Between
1964 and 1972 Ken owned four Beetles, three used 1200 models and a new 1971
Super Beetle. We returned to VW in 1976 when we purchased a new Golf, which we
kept for six years.1972 Semi-Auto Superbeetle.
Between
1964 and 1972 Ken owned four Beetles, three used 1200 models and a new 1971
Super Beetle. We returned to VW in 1976 when we purchased a new Golf, which we
kept for six years.
Ken has fond memories of his early Beetle days and the thought of restoring an old bug was appealing. Nostalgia played a big part here but Ken also regard the bug as a very significant car in the history of motoring. Despite the fact that almost every design feature of the Beetle was an automotive blind alley, the car and VW marketing was good enough to conquer the world and was instrumental in Germany's economic recovery after the war.
So Ken started looking for a rust free car in original condition about mid 2000. A few months later he discovered an immaculate unregistered 1500 Beetle with just 1,800 miles on the clock, but failed to secure it.
Ken kept looking and in March 2000, a 1972 Semi Auto Super Beetle with less than 12,000 miles was advertised in the SMH. The car was in fantastic condition and was just beautiful in its gleaming wattle yellow paint and tan trim. We acted quickly and secured the car.
This car is so much better than the 1971 Super Beetle Ken owned before and is a joy to drive. The semi-auto is very flexible, is great in the city and does not seem to impose a significant fuel consumption penalty. Ken has had no problems adapting to Beetle driving again after an absence of almost 30 years but the heaviness of the steering and brakes and the strong initial understeer when turning into a corner was a surprise.
Since purchase the underside of the car has been detailed after removing the guards and running boards. All underside components have been cleaned and repainted. The petrol pump, fuel lines and some rubber suspension parts have been replaced and a new diaphragm has been fitted to the auto clutch servo. We plan to keep the car in the best original condition possible whilst regularly using the car.
The car has picked up quite a few trophies over the years; at the many shows we have attended.
A pleasant bonus to acquiring the car has been meeting the great people within Club VeeDub and the classic car fraternity generally.
2001 SUNSHINE BEETLE
In
September 2004, we purchased a 2001 Sunshine New Beetle. The Sunshine model was
a limited edition model, available only in Sunshine Yellow and equipped with
most of the options offered on new beetles. Finding a used new beetle in yellow
and with automatic transmission was quite difficult and we were starting to
consider other colours when the subject car came up.
We have had the car for 7 months now and have travelled 26,000 km so are able to give an informed appraisal of the car.
So what does the New Beetle have in common with the Old Beetle? Nothing really, except for the styling theme. Ken has always regarded the New Beetle as a 2+2 car. Rear seat headroom is very tight and is inferior to the old beetle in this respect. Front seat headroom however is vast with the sun visors a stretch to reach.
PLUSSES
Handling and roadholding is up with modern standards, the steering is particularly sharp. The low profile tyres obviously contribute here. The air conditioning is up to Aussie requirements. Ride and front seat comfort is acceptable. Look at me style and colour. (Remember our other daily driver is a white Commodore wagon). The standard sunroof is pleasant at times but it is not an item that we would pay extra for when buying a car new.
MINUSES
Front seats lack lumber and cushion tilt adjustment. Cushion tilt does vary with height adjustment but should be independent. Road and engine noise is much higher than anticipated and is disappointing. High cost of spare parts and VW sourced accessories and very high cost of replacement tyres. Leather seats are not our cup of tea either. If parked out in the sun expect a wet back at journey's end.
OTHER
The car is fitted with heated front seats and exterior wing mirrors, hardly necessary for Australia. Fit and finish and overall quality OK bur door pulls and other plastic interior items have deteriorated markedly. Exterior painted surfaces (steel and plastic items) are fading at different rates.
We needed a second car and wanted a late model VW that was immediately identifiable as a VW, so it had to be a New Beetle. To date we are happy with our purchase and look forward to many years of motoring.
Ken and Wendy Davis
March 2005