1966 Volkswagen Beetle Deluxe review from North America
"A fun-to-drive time machine from 1966"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Totally restored from the pan up, nothing has gone wrong since restoration was completed.
General comments?
It is a 1966 6 volt Deluxe (a deluxe had the chrome trim and interior floor carpeting) with a metal crank sunroof and pop-out side windows. It was restored to the original paint code (Sea Sand) and all worn components were replaced. The engine is a single port 1600 instead of the 1300, the transmission and swing axle are stock, the drum brakes are stock. It has a Sapphire IV AM/FM radio - also 6 volt. The interior roof liner was replaced and the seats were redone. It runs and drives like a new 66 Beetle, but the extra power of the 1600 lets it go 85 on the highway! The mileage is averaging 20-25 depending on how I use it. Following a semi-truck is an adventure as the VW is a light car and the wind wake from the truck really moves the Bug around - it's definitely a both hands on wheel moment! The interior is noisy at speed, but so was my 68 mustang.
It's fun to drive and I love it. There is nothing easier to fix and tune and diagnose faults on than an old Bug.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1966 |
| Year of manufacture | 1966 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.3 Manual |
| Performance marks | 1 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 3 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 200000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 205000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Beetle |
| Date of Entry | 28th July, 2007 |