Ruby Red 1966 VW Beetle Bug

Up for auction is my restored Ruby Red Bug. Great condition and reliable. It’s model year 1966, built in late 1965 (VW called it them “modeljahr” and “baujahr”). I’d call it a 1966, but the DMV’s database brings it up as a 1965. VIN is 116378963, so I’m sure some VIN research will lead you to agree with one of us (me)! I’ve babied the car since I purchased it (put more than $20,000 into it and I have the receipts) but now it’s time to pass it on. More photos, including photos of the restore or a specific angle, are available on request.

The odometer shows almost 56,000 miles, though I have no way of knowing how many times the odometer has flipped. On a car this old, probably a few times.

I bought it in 2007 from a Southwest Airlines airplane mechanic in Tulsa, OK. At the time it had no seats, no engine, no wheels, and no tires. The owner before him worked at a body shop, so (importantly) it had no rust and a super straight body with no identifiable accidents. As far as I can tell, it’s never been in a major accident, though I’ve only owned it for 10 of its 50 years. I’ve looked at it really hard, and there are no signs of body repair as far as I can tell.

It’s a beautiful automobile, though a bit dusty as you can see from the photos. I had it repainted in 2009. The paint job was well done and after seven years, it’s got only one noticeable scratch (seen in the photos), which it received while my kid was parking his scooter in the garage. The floor pan and undercoating are solid.

The engine was built by a VW engine specialist. It was a new block when I bought it, and has 2275cc, dual Weber 44 carbs, 82mm chromoly crankshaft, 13lb flywheel, 5.4” H Beam rods, and (the thing that most folks notice first) a Porsche 911 fan cooling kit, an external oil cooler kit, and Bosch distributor with electric points. The car had ~50,000 miles on it when I installed it, so the engine has ~6,000 miles since new.

The seats and seat frames are Scat’s “Pro-90 Lowback” model. More importantly, they’re super comfortable. I’ve ridden in them from Oklahoma to Arizona and from Arizona to California without any stiffness or soreness.

I had the seals (doors, windows, trunk, and engine compartment) replaced with German replacements. I Had disc brakes installed all around. Tires have a lot of tread on them; 185s in the front and 195s in the rear. New gas tank and sending unit. Converted to 12v. Lights (hi and low), turn signals, wipers, cigarette lighter, speedometer, odometer, all work as they’re supposed to work (wiper motor was rebuilt but I had all the hoses replaced. The front bumper and rear muffler are also “new” but they’ve started to develop a patina earlier than I expected they would.

It’s got the kick panels for your speakers and the dash is ready for your audio system. I never needed a radio. The car has one key for the doors and ignition, but the driver’s side door needs a good jiggle to turn the tumbler.

Inspection: I encourage bidders to inspect the car before bidding. In fact, I'd be more comfortable if you did. I’m sure you’ll feel more comfortable too.

Standard disclaimer: this car is 50 years old. Please understand that half the fun of owning an antique car is tinkering and tuning. It’s freshly tuned and has no problems that I know of, but things will come up over time. No warranty. I’m a mature seller with integrity. I know how to tell the difference between a cleared payment and a not-yet cleared payment. I will transfer the title to you when the payment has cleared.

Shipping: When I moved, I paid just under $700 to ship it from California to Virginia; I’ll gladly give the buyer the contact info for the shipper I used, but buyer is responsible for arranging and paying for it. I also have a VW tow bar that I’ll give to the buyer. Just hook it up to your hitch and drive away.

Payment: $1000 deposit is due via Paypal within 48hrs of the end of the auction. The balance is due within 7 days via cashier's check or cash.