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The owner is a retired mechanic who was looking for a mechanical project leading to a hobby car as a pastime to enjoy his retirement.  Over his ownership of the car, he likely spent more time caring for the car than enjoying it as he estimates that he has driven it under 2,000 miles since purchasing.  Details follow but this project was more mechanical than cosmetic.  Though some trim and detail have been improved since his purchase, the fine gold paint finish has been in place since before he bought it.  He does mention that the previous owner did commission a re-spray, at which time the ethereal, inlaid flame pattern was added.  By inlaid, we mean imperceptible to the touch as several coats of clear have been applied on top of the pattern.  One would not know it is in place by running one’s fingers over the pattern while looking away.

This 1968 VW Beetle is powered by a 1500cc air-cooled engine which was introduced for 1967 models.  It produced 53 horsepower at 4,200 RPM.  This stock engine starts easily and runs smoothly.  With the 1500 engine came front disc brakes, a notable advancement at the time.  Drum brakes remain in place out back.  The 4-speed manual transmits power to the rear wheels.  As seen in the gallery, the engine bay is clean in appearance.  Odometer shows 29,000 miles and given the history and age of this Beetle, it is being sold TMU – “True Mileage Unknown”.

This 1968 model year is considered a year of major improvements in the 65-odd year production run of the original (rear-drive) Beetles.  Larger and higher mounted bumpers were introduced; larger tail lamps were implemented (this example sports updated lenses with amber turn indicators); and all ’68 Beetles received the front light treatment you see on this ’68, though it was introduced on North American cars with the 1967 models.  Another change from prior year ensures less attention at the filling station:  pre-1968 car fuel doors were located inside the front trunk for the front-mounted fuel tanks.  Fuel gauge became mounted within the VDO-branded speedometer gauge and air pressure to operate the windshield washers is “borrowed” from the spare tire – this set up is in evidence as part of the photo gallery.

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This Beetle boasts a fresh interior, including custom re-upholstered seats in clean white vinyl with black piping as well as a new dashboard.  The headliner has also been replaced, in off-white, and is taut to the roof’s inner surface.  There is also a manually-operated sunroof.  The underside is clean, consistent with its Texas past and no winters since.  Since the owner’s acquisition, it has always been stored indoors in a heated garage.

Other details updated by the owner include a new dash panel which features an uncut radio cut-out.  The owner retains the original uninstalled non-functional radio (transistor).  The appraiser speculates that non-op might be attributable to the speaker.  The car received a new rear window in approximately 2009 including new seals for this glass as well as the windshield.  Door and rear side windows were also re-sealed at this time.  Various spare parts are included in the sale.

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