Vehicle Description
1973 Volkswagen Super Beetle California Car Documented Service History Running Three Years Ago Extra Parts Included
Few automobiles have earned the worldwide following of Volkswagen s iconic Beetle, and this 1973 Volkswagen Super Beetle presents an outstanding opportunity to own an honest California survivor with documented history, extensive service records, and a large collection of spare parts. Offered on consignment by Platt Motors, this Super Beetle comes from long-term Northern California ownership and represents the kind of straightforward project enthusiasts love to bring back to life.
According to the owner, the Beetle was running and driving approximately three years ago before life took an unexpected turn. Following her husband s passing and a series of family health issues, the car was parked and has remained under a covered lean-to ever since. While it does not currently run, the seller believes it will simply require the normal recommissioning expected after several years in storage, including fresh fuel and routine servicing.
Unlike many project cars with unknown histories, this Beetle is accompanied by an impressive folder of maintenance records dating back more than a decade. Most recently, Wolfgang International, one of Northern California s best-known Volkswagen specialists, serviced the car in May 2023. Work performed included a Penn Grade oil service, new German fuel hose, fuel filter replacement, installation of a 12-volt hard-start relay, fuel system service, replacement vacuum caps, and a new oil sump plate with hardware. The invoice totaled more than $500 and was paid in full.
Additional documentation shows the ignition switch and door lock cylinder with matching key were replaced by Wolfgang International in 2014. A receipt from Cottonwood Upholstery documents professional headliner installation in 2011. Earlier records also show the car received professional body and paint work in 2010, including repairs to the front apron, hood, roof, front and rear fenders, rust repair, and repainting in its current orange finish.
Inside, the Beetle presents very well for its age. The upholstery remains attractive, the door panels retain good color, and the professionally installed headliner continues to present nicely. An aftermarket steering wheel adds a sporty touch while the interior remains largely complete and ready for the next owner to enjoy or restore to their personal taste.
The body appears to be a solid California example that has clearly benefited from its dry-climate life. The paint remains presentable, although some bubbling has begun to appear in several lower areas and should be addressed before it progresses further. The car has spent the past several years stored beneath a covered carport rather than fully exposed to the weather. One area near a body seal could benefit from adjustment, and the Wolfgang service records note that the right-front hood hinge weld will eventually require repair.
Adding significant value to the sale are several storage tubs filled with Volkswagen parts accumulated over years of ownership. Included are numerous original and replacement components such as a spare cylinder head, engine tin, carburetor and induction pieces, ignition and electrical components, distributor caps, tail lamp assemblies, trim pieces, hardware, gaskets, and many additional Volkswagen parts. While every item has not been individually inventoried, everything shown in the accompanying photos will be included with the vehicle, providing an excellent supply of spares for restoration or future maintenance.
Accompanied by a clean California title, extensive maintenance documentation, and a substantial collection of spare parts, this Super Beetle offers far more than the average project car. It presents an honest opportunity to recommission a documented California Volkswagen with known history rather than starting from scratch.
Highlights
* 1973 Volkswagen Super Beetle
* California car
* Clean California title
* Long-term Northern California ownership
* Reportedly running approximately three years ago
* Stored under covered carport since being parked
* Documented Wolfgang International service in May 2023
* Penn Grade oil service
* New German fuel hose
* New fuel filter
* 12-volt hard-start relay installed
* Fuel system serviced
* New oil sump plate and hardware
* Ignition switch replaced (2014)
* Door lock cylinder with matching key replaced (2014)
* Professionally installed headliner (2011)
* Documented professional body and paint work with rust repairs (2010)
* Aftermarket steering wheel
* Presentable interior with good upholstery and door panels
* Extensive maintenance records included
* Several tubs of original and replacement Volkswagen parts included
* Spare cylinder head included
* Engine, carburetor, ignition, electrical, lighting, trim, and miscellaneous spare parts included
* Honest California survivor
* Minor paint bubbling in several lower areas
* Hood hinge weld noted for future repair
* Excellent candidate for recommissioning or restoration
* Offered on consignment by Platt Motors
This Super Beetle is being sold as an honest, well-documented project and is priced accordingly. With fresh fuel, routine recommissioning, and attention to a handful of age-related items, it has the potential to become an enjoyable weekend cruiser or a rewarding restoration project. The included service records and extensive collection of spare Volkswagen parts make this an especially appealing opportunity for enthusiasts.
Additional photos, walk-around videos, copies of the maintenance records, and nationwide shipping assistance are available through Platt Motors. We are happy to answer questions, discuss the vehicle in detail, and assist with inspections prior to purchase.