It is important to realize how significant Volkswagen’s impact on the American market was. Only in the peak years of the late 1960s – early 1970s, the Type 1 model was sold in volumes of about 400 thousand copies per year – this is more than the modern VW sells in the US for its entire lineup.
However, “Beetles” were created for driving, not for collecting, so most of the preserved specimens are either heavily worn or have undergone thorough restoration. There are almost no original cars like this one – with a mileage of only 104 miles (167 km), which can now be purchased through an online auction.
This is a special Baja Champions version from 1972, which was created to celebrate the model’s successes in the 1967-1971 races. The car received the signature Marathon Blue color, black leatherette interior, 15-inch Lemmerz alloy wheels, as well as special “Baja” decals, additional lights on the hood, and a commemorative plaque.
Technically, this is a modification of the 1302 Super Beetle, which was an attempt to update the outdated design in response to declining sales and competition from American and Japanese models. The car received McPherson suspension instead of torsion bars, an increased fuel tank and trunk, as well as a 60 hp engine.
BaT Photos
According to the original price, the additional Baja SE equipment cost $65 with a total car cost of $2,261 (which is equivalent to $17,298 today). This specimen was not sold but remained at the Chick Iverson VW dealership in Newport Beach until 1996, after which it became the property of the founder of West Coast Metric.
Although models from the 1970s do not have the same charm as earlier versions, the opportunity to purchase an almost new Beetle is extremely rare. Detailed auction information can be found on Bring A Trailer.