Vehicle History & Overview

This 1978 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible is presented in Mars Red over a black interior and was delivered new via Tourist Delivery at Otto Glockler Porsche/VW in Frankfurt, Germany. Photos of the original order sheet and the aforementioned 3,200-mile European road-trip are provided in the gallery. After arrival in the US, the car reportedly remained within the original owner's family until the seller's acquisition in August 2021. The seller has since added approximately 100 miles. According to the seller, service records dating back to 1984 are included. Other than a replacement convertible top, the vehicle is claimed to be highly original, including the engine and transmission.

Although the Volkswagen Beetle traces its origins to the WWII-era, the vehicle itself was still considered competitive to contemporary vehicles throughout its production. This is due in large part to its original design ideology and year-over-year improvements. Known as the Super Beetle in 1978, the platform had received various updates that included a 2-speed fan to help with interior ventilation, Bosch fuel injection, 5-mph impact bumpers, and revisions to the steering system to increase safety/stability. Even with all of the improvements, the Super Beetle is still a back-to-basics vehicle that provides reliable and fun transportation. 

Equipment

Standard Equipment

• Bosch fuel injection

• 5-mph impact bumpers

• 2-speed interior fan

• Front trunk-mounted spare wheel/tire

Modifications

This Super Beetle is said to be highly original, with the exception of the following. Photos of these alterations are provided in the gallery below:

• Kenwood audio unit and JVC speakers

• Porsche Speedster-style wheels

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Servicing & Documentation

• This Beetle is offered with service records dating back to 1984, some of which are shown in the Servicing And Documentation gallery below. Images of all provided records are shown in the main gallery.

• A photo of the original Tourist Delivery order sheet and images of the car during the initial European road-trip are shown in the gallery below.

• As mentioned above, the odometer stopped working in 1982 at 7,084 miles, however the original owners kept a mileage log from new through 2021 and estimate the current mileage at 23,950. Images of these logs are shown in both the Servicing/Documentation gallery and the main photo gallery.

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Imperfections

• According to the seller, this Beetle shows some paint chips on the vehicle’s leading edges and some oxidation on the underside. Photos of these areas are posted to the gallery below.

• As mentioned above, the odometer is currently inoperable.

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Included Items

• Service records since 1984

• Photos of original owner's mileage log from new through 2021

• Original Tourist Delivery European license plate

• Two keys 

• Factory spare tire 

• Factory owner’s manual 

• Haynes service manual

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