Juggling through Time: A Story of a 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible
Picture this: a 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible that’s had more owners than a trendy new restaurant. The saga starts with its first custodian who cherished it from the get-go, clocking up nearly 60k miles until 1991. Then, like something out of a fairytale for car enthusiasts, it fell into the hands of a mechanic-slash-restorer. Naturally, a lavish Diamond Silver Metallic repaint and mechanical makeover followed, before passing it onto another eager owner in ’92.
A New Beginning in 1996
Fast forward to 1996 — a transitional year, when this vintage beauty was purchased yet again. The current owner didn’t just stop at installation of a fresh four-speed manual transaxle and clutch. Oh no, this Beetle underwent a top rejuvenation of its 1.6-liter flat-four engine, plus suspension and brake component replacements were ticked off the list. To sweeten the deal, it flaunts a black soft top, Bosch fuel injection, drum brakes, shiny 15″ steel wheels, and chrome-finished bumpers. Don’t forget the caregiver-installed Pioneer CD stereo keeping the vibes strong inside the 1303 convertible.
Shiny as a Diamond
Back in ’92, the Bug was spruced up in a radiant shade of Diamond Silver Metallic. Among the gems decorating this car are a black convertible top, driver-side mirror, quarter vent windows, and chrome rear gravel guards. Mind you, it does wear a small chip on its elegant paint, courtesy of life’s little adventures.
Want a similar transformation? Checkout Renault models with their sleek finishes.
Rolling with Style
Let’s talk wheels. The 15” Lemmerz sport steel wheels sporting Nexen SB-802 tires keep this car rolling in style. The MacPherson strut front suspension was specced just for the Super Beetle, differentiating it from the standard Bug’s torsion bar setup. As for stopping power? Drum brakes all around, overhauled in 2013, with front struts and rear shocks spruced up as recently as April 2019. Quite the sturdy makeover, wouldn’t you say?
Interior Elegance
Inside, it’s all about that vintage vibe with a touch of faux luxury. Black leatherette covers the front bucket seats and rear bench. Faux woodgrain trim adds a classic touch to the dashboard. Enjoy the warmth from the cabin heater or groove to your favorite tracks with the Pioneer CD stereo. Comprehensive enough? Well, traditionalists will surely appreciate the three-point front seat belts.
For a plush alternative, consider the Renault Fluence‘s modern-day enhancements.
Keeping Track with Style
The dashboard hosts a retro four-spoke steering wheel flaunting a Wolfsburg crest. It neatly frames a 100-mph VDO speedometer with an inset fuel-level gauge plus an analog clock. This five-digit odometer, currently stating 94k miles, delights in adding approximately 24k under the current owner’s care. It’s like a time capsule, recording memories with each spin of the wheel.
A Peek under the Hood
Shall we lift the hood? Nestled inside is the legendary air-cooled 1.6L flat-four engine, equipped with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection and rated at 48 horsepower alongside 73 lb-ft of torque. Records document a top-end rebuild in 2008, with further attention lavished in 2012. February 2021 witnessed the replacement of the cold start valve, spark plugs, ignition points, fuel hoses, and a shiny new battery.
Power to the Road
Finally, power flows to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transaxle, replaced by our current steward. As for the clutch, consider it the car’s Achilles heel, given replacements in 2005 and 2008 under their watchful eye. But when you’re in love, you do whatever it takes, right?
With a timeless look and seasoned history, this Super Beetle captures memories and moments at every mile.