front cargo space to nine cubic feet.

With the 1302 Beetle, the 1.6L air-cooled flat-four engine now produced 60 horsepower, courtesy of dual-port cylinder heads and a larger carburetor. To support the increased power, Volkswagen improved engine cooling by redesigning the oil system and fitting vents to the decklid. Additional enhancements include a flow-through ventilation system, which provides fresh air to the interior via crescent-shaped vents behind the rear quarter windows.

This sunroof model VW 1302 is finished in orange and has been fitted with low-back front bucket seats, a wooden shift knob, aftermarket window cranks, a cassette stereo, and dual cupholders that slide into the ashtray receptacle. The 1.6L air-cooled flat-four has been fitted with an alternator in place of its factory generator along with a Bosch 009-style distributor, an open-element air cleaner, a degree pulley, and a Monza-style four-tip exhaust.

This 1971 Volkswagen Super Beetle is now offered with spare parts and a clean Louisiana title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• 1.6L air-cooled flat-four

• Four-speed manual transaxle

• MacPherson strut front suspension

• Hand-crank steel sunroof

• Orange paint over black vinyl upholstery

Factory Equipment

• 15” steel wheels with chrome VW-stamped hubcaps

• Driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror

• Rear bench seat

• Locking glove box

• Front shoulder belts

• Rear lap belts

Modifications

• Low-back bucket seats

• Dual cupholders that slide into the ashtray receptacle

• Aftermarket window cranks

• Tinted windows

• Cassette stereo paired with aftermarket speakers in the rear deck

• Wooden shift knob

• Rear coil-over shocks

• Fan shroud painted blue

• Chrome cylinder tins

• Alternator charging system

• Degree crank pulley

• Bosche 009-style distributor

• Monza-style exhaust

• Push-button start button installed under dashboard (ignition key still required)

• Tow-bar brackets

Servicing & Documentation

Work performed under current ownership is said to have included replacing the distributor, starter, fuel filter, and flywheel in addition to performing an oil change and fitting a push-button starter, which still requires the ignition key to activate.

Known Imperfections

• The heater hose is disconnected from the left heater box

• Torn seat upholstery

• Missing and deteriorated carpeting

• Dashboard pad cracked

• Missing section of dashboard pad beneath the glove compartment

• Corrosion on bumpers and wheels

• Missing rear bumper bracket grommets

• Various exterior dents, chips, scratches, and areas of bubbling paint

Ownership History

The car was acquired by the seller in January 2026.

Included Items

• Spare and replacement parts