1973 Volkswagen Beetle Hotrod

Motorcar Studio is pleased to offer this 1973 Volkswagen Beetle. Finished in Texas Yellow and under the same enthusiast ownership since 1991, this is a bona fide hot rod with a 2270 cc Type IV engine (with all of the appropriate chassis, drivetrain and brake system modifications to handle the extra power). Paint and body present to a nice driver standard -- floors are in excellent original condition and have never been undercoated. Although it retains a mostly stock appearance, there have been a few subtle body modifications -- turn signals have been shaved and relocated to the front bumper, rear light clusters have been upgraded with German TUV-approved LED units, running boards are aluminum, rear windows backdated to pop-out style for better ventilation. And of course the Porsche "cookie cutter" 15-inch wheels are the perfect touch (they look great while allowing for meatier tires for more sure-footed handling).

This Beetle's interior has also seen some performance updates, including leather bucket seats from a Toyota Celica, an Audi steering wheel and full instrumentation including tachometer, air fuel mixture, oil temperature, oil pressure and cylinder head temp. Alpine AM/FM/CD stereo with bluetooth, USB and aux input, plus subwoofer and Sony and Pioneer speakers make for an excellent sound system.

Where this Beetle really shines is out back, thanks to a Jake Raby-built Type IV 2270 engine fed by Weber 44 IDF carbs and making 145 horsepower (detailed build specs available upon request). Electronic ignition, oil cooler, Rancho Performance transmission with welded third and fourth gears, lowered front beam, front and rear sway bars, KYB shocks, four-wheel disk brakes, and a Kafer cup brace to reinforce frame horns are among the many chassis modifications to support the extra power.

While many hot rods are high-strung and candidly a little difficult to drive around town, this Beetle was built for driveability -- it's easy to put around at low RPM, and the clutch and gearbox are smooth without the heavy feel you sometimes get in a less well-thought-out build. Suspension is likewise sporty without being overly harsh. The 2270 cc Type IV engine has plenty of power on demand, which it delivers smoothly across the rev range. The chassis feels composed over bumps, yet handles beautifully. This is easily the most fun Beetle I've ever driven, and feels nearly as quick as my 1975 Porsche 911.

Recent service includes new battery, new fan belt, tune up, new plugs, rotor, distributor cap, brake fluid flush, transmission oil change, engine oil change, air filter re-charge, balanced carbs, valve adjustment, etc. More than 30 years of records and build documentation are included with the sale. For more information about this 1973 Volkswagen Beetle for sale at Motorcar Studio in Atlanta, please call 404-692-5250.