Sent over by a fellow reader of 1967beetle.com, this L456 Ruby Red ’67 Beetle appears to be a solid car. Sure, there are a few aftermarket items here and there, however, it would not take much to make this car perfect and 100% correct. Ruby Red is one of my all time favorite ’67 Beetle colors.
Status: SOLD
Mileage: 116,000 miles
Location: Fort Myers, Florida
Price: $10,800 OBO
Contact: Francis Motor Sports, Inc | (239) 313-5408
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Nice driver-quality ’67 Bug. No apparent rust problems but the seller does not give any real history of repairs, etc. A little research on the part of the person or shop that worked on this car would have helped to get panels, knobs, window winders, steering wheel, etc. correct for year ’67. And, etc., etc. One wonders about the rear incorrect bumper, a radio delete–yet sporting a radio antenna. And, etc. Prospective buyers should ask plenty of questions. Perhaps a more realistic price would be in the $6-7K dollar range? jay
Jay,
Agreed. I’m thinking $7k max. The front fenders are aftermarket which could indicate an accident. Wrong genny, fuel pump, etc. Nothing too much work could not fix. I’d want to know more history on the car. However, it does look like a solid driver. Maybe Jody will chime in with some thoughts.
E
Nice!
Beautiful auto which olnly the nit pickers will degrade. SO WHAT if it is not 100% as original?
Hank,
Of course. It’s a nice car. We often try to dive a bit deeper on the ’67, as it’s such a unique car. People often call their work “restoration” when it’s more “replace” parts. Agreed that it’s still a very nice example of a ’67.
Hi Eric, You suggested that restoring a car involves more than replacing parts. For me, this invites what would surely be an extended conversation, including debate, as to what really constitutes a “restoration.” My understanding is that it’s a timely, extensive, process of bringing a car back to the precise state and condition it was in as it rolled off the assembly line. Of course, that’s simply not possible and some would contend that new technology and safety awareness should play a role in any restoration (e.g., brighter headlights, replacing the braided fabric insulation of an old VW’s gas lines). Also, there are occasions when a certain part is unable to be salvaged and calls for a replacement that is as correct to the original as possible. It would seem that someone with the qualifications to do so could write a book on restoration, one that examines various viewpoints and comes to some reasonable guidance. Just a thought and maybe it’s been done.
Thanks, John
Good evening, John…Your points are well taken. Before I say more, let me direct you to our article on the subject: https://1967beetle.com/restored-original-survivor/ That said…you are correct. No one is able absolutely to duplicate the factory condition of any vehicle. With enough time expertise and money, however, it is possible to come quite close–even to the assembly line markings, etc. The advent of the computer and digital technology makes many things possible that were heretofore impossible. The new wave is to find a vehicle that is a true survivor and is as original as possible. These cars can surpass the value of a wonderfully restored vehicle. In the article (above) I give testimony that this has extended even to the World of Volkswagens! You make a comment about restoring but adding safety features (I believe that this is what you mean). That would not be a true restoration. That would be a modified vehicle and many points would be deducted for those changes. There are many helps on the market for restoring automobiles. Some certainly are better than others. For the person who strives for a restoration quality vehicle, it is the chase that is the challenge! I’ve been party to searches that included an original set of 8 wave washers for a certain application–rather than to buy new ones–when new ones are, in fact available and are superior to the original fatigued ones. There is the integrity factor–honesty in advertising. When an owner says that his car is restored and it is proven that the car is not, in fact, restored, it is a humbling situation. Here, we are talking about the lower end of the vintage vehicle hobby but, I guarantee that when we begin to look at some of the 10o+year-old cars that are restored to a gnat’s eye bristle, there is a fortune to keep or lose–when it comes to the judging! Most of us have not those 3 qualifications for a true restoration: Time, Space, Money. As a result, a lot of us do the best that we can and enjoy the tires right off these wonderful Volkswagens! I forgot to ask–do you own a ’67 Beetle? If so, why not work up an article for 1967beetle.com. Eric will send you a simple format to follow and you can add to that as you will. Good to hear from you, John! jay
I’m with both Jay and Eric on this one. It’s a nice car, but could be even better with some of the small details fixed. Us ’67 purist know and pay attention to these things.
I just looked at the pics, someone probably spent over 10K having her restored. Did anyone notice the front disc brakes? But more importantly the missing frame head bolts (yikes) on one side.
Jody,
Good eye! I didn’t notice.