Today we’re back with the owner’s review of a 1968 Volkswagen Beetle. Volkswagen produced the Beetle from 1938 to 2003, it was commissioned in the 1930s as the “People’s Car” as it was small, practical and fairly cheap to buy. It comes with an air-cooled 4 cylinder 1300cc engine producing around 50 hp, however the owner has fitted it with a 1600cc engine producing 60 hp. This particular car is rather different as it is very uniquely modified and is among the few Beetles with air shocks. So let’s get to know more about this car and its ownership experience.
Purchase Decision
The owner bought this car from his pocket money back in 2014. He had a limited budget of about 60,000 rupees when entry level cars started from over a lakh. He didn’t want to buy a Mehran or an FX, so he searched for old unique cars. Luckily he found this 1968 beetle for 50,000 rupees in running condition.
Restoration
Two years after buying the car, the owner decided to restore the car as its condition was deteriorating. The underbody was completely rusted which was restored, the engine was overhauled and later swapped. Moreover, the owner imported parts like lights, trims and bumpers from the USA and got some body parts like fenders locally. He also got the car painted in blue and got chrome parts buffed which significantly improved the exterior.
Modification
Along the restoration process, the owner simultaneously worked on modifying the car with aftermarket parts. The most significant upgrade was the air shocks, originally designed for trailers but adaptable to this build. While not a conventional air suspension, they offered a similar effect without the steep air suspension price in Pakistan. He also converted his rear stepneys into deep dish and painted them. Other modifications include an aftermarket air filter, exhaust, door panels, gear knob, and other minor touches.
Reliability
Being more than 50 years old, the car needs a lot of maintenance but as per the owner, it is still pretty reliable. He has travelled a lot in this car and it has been with him for 8 years. Although the air-cooled engine is not the most reliable in our climate, yet it has no major problems and runs perfectly. The owner however stated that if the car is not driven for a prolonged period, brake lines often get clogged which need to be cleared. Other than that, the car has no issues if regularly maintained.
