1971 Volkswagen S Super Beetle Convertible

Description

1971 Volkswagen S Super Beetle Convertible• Same local owner since 1983! (36 years)• 90,224 actual miles• 1.6L flat four-cylinder engine• Three-speed semi-automatic transmission• Adriatic Blue exterior with ivory folding top and interior• VDO gauges• Documentation includes original owner’s manual Ever seen a VW Bug that has a manual transmission but no clutch pedal? We have such a rare bug at MotoeXotica Classic Cars, known in the VW world as an autostick! This rarely seen model has resided with the same local owner since 1983! During the 1968 model year, the Volkswagen Beetle offered an optional transmission marketed as Automatic Stickshift, which was essentially a three-speed manual without a clutch pedal. Application of the driver's hand to gearshift knob caused the clutch to disengage via a 12-volt solenoid operating the vacuum clutch, thereby allowing shifting between gears. Once the driver's hand was removed, the clutch would re-engage automatically. The transmission was also equipped with a torque converter, allowing the car to idle in gear, like an automatic. The torque converter was operated by transmission fluid. This would allow the car to stop in any gear and start from a standing stop in any gear.The gear lever itself looks stock but there’re only four positions; three forward gears (L, 1 and 2) and reverse, arranged in the conventional H-pattern. Because the torque converter is able to apply power over a wide rev range, only the top two gears are used for normal driving. Low only being needed if starting on a slope or tackling tight parking maneuvers.Made in August 1970, the car’s paint, Adriatic Blue, and trim are in overall good order. The bug’s body is straight, the engine bay is very tidy and its chrome bumpers are in very good condition.The bug rolls on radials, size 165R15, at every corner. Each tire is mounted on a steel wheel topped with a factory wheel cover. The wheels and tires are all in good, original shape.In back is a 1.6L flat four-cylinder engine, a big upgrade from the previous model year. This one has twin-port cylinder heads for better performance, a larger, relocated oil cooler the tinwork was redesigned to allow more fresh air in. The rear deck lid was increased in size to accommodate the new larger engine and had two banks of five louvers to help keep the new power plant cool.The ivory interior is in overall satisfactory condition, including the contrasting black carpet. The ventilation system was improved with the original dash-top vents augmented by a second pair aimed directly at the driver and passenger. Airflow could be increased via an optional two-speed fan but the heater hoses on the back are showing wear. A two-spoke steering wheel faces the driver. The black instrument panel has VDO gauges. It and inner door panels are in good, original order. Completing the interior is a Sapphire XV AM radio.There were two Beetles for the first time in 1971, the familiar standard Beetle and a new, larger version, different from the windscreen forward. The standard Beetle was now badged as the VW 1300; when equipped with the 1600 engine, it was badged 1300 S, to avoided confusion with the Type 3, which wore VW 1600 badges.The new, larger Beetle was sold as the 1302/1302 S, offering nearly 43 percent more luggage capacity. A new MacPherson strut front suspension was incorporated, similar to what was used in the Type 4 and the front track was widened. The new suspension layout allowed the spare tire to be positioned flat under the trunk floor. Although the car had to be lengthened slightly to accomplish this, it allowed a reduction in turning radius. To gain additional trunk volume, the under-dash panel was lowered, allowing the fuel tank to be shifted rearward. From the windscreen back, the big Beetle was identical to its smaller progenitor, except for having the also new semi-trailing arm rear suspension as standard equipment. Overall, the bigger Beetle was two inches longer, 1.4 inches wider and rode on a 0.79-inch longer wheelbase. Both Beetles were available with or without the L Package. The convertible was now based on the 1302 body. In North America, the 1302 was marketed as the Super Beetle and came only with the L Package and 1600 cc engine. While it lacked the front disc brakes that normally accompanied the larger motor, it was fitted with brake drums that were slightly larger than the standard Beetle. Planned for release in August 1970, the all-new sales brochure stated, “And now the new VW 1302S. The 1600cc Super Beetle. The most powerful, most exciting and most comfortable Beetle ever.” For the first time in the history of the Beetle, the spare tire was stored horizontally (instead of on a vertical angle) in a recessed wheel well under the cargo area in the front trunk floor. The jack was moved to under the rear seat and the air pressure powered windshield washer bottle was relocated to the right inner fender. These changes resulted in nine cubic feet of storage in the trunk, an increase of 86 percent! When this new space was added to the storage area behind the rear seat, the Beetle finally had the carrying capacity that people wanted.Documentation includes original owner’s manual and miscellaneous documentation.Convertible competition to this VW in 1971 included Alfa Romeo’s Spider Veloce, Ford’s Mustang with the Thriftpower inline six-cylinder, MG’s MGB, Porsche’s 914 Targa, Triumph’s TR6 and VW’s own Karmann Ghia.VIN: 1512862055This car is currently located at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Current mileage on the odometer shows 90,224 actual miles. It is sold as is, where is, on a clean and clear, actual mileage Missouri title. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!Note: Please see full terms and conditions listed below that pertain to the purchase of any said vehicle, thank you.