CERTIFIED Champagne 1st Edition

This particular '77 Super Beetle Convertible is also a limited, special edition called the "Champagne (1st) Edition". This was the only special edition Beetle offered in '77. It was created to celebrate the construction of 1,000,000 VW Rabbits. The data online indicates there were only about 1100 produced in this trim package for 1977MY.

The CE trim package includes unique white paint, unique "Tiger Maple" vertically-grained faux wood dash insert, leather-wrapped steering wheel with special edition horn button, unique interior materials, gold pinstripes, chrome trim rings, and white-wall tires. These features can be seen in the '77 Champagne Edition sales literature.

This VW has had a body-off-frame restoration before I purchased it. I have photographs of the work done. This included new white paint and new floor-pans. So this car is solid throughout, with no rust under the battery or heat channels. The heat works so well it'll roast your ankle if you leave it too close to the vent! Pics of the underside of the car, as well as beneath the rear seat and battery, so you can see both sides, top and bottom, are available in this public photo album online, or I can send them to you directly in a message.

There are over 100 very large and detailed photos in a public, google-hosted album. Because ebay won't allow links, you must recreate the link. Here's how:1. In your web browser, type the words: "photos", "app", "goo", and "gl" with a period between them.
2. Then add: /EBBrVAN5WTuzetUw7 (Copy it all, including that slash at the front)(Message me directly if you need help with this. I want you to see ALL of the pictures available.)

I purchased this rare VW five years ago, and have reconditioned every system, bumper-to-bumper. It is now a bright and peppy weekend show car in EXCELLENT (category 2) CONDITION, that wins awards frequently and routinely starts conversations with nostalgic fans. This car is a joy to drive and show, that needs nothing more than a new friend to cruise with, because I cannot anymore. Yes, it is a "stick", so you will need to know how to operate a manual transmission.

Recent work (less than 5k miles) include:- new tan fabric top
- new windshield w/ OE trim + seal- new white-wall tires- new brakes- rebuilt steering rack and new rods- new bulbs (in original Hella lights)- new clutch- new ignition (coil, plugs, Bosch 009 distributor, wires, c/r/p's)- new Interstate battery
- new carb- new fuel pump
- rebuilt seat cushions- new carpet- new interior panels- new Bluetooth stereo w/ remote- new kick panel speaker pods w/ 6.5" mids + 1" tweeters + crossovers
- new 8" subwoofer w/ remote
- new bronze tint @ legal 32%- rebuilt gauge
- new fuses n' relays- new exhaust tips
Everything not new has been brought to excellent working condition, as expected in a car like this. While it is NOT a museum piece or Concours (category 1) car; it IS for SHOW AND GO, and it shows n' goes EXCELLENTLY in all regards. I drive this little guy to a car club or charity event every sunny weekend. It has been garaged as long as I've owned it, and never sees foul weather. There are no dings, but a few nicks in the front of the hood, which have been touched up. They are just barely visible in the picture with the trunk open. The hood may need a repaint in another few years or more, but the rest of the body is freshly clay-bar cleaned and waxed with no defects.

The windows operate as they should, and roll completely into the body if you want them to. The new top folds up and down with ease. There are no tears in the outer skin or headliner. The 3/4" white-wall tires are new Bridgestone Silvertowns in OEM size 165-15. The wheels are mounted with chrome wheel locks. The spare is a new Firestone blackwall. OEM tool kit and jack are included. This car drives straight with no scary shake n' shimmy. It brakes confidently and corners adequately. All exterior lights work or flash as they should, with new bulbs throughout. The interior light still illuminates by the switch, and the horn goes beep-beep in classic VW fashion!

The 1600cc, dual port engine is an AE block that starts easily, idles smoothly, and accelerates strong and confidently. I have driven this VW on Atlanta's interstates, keeping up with traffic without issue. It was reportedly rebuilt when its paint work was done, but I have no way to verify this other than by judging its performance, which is very good; and comparable to other healthy air-cooled VWs I've owned. True mileage is unknown because the meter was not functional when I purchased it. The gauge has been rebuilt and now functions properly. I have added 6,000 miles in the five years I've owned it. It does "mark its territory", in that it has a small oil leak from the case. I service the car on 3,000 mile intervals and have not had to add oil, so I consider it the nature of the beast. I DO check it before EVERY cold start, and enjoy watching the car warm up while checking it for road-readiness. I think air-cooled VWs make one feel like a pilot preparing for takeoff. It's an experience unlike any of my other vehicles.

The interior is new throughout, and as comfortable as a Beetle can be. The seat cushions are new and very supportive. This model has infinitely-adjustable backrests in cool white vinyl, with tweed inserts on the panels. The door pockets are not stretched or saggy. The new carpet is premium oatmeal loop, with matching floor mats. Combined with the original underlayment matting, this '77 is the quietest running Beetle I've ever owned, even cruising at 70 mph with the top down.
The bronze tint is simply a fashion accent; providing that "vintage vibe", kinda' like a sepia picture filter. It's a legal level, 32% light transmission. There is a 12v charging port for your phone. The new Bluetooth stereo will "pair" to any phone, yet is made to resemble the vintage style with two chrome, round knobs. This audio system won't wake the neighbors, but it does sound nice if you choose to turn it on. I rarely do, as I really prefer listening to the sound of the CAR. New, stainless exhaust "pea shooters" provide that classic VW Bug chirp that is music to an enthusiast's ears. It's exactly that famous sound which I love to produce while pulling away from a traffic light, after seeing someone punch their friend in the arm. Do YOU say "punch buggy" or "slug bug"?
The only thing missing from this car is it had factory AC, which is gone now. It can be replaced, the expense is about $2500 for the Gilmore (brand) kit. I have not felt it was required so I never bothered to install it myself, but it is available if desired in the future.

Additional extra features:This VW includes a tow bar so you may pull it with a pickup or RV. Also included is a VW-sized car cover. There's also a couple vintage picnic baskets that help keep the cargo areas organized; and a pair of authentic, vintage German license plates, as shown in the pictures. It's the details of this special car that win trophies at shows, and there are many little details that highlight the personality of the Champagne Edition; like the jeweled, chrome shifter knob and chrome e-brake lever. The CE was marketed as "the classiest Beetle", and it shows throughout this handsome little award-winner.

Probably the most interesting feature of this car, is its "birth Certificate" of Authenticity; which was obtained from the VW Museum in Stiftung, Germany. The silverleaf-marqued document confirms this VW's body production tag and VIN are correct. Its construction began on the 2nd day of the 11th week of 1977, and left the factory a few days later on March 18th. This VW celebrated it's 43rd birthday last Wednesday!!

This fine VW is in the Atlanta metro area, and can be viewed upon request. The GA title is clean and has no issues if retitling to another state. Delivery is available if needed, for additional fee. Rational questions are welcome. Thank you for your interest.