1972 Volkswagen Beetle Red Coupe 1600cc 4-Cylinder 778 Miles

1972 Volkswagen Beetle
- 1600cc 4 Cylinder
- 4 Speed Manual Transmission
- Red Paint Over Black Interior
(Please note: If you happen to be viewing this 1972 VW Beetle on a website other than our Garage Kept Motors site, it's possible that you've only seen some of our many photographs of this vehicle due to third-party website limitations. To be sure you access all the more than 155 photographs, as well as a short walk-around-and-startup video, please go to our main website: GarageKeptMotors.)
"... the world's best-selling car ever, and now it is probably the most usable real-world classic you can own." Classic Motoring magazine, May 2011
Classic Motoring went on to opine about the Beetle's remarkable success: "Nobody can deny that the Volkswagen Beetle was a phenomenal success, but putting your finger on the exact reasons why is not simple. The original pre-war design brief for a car that was affordable to buy and run on modest means, could carry two adults and three children at 60mph (all day on the new autobahns) and return over 30mpg was laudable enough, but hardly revolutionary - a similar desire to provide transport for the masses had previously brought success to many manufacturers throughout the world, most spectacularly to Henry Ford with his Model T. Yet by 1972 Volkswagen's Beetle had outsold the Tin Lizzie and was well on its way to an astonishing total of 21,529,464 million units worldwide...."
Offered here is a 1972 example of the car that outsold every other in history. This red Beetle has the added distinction of showing just 778 miles on its odometer, which is all the miles that have been recorded since its been restored.
To the untrained eye, many VW Beetles look alike. In truth, the cars were constantly updated, even in the middle of a production run. Wikipedia describes the contemporaneous improvements made in this car: "1972 models had an 11% larger rear window (40 mm [1.6 in] taller), and the convertible engine lid with four rows of louvers was now used on all Beetles. Inside the vehicle, a four-spoke energy-absorbing steering wheel was introduced, the windshield wiper/washer knob was replaced in favor of a steering column stalk, and intermittent wipers were a new option available in selected markets. An engine compartment socket for the proprietary VW Diagnosis system was also introduced. The rear luggage area was fitted with a folding parcel shelf."
The exterior of this red '72 Bug is as pristine and factory-original as one would expect for such a low-mileage car. The non-metallic red paint is uniformly glossy and smooth without signs of fading across the entire car. Body-panel fit and alignment is virtually perfect. Chrome-including the hood trim, body trim, headlight, and windshield trim-is bright and un-pitted. The same is true for the dual exhaust outlets and the steel-wheel trim rings and VW-logo hubcaps. Cabin glass and all lighting lenses are clear and un-cracked. The angled "Volkswagen" rear-hood badge is properly located as it came from the factory.
Inside, black is the Teutonic color theme. The padded dash, textured-vinyl seating surfaces, door trim (with pleated pockets), carpeting, headliner and visors, steering wheel and controls including the floor-mounted 4-speed shifter all carry the black color. In the only obvious variation from stock, an updated Kenwood audio head unit is mounted in the factory-radio dash location (with dual rear speakers behind the rear seat). Across every surface, condition is original and un-marred. This is a true survivor Beetle.
Under the rear hood, the legendary 1600-cc flat-four engine exhibits the same level of originality and condition as the rest of the car. Similarly, the front trunk is spotless with the factory-installed low-pile gray carpeting still in place. Underneath, the chassis shows only modest surface rust on unprotected metal arising from age, not road miles.
We expect and invite in-person inspection of this red '72 Beetle at our Grand Rapids, Michigan location. However, because our showroom is not open to the public, we ask only that you call or email us for an appointment in advance so that we can devote our full attention to you during your visit. Meanwhile, the more than 155 high-definition photographs of the car and the short walk-around-and-startup video on the GarageKeptMotors site faithfully represent the car's condition, but feel free to call or email with any questions.
At the end of his VW review, the Classic Motoring writer got a little nostalgic: "Having a Beetle was similar to walking a dog. People would see you and ask about it, only to soon reminisce about the time they or a friend drove a 'Bug.' It always brings a smile or two to recall a crazy road trip with a Beetle...."
Owning and enjoying a Beetle is an automotive experience every enthusiast should cherish.