Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 116
1974 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible Chassis no. 1542780636 Engine no. GA209432 (See Text)
Sold for US$19,040 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 116
A tastefully built hot-rod with Porsche 914 2-liter power
1974 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible
1974 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible
The Audrain Concours Auction|4 October 2024, 17:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1974 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible
Chassis no. 1542780636
Engine no. GA209432 (See Text)
Chassis no. 1542780636
Engine no. GA209432 (See Text)
1,971cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine (see text)
Dual Weber 44 IDF Downdraft Carburetors (see text)
160 bhp (see text)
5-Speed Manual Type 901 Transaxle (see text)
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes (see text)
*A fantastic hot-rod Beetle built from the Porsche parts bin
*Estimated double the horsepower over standard
*Comprehensive and highly-detailed build
*FAT Performance 2-liter 'GA' engine on Weber carbs
*Porsche bucket seats
*Excellent Viper Red paint with hidden door hinges and shaved decklids
*Polished Fuchs alloys over 4-wheel disc brakes
*Impressively well-built and a ridiculous amount of fun!
THE VOLKSWAGEN SUPER BEETLE
It's difficult to imagine an automobile that had as great an impact on the world's motoring public than the Volkswagen Beetle. The simple little rear-engined car was intended as a basic family conveyance, cheap to buy and cheap to maintain. Its creators could hardly foresee that the Beetle would eventually become one of the world's best-selling cars, assembled in dozens of countries, adored by young and old alike, and a symbol of minimalist, unchanging design. Beyond its brilliance as basic transportation, the Beetle became a cultural icon, with a mass following of passionate and knowledgeable enthusiasts. The original Beetle gave way to the longer and wider Super Beetle in 1971, bringing in a number of refinements, most notably a new front-suspension design using McPherson struts and coil springs in place of the original torsion bars. The 1979 model year would be the last for the Super Beetle in the United States (though it would soldier on for years in other markets) as the new water cooled, front-drive Golf/Rabbit took over the helm.
THE CAR OFFERED
While a standard Super Beetle is without a doubt delightfully enjoyable classic, particularly in open-air cabriolet form, the platform provides ample potential to have the wick turned way up. This brilliant, bright red 1974 Super Beetle got the full 'hot rod' treatment courtesy of a prolific raid of the Porsche parts bin. Starting with the exterior, the body has been stripped and tidied up with hidden door hinges, and shaved exterior trim, hood handle, license place holder, and badges. Standard door handles were replaced with Porsche-script parts, the bumpers are color-matched, and the car sits on fantastic polished-alloy Fuchs wheels. Porsche 911-style flag mirrors and uprated European-spec Cibie lamps are other welcome touches.
Inside, Porsche enthusiasts will recognize the black bucket seats, upholstered with perforated inserts and complemented by matching door cards and carpets, all finished to a high standard. A Momo 3-spoke wheel, and additional VDO gauges monitoring revs, oil pressure, oil temperature, and cylinder head temperature have been fitted.
Of course, under the skin is where the real transformation took place. This car's original 1600cc engine was binned in favor of a punchy 2-liter 'Type 4' unit. The 'GA' engine number prefix corresponds with a 1973/74 Porsche 914, which was rated at 100bhp in standard form, but makes considerably more here. According to the seller, the engine was reportedly built by Fat Performance for use in a 912, and when that car was restored to standard, this gem of an engine was installed in this Beetle. The previous owners report that it was previously dyno tested to 160bhp! Fed by a pair of Weber carbs, it breathes out through a Vintage Speed exhaust. Power goes to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual Porsche Type 901 Transaxle.
With its combination of iconic VW looks and Porsche-bred performance, this fantastic little hot-rod puts the 'Super' in Super Beetle!
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