Never has a car had such an impact on the world as the Volkswagen Beetle. Conceived during the height of Nazi Germany and designed by Ferdinand Porsche, the Beetle would see over 21 million sold until it bowed out in 2003. The People's Car, as it was envisioned, it employed simple systems and a fuss-free air-cooled engine. This 1971 Volkswagen Beetle comes with 100,000 miles on the clock and is a perfect example if you've wanted a Bug in your life. Properly maintained, these cars regularly outlive their owners!

Exterior and Interior

A distinctive red shade as this 1971 Volkswagen Beetle wears with pride ensures that the original 1938 Ferdinand Porsche-penned silhouette is showcased. Although the Beetle went through incremental improvements during every year of production, the overall shape and profile didn't change. We also notice newer headlamps and black aftermarket alloy wheels, which the current owner claims are wearing new tires. The presence of a roof rack adds luggage capacity and cements the Beetle's place as a mile-munching tourer. The cabin was designed for four adults and, as in this example, employs a simple black theme with few modern amenities or creature comforts. We can see a center console with cupholders has been added, and a modern Kenwood Bluetooth-capable head unit with USB, AUX, and CD playback options, that plays through front footwell mounted speakers. The current owner reports that the car comes with the original Ladybug floor mats.

Engine

The simple, air-cooled flat-four that every Beetle came with from the factory emits a friendly purr that makes a Beetle identifiable by sound itself. Remember that the engine is mounted in the tail, and you don't ever have to worry about radiator coolant. This 1971 Volkswagen Beetle sports a 1600cc flat-four with twin-port cylinder heads that made 60hp when new. Sending drive to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, this car won't scorch the earth or set a land speed record, but it will get you to your destination and back again. The current owner reports a new battery has been installed. Braking is via drums on all four wheels, and the unassisted steering is surprisingly light since there's no engine in the front.