This 1971 1600cc Twin Port Super Beetle was discovered by its owner in a scrapyard at Yagoona, 20km south of Sydney, NSW, in August 2004. The car had suffered an engine fire due to a leaky fuel pump, causing extensive damage, including a burnt-out engine bay, smashed windows, torn roof headlining, ripped seats, rust from the fire, and a destroyed wiring loom. The scrapyard manager mentioned it was set to be crushed the next day. On impulse, the owner bought the Super Beetle wreck for $500.
The car was delivered to his home that evening, where it was met with disbelief from his wife and neighbours, who saw it as a hopeless case. The restoration proved challenging; the engine was seized with rusty water (water doesn’t belong in an air-cooled engine 😉), the brakes were in similar condition, and it needed new window rubbers, interior, extensive welding, and a new paint job. With an initial budget of $5000, the costs escalated to $14,000.
After two years of challenging restoration work, the car was finally registered in 2006 and became the owner’s daily driver.
In 2019, the Super Beetle underwent a complete EV conversion by Traction EV in Morayfield, QLD. As a cherished member of the family, this electric Super Beetle has a unique character unmatched by modern cars. Despite a few battle scars, its owner is proud to have saved it, and given the Super Beetle a new lease on life as an electric daily driver.
Special thanks go to VW Campsie NSW for their support and spare parts.
