Graphite Gray Respray/1585cc Fuel Injected 4 Cylinder/Reliable Daily Driver

1977 Volkswagen Beetle Coupe

Is there really any other car that's captured the world's heart the way the Beetle has? Especially coming from such hard and tyrannical times. What started off as a brainchild of a dictator, only 2 decades later became the juxtaposed icon of the peace movement. The Beetle really is a fantastic car for everyone, from the learners to the elderly, it's so easy to maintain and great to drive. There really is so much more to find out when it comes to the Beetle and keep an eye out for them, from the original to the latest bug-eyed beauty, you really never know where one will pop up.

A consigner described daily driver used for several months throughout the last few years, this car has remained reliable to them. A solid car with fuel injection, and a working heater and defrost. Plus, it recently passed inspection in PA. Utilitarian never looked so good!

Exterior
A close look at the normally unseen areas (under the rear “hood”, in the lower door jambs) and we can see that this car was originally blue but now has a respray of Graphite Gray. Curved panels are mostly clean and rust free. We do note that particularly around the fenders and connecting body areas there is the beginnings of rust bubbling up under the paint. Also, in bottom edges there is some chipping of the paint noted. Chrome bumpers and trim remain shiny with slight areas of dimpling particularly on the front fender mounted turn signal trimmings. Glass is good and clear, and the rear window trim is showing surface rust. A plastic black cowl has been put on the rear hood to add airflow, and the iconic elephant footprint rear taillights have now made their debut. Painted steel 4-pointed star wheels are seen on all 4 corners.

Interior
Door panels are covered with faux leather looking vinyl panels in off white, and these create a playing field for black textured cranks handles and pulls. Turning our attention to the passenger accommodations, there are front buckets and a rear bench. All present in gray crushed velour broadcloth inserts, and cream vinyl bolsters with some added gold piping surrounding the seats at the seams of the velour and vinyl. Dark black clean carpeting is seen flooding the floors, and above in front is the original dash with its centrally located circular cluster/speedo. Headliner is nice and tight and has a fuzzy texture to it.

Drivetrain
The 1585cc Fuel Injected 4-cylinder engine sits neatly in the rear engine bay, and shows some dust on it, but is otherwise well buttoned up. A 4-speed manual transmission is attached, and all is in working condition.

Undercarriage
Some surface rust is noted throughout the undercarriage particularly on the rocker areas. A single large floorpan covers most of the undercarriage and this is rust free. Independent coil springs all around as are drum brakes.

Drive-Ability
This car started right up and has the great engine exhaust sound that can only come from an air cooled 4-cylinder VW engine…this one with a single tailpipe. Handling and acceleration was as expected, and it passed the test track well…test!

A gray respray, larger chromed bumpers with rubber linings, elephant footprint taillights and a single exhaust and we are nearing the end of the Wolfsburg production era VW bug. This one a nice driver, newly passed inspection, and comfortable interior, a pedestrian design fav here in the US.