1967 Volkswagen Beetle Std review from North America

Immediately after purchasing the engine over heated on the way home. After having this little issue fixed the accelerator return spring broke as I pulled out of the repair shop. The car later died on an exit ramp for no apparent reason other than that I had yelled at it earlier. This problem resolved I then drove it regularly for about a year, but when the brake master cylinder seized I parked it in the barn and forgot about it.

Around 1 1/2 years ago I started cleaning out the barn and re-discovered my forgotten bug. I rolled it out, put some gas in the tank, connected a new battery, and turned it over. At first nothing happened, but as soon as fuel got into the carburetor it sputtered, coughed, blew two black wads out the tail pipes, and started up. I have never since seen a car sit for ten years and start on the first try. For some reason now the bug has a bit more punch in the bottom end then it did when I used to drive it and since I fixed the brakes no other problems have surfaced.

Now about the Bug:

The car was undercoated when new and stored for nearly 18 years before I bought it so it has zero rust. The engine was custom built in 1985 so I have no idea what's in there, but it looks pretty stock even though it doesn't run like it. Steering is tight and straight and the transmission can stand up even to my abusive driving habits. (went through a Subaru clutch in 6 months...4wd burnouts are fun :P) The seats are amazingly comfortable which helps dampen the awful ride. (real nasty dirt roads here) It doesn't handle very well especially at speed. I've had the rear get loose on me numerous times, but it does recover well and I'm yet to spin it out. The fuel economy is great and will run for what seems like ages on one tank of gas. It gets plenty of looks around here in American car territory. If any one is looking to buy a classic car I recommend a beetle, there simple, inexpensive, easy to maintain, and though temperamental, are blast to drive.