1966 VW BUG Restored

Location: Los Angeles, California

Why It's Curated: This 1966 VW Bug is for sale in Los Angeles, Ca. This 1966 Beetle captures the model at its developmental sweet spot, representing the final year before significant safety and emissions regulations began altering Ferdinand Porsche's original design philosophy. The 1966 model year featured the refined 1300cc engine and improved electrical system that had evolved through nearly two decades of continuous development, while retaining the pure mechanical simplicity that made these cars legendary for reliability and serviceability. What distinguishes this example is the thoughtful drivetrain upgrade to a later 1500cc single-port engine paired with a "freeway flyer" transmission—modifications that address the original's primary limitation of highway cruising ability while maintaining authentic VW engineering. The freeway flyer's taller gearing transforms the driving experience, enabling comfortable 70-75 mph cruising that was simply impossible with original equipment. This restoration demonstrates an understanding of how to enhance a classic Beetle's usability without compromising its essential character, creating a car that honors the original concept while delivering modern practicality for contemporary driving conditions.

Check out the pictures in the gallery & use the contact form to get in touch with us and the seller to ask questions and/or make an offer for this vehicle.

Model History: The 1966 Volkswagen Beetle represents the model at its developmental pinnacle, capturing Ferdinand Porsche's revolutionary design philosophy before safety and emissions regulations began altering the car's essential character. This model year featured the refined 1300cc air-cooled flat-four engine and improved 12-volt electrical system that had evolved through nearly two decades of continuous development, while retaining the mechanical simplicity that made these cars legendary worldwide. The 1966 Beetle embodied the perfect balance of Porsche's original vision—lightweight construction, rear-engine layout, and uncompromising reliability—with incremental improvements that enhanced durability without sacrificing the car's fundamental charm. Against contemporary economy cars like the Ford Falcon and Chevrolet Corvair, the Beetle offered superior build quality, exceptional fuel economy, and a unique driving experience that prioritized efficiency over performance, establishing it as the template for the modern economy car. What makes this example particularly compelling is the thoughtful "freeway flyer" transmission upgrade, which addresses the original Beetle's primary limitation of highway cruising ability while maintaining authentic VW engineering principles. Today, well-executed examples like this command premium prices among collectors who recognize the 1966 model year as the last of the truly pure Beetles, before the compromises of modern safety requirements began diluting the design's elegant simplicity.

Vehicle Details:
Year: 1966
Make: VW
Model: BUG
Drive: Rear Wheel Drive
Miles:TMU
Mileage Verification: True Miles Unknown
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Transmission: Manual (3 pedals)
Number of Forward Gears:
Engine: It has an updated 1500 cc single port motor
Exterior Color: Green
Interior Color: White
State of Registration: California
Vehicle Location: LA
VIN: Available Upon Request
Title: Clean

Details:

Engine & Transmission:
Freeway flyer transmission. You can cruise at 70-75 no problem.

Drivetrain, Suspension, Tires & Brakes:
Wheel Size and Offset: 165/80R15
Tire Brand, Model, and Size: NEXEN

Exterior & Interior:
Restored

Vinyl interior
Working Heat: Yes
Working Air Conditioning: No