The almighty Jay Salser of 1967beetle.com had been going back and forth with Michael in regards to his amazing L620 Savanna Beige ’67 Beetle. You know this car, and have too most likely seen it in the past. If not, you’ve dreamed about it a time or two. (I know I have) In his own words.
This is a 1967 Volkswagen Deluxe Beetle Sedan VIN 117651175. The Beetle was manufactured April 21st 1967 in Wolfsburg Germany. The Beetle was originally purchased by Helen Eisele of Columbus, Ohio on May 23, 1967. She purchased it from the now closed Davidson-Green Volkswagen dealership located on the east side of Columbus, Ohio. Helen traded in a 1949 Chevy for $125 dollars to allow her to purchase the Beetle. I purchased the Beetle from then 78 year old Helen, on August 29, 1983 with 21,994 miles on the odometer. Helen was forced to sell the car because she could no longer push in the clutch pedal due to hip issues. The current mileage is 22,777. I purchased the Beetle when she was 16 years old and she just turned 50 this past April 21st 2017. I have clocked less than 800 miles on her over the past 34 years. She is very original including the original tires and new unused original spare tire.
The following is a list of parts that have been replaced or rebuilt since the car was manufactured in April of 1967. Some of these parts were replaced before I purchased it and some were replaced by me over the last 34 years.
Brake master cylinder
Brake switches
Brake shoes
All wheel cylinders and all brake hoses
Starter, battery
Generator belt
Muffler
Tailpipes, clamps and port gaskets
All fuel hoses
Steering damper
All wheel bearing seals
Air cleaner sticker
Several ignition parts
Oil, brake and washer fluids
The running board metal
The original fuel pump and carb
The original wheel rims were repainted
The following is a list of accessories that have been added to the Beetle since I purchased it.
Original Hazet spare tire tool kit
Carbak pop-top camper unit
Under dash parcel tray
Rear engine intake grill
Front and rear stone guards
Steel oval “D” rear bumper plate
Front body mask/bra
Rear mud flaps,
Jack slot “Bear claws”
Davidson-Green rear license plate frame
Tissue dispenser
Bud vase
Sun visor shades,
1967 Ohio license plates
Vintage suitcases and car cover.
The Carbak camper top was made in Tampa, Florida in the mid 1970’s and was purchased new by me at the now closed Classic Cars Volkswagen dealership on the west side of Columbus. The camper top is also completely original and functional with very little wear.
I have the original owner’s manual, bill of sale and several 1967 Volkswagen brochures and booklets. The Beetle never had a radio installed by the VW dealer. It still has the original radio block off plate and the original antenna hole body cap. The body color is Savanna beige with a rare “pumpkin” colored deluxe interior. Also included with the Beetle is a complete set of 1967 wheels and radial tires for highway drives. The original 50 year old tires are OK for display but not for driving use. This was the last year for the smaller rear tail lights, low back bucket seats and the over rider style bumpers. Also 1967 was the first year for 12V electrical system. The Beetle has won multiple awards and trophies since I have owned it. She is a true survivor “Time Machine” from the sixties. I have preserved her for more than half of my life and would like to sell her to someone who can appreciate how unique she is and continue to keep her this way.
A true time capsule. Just wow…. It seems Michael may also sell. Anyone?
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Great story. Great car! Love the “camper”conversion. Must be a ton of fun on a windy night. What’s the weight limit for the roof rack? I’m wondering if this is the lowest mileage ’67 Beetle in existance?
I’m thinking the same, Mike!
Michael…I love your story. You have all of us out here drooling with envy! This is what I’d call a “survivor vehicle” in every sense of the term! Happily, the car came to you and has been kept in its pristine condition. It’s value is unique. “Survivor” vehicles often accrue value more quickly than restored examples. Keep enjoying your wonderful Beetle, Michael! jay
Ah, the site is back up! I’ve been refreshing all day.
I’m amazed this article only has 3 comments. Lets hear from more of the ’67 Beetle community!
Oh, WOW! What a stunning survivor……and my favorite Savanah Beige. (I’m a little biased because I’m a proud owner of a S.B. color ‘67 survivor.) I’m still overjoyed when another nice one pops up. That camping rig is Boss. I don’t think it’s rated for my size though. Man, I bought mine from a little old couple and is in great shape but what a low miles beauty that one is!! Thanks for keeping the site going! I always enjoy seeing it in my mailbox.
I would love to know more about the tent topper (camper) option? It looks like so much fun!
I have a 67 L456 Ruby Red Beetle that was just 172 units ahead of the beauty in the article. VIN 117651003. Came off the line a couple days prior? Does anyone know the daily production number for 1967?
Hello, Jim…I checked with a friend who has done lots of research into production records. We do not think that it is possible to establish a daily production rate for a specific date–lack of records–as far as we know. We can know what appear to be monthly production figures but it is difficult to know how many shifts and days were involved in a month’s production figures. Mostly we post that a car was manufactured during such-n-such a month. I keep trying to find Herr Schmidt, the phantom assembly line supervisor, to ask him these knotty questions but never can seem to find him! lol Now–I hope that someone will take up this research and can discover records which will be helpful to us all. That would be a great find! Congratulations on your Ruby Red Beetle! jay
Thanks Jay, appreciate it. Since April 21st was a Friday in 1967 it’s probably safe for me to assume my car “Ruby” (real creative huh!) came off the line during the same week. Great site, great info, great people.
Great write up. My 67 came original with cloth inserts on the seats. After searching for years I think I finally found a source for the cloth. I’ll let you know…
Patrick–Please DO let us Readers know when you find the source for Cloth Inserts! People ask about this. Additional information always is great to have! jay