Aircooled VW South Africa

Any advice on this: I'm about to buy a '61 beetle from some one in Cape town. Body and machine excellent condition. Converted to 12volt. Asking price is 27K. Is this a good price ???

If it's running and will get a RWC without hassle, you could be looking at a serious bargain there.

We'll need pictures in order to make more valuable comment.

The most important thing to check for however, is rust. It's the cancer on air-cooled VW's.
And remember that the body can look great while the pan has holes for Flintstone-drive.
So look underneath as well.

If the body and engine are in as good a state as you've mentioned, then I think it's a pretty decent asking price. Double check it's not a "nice from far, but far from nice" body ie. give it a PROPER once over and check all the crucial body panels for rot and rust. Drive it too and preferably without the owner on-board. I did that with mine when I bought it and stopped around a corner to triple-check the body work and motor. It also gives you the opportunity to give it beans, jump on the brakes and check out the steering without worrying what the owner thinks of your driving!

GavinHuart wrote:If the body and engine are in as good a state as you've mentioned, then I think it's a pretty decent asking price. Double check it's not a "nice from far, but far from nice" body ie. give it a PROPER once over and check all the crucial body panels for rot and rust. Drive it too and preferably without the owner on-board. I did that with mine when I bought it and stopped around a corner to triple-check the body work and motor. It also gives you the opportunity to give it beans, jump on the brakes and check out the steering without worrying what the owner thinks of your driving!

Now we know who not to let drive our cars

JBug wrote:Now we know who not to let drive our cars

Well at least you get the gist of what I'm saying It's no good creeping along, hands at ten-to-two carefully applying brakes when required. You basically perform your "own" roadworthy test

Yeah Gav, it must handle!

Sorry, but how sure are you its a '61. I think with todays chancers its important to make sure of this.

Just because its got small rear lights or towel rail bumpers does not make it an official '61. people sell 70's bugs with 60's parts and call it a 60's model.

Just my 5c.

hi van zyl, i honestly think my 58s in a better condition, and ur welcum to view whenever. I sent u a pm.

So, I bought the 1961 Beetle!! And it is a ’61. I owner got it from his grandfather who was the first owner – all the papers to proof it!! Engine number and all other identification numbers match. The Beetle is in a perfect condition – even the floor pans! I’ll post photos later. The only bad news is my wife has claimed it as hers seeing that I’ve got the 72 Bay!

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x2 ..... Pictures

me 3 for pics...assemblief.

Congrats, hope you enjoy it, and that it is a dinkum '61