- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 4 seats
- Engine
1500, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
NA
- Fuel
NA
- Manufacturer
RWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
NA
- Ancap Safety
NA
1968 Volkswagen 1500 Review
10 minutes in and it had already tried to kill me. The 1968 Volkswagen Beetle marked it's first attempt on my life by sending me sideways through a very wet and populated roundabout in Mosman. Perhaps the 45 year old machine was not pleased to be pulled from retirement, having lived a trying life of daily errands and weekend hill climb competition. I preferred to think that it was testing me, trying to assure my reflexes were up to the challenge of owning such a clandestine vehicle. This was a romantic take on the fact that I had just purchased 900 kilograms of metal, coconut fibre and rust that I intended to drive daily for the next 4 years of my life.
- Timeless Style, Raw Driving Experience, Simple Platform Is Perfect For Novice Enthusiasts
- Poor Fuel Economy, Lack Of Safety Features, RWD Rear Engine Configuration Is Unpredictable In Wet Conditions
12 months prior to this, my Father purchased a 1970 Beetle. A driveway which had once occupied the likes of a 12 cylinder Jag, a Targa top 911, a handful of BMW's, and a Mercedes Benz Coupe barnfind; was now home to a 75% metallic blue, 25% mustard yellow Beetle.
I thought my old-man had lost his mind, which changed the day he handed me the keys and a shopping list. A red P plate wedged in the front bumper and a concerned frown at the lack of airbags were my only companions for my first journey. I returned 20 minutes later with bread, milk, and a plan to sell all my worldly possessions to have my very own slice of Volkswagen heaven.
4 years later, I sit in a well worn drivers seat, hands on the thin steering wheel trying to put into words why these cars are so good. I probably should start with the history. I don't mean the history of Hitler and Ferry Porsche creating a people's car, or Herbie honking around the Swiss Alps; I am talking about the personal history. Every single person has a Volkswagen story and will stop at nothing to tell it to you. I will gladly stand at the servo for 45 minutes talking to someone about cars; however if you don't want to hear about the cashiers Uncle Bob who rolled his Kombi into a ditch on the way to a Cold Chisel concert, perhaps classic Volkswagen ownership isn't for you.
As with most things over 47 years of age, it rattles, groans and sometimes bits fall off all together. I have replaced many things on my Beetle, and have done so on a very stringent student budget, which meant rolling up my sleeves, buying a set of tools, and reading a lot of guides on the internet. Cheap parts and lots of community support means that most work can be done at home, with a bit of time and a lot of patience. I have a permanent layer of dirt under my fingernails, and a couple of scars on my hands; but have gained a wealth of knowledge and a unique sense of independence – both of which are priceless.
With a base weight of around 900 kilos, a low mounted flat four, and a lack of electronic or hydraulic assistance makes the Beetle a no nonsense classic. Add a couple of bolt-on bits like some larger carbs, merged headers and wider tires and a 47 year old utilitarian vehicle starts to become something else. A modified Volkswagen Type 1 shines truth into the saying that “driving a slow car fast is more fun than driving a fast car slow”.
While the Porsche family rear engine, RWD platform has dry-surface grip; a wet road is this configuration's natural enemy. A driver with a light foot and careful steering is rewarded with a safe trip home.
For a car under 1000 kilograms, the Beetle can be quite thirsty. I am currently running a dual carb 1895cc stroker, which provides a perfect amount of power for the small monocoque frame, but will never equal the efficiency of more modern vehicles with higher horsepower.
In a practical sense the Volkswagen has a small boot, but can comfortably seat 4 people (taller friends will struggle for legroom in the back). The backseat can be lowered allowing for a lot of luggage space.
Owning a 47 year old car as a daily-driver is not a choice many will take, but at one point in your life you have to drive a classic Volkswagen. Owning this car shown me what is possible with a set of tools, 2 hands and a bit of motivation. It has become part of my identity and has changed my life.