Overhaulin'

What is the best year of the Classic VW Beetles?

I've always wanted to fix up a VW Beetle since I was about 16 (I'm now 29). When I was 17 I finally saved enough to buy a '71 Superbeetle for $800. I should have done more homework, but the internet was fairly new back then and I don't think I even knew how to use it. Anyways...I after I had already purchased the car, the first thing I tried to do was lower it... but couldn't because of the suspension. Also I started noticing little things about it that I didn't like... like the front end, tail lights, moon-shaped cut-outs behind the back windows, etc. Basically turned out that a '71 Superbeetle was not a good one to "pimp out". I believe they say the '67 is the "last of the good years". But I kind of want something older... like a '61 or maybe even older than that. I'm not really going for the all-original look. More of the two-tone paint job (probably red or teal body with cream colored doors), chrome rims, lowered suspension. Any VW enthusiasts out there have an opinion on this? What year is like the ultimate Beetle and why? 57? 67? Something in between?? Also, what do you think about the two-tone look? I know a lot of people are really big on restoring the car to all of the original parts and the original look...but honestly, I don't care much for the look of a stock Beetle. You can take a look at the link for a visual reference. Thanks for looking. http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/8726/img5459tonemappedbp1.jpg

Public Comments

1. A beetle is still a beetle no matter what. However, the more unoriginal you do to it the more worthless it becomes. Pretty soon it looks tacky and does not drive everywhere like it use to. I mean logging roads, 4x4ing , just having fun because you have a motor that is sucking back fuel and just isn't stable. You like what you like. I had a 70 with 1600 stock (still the last of the old style - then got a 73 SB with the curved windsheild. Initially they looked like crap but I got used to them and the outhouse holes are a good place to hide dope. Mind you I did not like the struts for bush roads(they seemed breakable) But pimping? Depends what pimped out means to you. I had a 60 with a 283 V8 and 4 speed with positrack rear end and it was custom painted. That was just something to do.
2. I like the 67-69 for the following reasons: -proper IRS (not swing axle) -disc brake front end -ventilation -less rust than other models -factory 12v electrics -headlights better than candles -1500 single port motor very reliable Later models can be okay, but the Super Beetles don't have the classic Beetle look and they also suffer from more rust thanks to the flow through ventilation. The vent in the C pillar of these cars lets in water that is absorbed by the sound insulation and causes rust.