1966 Volkswagen Beetle - Classic

Sedan

1600 Single Port

4 SPD

116697685

Clear

Gasoline

The Seward Speed Shop is offering for auction this custom/original 1966 Beetle. The goal with this vehicle was to retain as much original beauty while adding a little modern flare with the lowered suspension and 17" Raiders. This 66 spent the majority of its life in Texas, hence the rust free body and original rust free pan! The car was purchased by a friend of mine in 1991 and resold to one of my customers in 1999. I purchased it from him earlier this year. The car was stored in a dry garage at both owners homes and never saw the Illinois roads. Lets cover the body first. Most of the car has the original Bahama Blue paint. Every panel on the car has some sort of character. It has been in a few fender benders but has all of the original German metal in place and is hand straightened. The hood has been re-painted and I know it has some filler in it. The drivers side rear quarter has been damaged and also has filler in it. There is a small blister at the bottom corner of that repair (where the fender meets the quarter). This rust blister is from the repair, not from road rot. The reason I can say this with certainty is that the front and rear aprons, fender wells and even battery tray are all original and have ZERO rust on them other than your standard surface patina. Overall the body is perfectly sound, but shows many signs of its age and originality. The interior of the car 90% original and shows. The original Mosaic Amazon ( one year only color) upholstery is not in perfect shape as you can see but match the car perfectly. The side carpeting is original but the floor mats were changed to carpet many years ago. The dash is un-cut and in great shape. The original Sapphire I radio is not in working condition but I have not messed with it at all. Everything else on the dash is in perfect working order. I did re-seal the original pop out windows, windshield and rear window as well. All were replaced with the original aluminum trim in seal. The seat belts in the car are an original pair of parachute belts which were made specifically for VWs in the mid 70s. The running gear on this project is where the money came in. Starting in the front there is a Seward Speed Shop 4" narrowed and notched German beam, with new KYB gas adjust shock and new original needle bearings installed. No urethane bushings! All 4 ball joints were replaced with German joints as well as all inner and outer tie rods replaced with German tie rods. A pair of 2.5 drop spindles were installed and set up for perfect alignment. There is a new steering stabilizer installed and the original steering stops were relocated on the beam so the steering function is as original feeling as possible. The steering box is an original unit with no slop in it whatsoever. The rear suspension is stock elongated spring plates ( no notches cut into the plates) with original cut down bump stops and new inner and outer urethane bushings ground properly for correct fitment. The axle tubes were switched over to 68 long tubes so I didn't have to run wheel spacers and the axles were changed to 67 mid length axles to fit the stock 66 drums properly. The spring plates are preloaded utilizing 12" limit straps and a pair of KYB gas adjust shocks are in place. The brake system is all new minus the original steel lines which are in perfect shape. The master cylinder was replaced with an original early German dual circuit master cylinder and a rabbit reservoir. All rubber lines have been replaced, new Varga wheel cylinders installed and new shoes all around. The car stops perfectly. The original transmission was rebuilt by Liberte's in 1992 and never used. It has new axle boots, fresh fluid and a new throw out bearing. Since the car didn't come with a running engine, I built a 1600 single port for it. The engine is built off of an H case with stock balanced internals and a new Engle 100 cam with matched lifters. The heads are 311s with new stainless valves and a new pair of original single springs. All tins and outer accessories were powder coated silver vein/gloss black and the original German exhaust (including functional heat) were ceramic high heat painted. The electrical has been changed over to 12 volt starting with the new 55 amp alternator, new battery, and new rebuilt Bosch starter. All lights have been replaced including a new pair of H4 halogen head lights. Turn signals up front are clear lenses, and the rear lights are euro style lenses. The only thing I forgot to do was the wiper motor conversion. The wipers work fine but run at 110 MPH. I will leave that for the new owner to change out the armature so you have something to tinker with when you get the car. The car sports a new set of 17x7 chrome Raiders with brand new Nankang 205-40/17 up front and 215-45/17 in the rear. The wheels are mounted with a new set of 12mm studs and chrome lug nuts. Also not mentioned earlier is the original ZF wood slat roof rack. The rack will be included in the sale. It is not in perfect condition but fits the car perfectly style wise. As always, please feel free to ask any questions. Even give Adam Kottke a call at 815-222-0644. You can also schedule a time to come and view the car and even take it for a quick spin if the roads are clear and salt free. This vehicle has a clear Illinois title (still in my customers name but signed not dated and ready to go). This car is ready to hit the streets and needs nothing other that a few jetting and tuning changes depending on the new owners location. I love the sitment of the car but if you feel it needs to be an inch taller in the rear or an inch lower in the front, I would be more than happy to make those adjustments for the winning bidder. Personally I would raise the rear 1/2-1" and add a little more preload. If you would like to know why I am selling the car and also why I sell my cars with no reserve? I am all about the barn find, the vision and the completed project. In other words, I love the build more than the drive. I have my own personal collection of VWs that I can enjoy, but mostly I like to see my work being enjoyed by others who share the same passion for VWs that I do. I don't pick these cars up for a song and a dance and flip them for a ton. I paid good money for this building block and hope to make all of my invested cash back minus my labor which is in the 250-300 hr range. Why no reserve? I don't want to scare off a possible buyer with what they think I may think my car is worth. I want everyone to get a fair shot at owning this car within there budget. The only thing I do ask from all bidders is... PLEASE don't bid if you don't have the funds to follow through with the sale. I do require a $500 deposit through paypal within 24 hours of the end of auction with the total sale price to be paid in full within 7 days. The buyer must stay in contact with me through out the transaction as I will relist the car or offer it to the next highest bidder if I am not able to reach the winner or do not get the deposit within the allotted time period.