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Custom 1973 Volkswagen Beetle 4-speed Manual

We have a Custom 1973 Volkswagen Beetle 4-speed Manual that has many features making it popular for the cruise night set.  The biggest modification is the engine, originally a 1585 cc single port flat-four unit bored out to 2180 cc with dual port and estimated by the licensed technician owner to produce 133 horsepower. Other work includes adjustable air suspension, a colour change to matte black, new door cards and rear side trim in contrasting red and an exhaust system contributing to the power output.  Further details include a four-speed manual transaxle, 15″ Original-style steel wheels painted black with red ring trim and exposed hubs, stylized taillights and ALPINE iDA-X303 Bluetooth head unit.  Ontario buyers, please note:  the licensed technician owner is of the mind that the only item required for Ontario safety are the windshield washers, adding the car has not been out in the rain during his four-year custodianship.  Extra value is on hand in the form of the extra parts included, itemized at the end of this listing.

The matte black paint was applied prior to current ownership and shows a deliberate distressed patina look.  Exterior features include chrome bumpers each with a black vinyl protective strip, exposed exhaust components and muffler and the original Volkswagen emblem on the engine cover.  The car can show markedly different profiles, depending on the degree to which the air suspension is engaged.

Michelin XZX tires are mounted on the black steel wheels trimmed in red.  They measure 165 SR 15 and tread is shown in our gallery.  Original yellow paint can be seen under the front trunk lid and under the engine cover.  There is an adjustable air suspension installed, with the controller accessible from the driver’s seat.

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Front bucket seats are covered in black vinyl.  A small tear in the driver’s seat upholstery is covered by a piece of black tape.  The dash, carpets and steering wheel are also finished in black while the door cards and side rear panels are in contrasting red vinyl.  The headliner is white.  There is a modern ALPINE head unit with Bluetooth functionality connected to two speakers fore of the doors.

The original style four-spoke steering wheel sits fore of a 100 MPH speedometer.  The odometer shows 54,000 miles, though True Mileage is Unknown (TMU).  Supplemental gauges have been added for air suspension pressure readings and a centrally-mounted BOSCH tachometer has also been added.  A fire extinguisher is mounted below the dash while blanks appear where original radio knobs once were installed.  Volkswagen shoulder belt pads are in place for front occupants’ comfort.  Wire seen in the rear floor is an AC cord for a trickle charger connected the battery, itself housed below the rear bench equipped with two shoulder belts and pop-out rear side windows.  The tank for the air suspension is housed behind the rear bench.

The bored out 2180 cc flat four dual port engine is fueled by twin Dortello carburetors and housed in a clean engine compartment exhibiting noticeably good condition components.  The four-speed sends power to the rear wheels.  Air filters are high flow units, each with pre-filters to keep the flat four inhaling clean air.  The exhaust is a high flow performance set-up.  Shifting through the four forward gears is done via a short-throw EMPI shifter.  Suspension is accented by a four-inch narrowed beam with front drop spindles.  The air suspension is adjustable on the fly, though the owner carefully only adjusts it with the car at rest.  Air springs in the front are by Firestone, in the rear the set up is by Air Lift, custom brackets are in place.

Most recent repairs and maintenance consist of new stainless steel brake lines as well as flex hoses throughout the car.  Fuel lines and hoses have been replaced under current ownership.  Master cylinder, wheel cylinders and brakes have also been updated by the current owner, who adds that engine oil has been changed twice per driving season while he has been custodian, further adding that fresh 80W90 gear oil is in the transmission.

This custom 1973 Volkswagen Beetle 4-speed Manual with 2180 cc flat four engine is available with three sets of keys, a roof rack and spare parts* from the owner in Toronto, Ontario.

* – Spare Parts Listing:

• Extra Window Regulators

• Extra Starter Motors

• Extra Volkswagen windows for the car (all but the windshield)

• Original Style Muffler.

• Different Style Joystick Style Air Ride Controller

More videos and Photo Gallery appear below the bidding section. 

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