Up for auction is this custom turbocharged 1966 Volkswagen Beetle. Reported to have been purchased by its current owner in 2000 as a totally original vehicle, this Beetle has since undergone extensive modifications and upgrades including a full repaint, a reupholstered interior, disc brakes, and a turbocharged 2180cc flat-four engine paired with a custom-built 4-speed manual transmission. With only a few thousand miles added to the engine since it was built less than 4 years ago, this one-of-a-kind Beetle is now being offered by its longtime owner in California, accompanied by a collection of spare parts, records, invoices, and a clean title.
This Beetle is said to have been completely refinished during 2002 in Ford “Grabber Blue”. The paint is said to have been meticulously cared for and remains in excellent condition (detailed images are provided in the photo gallery). A custom fiberglass hood and rear decklid have also been installed in addition to chrome 5-spoke aftermarket wheels that come dressed in older but healthy Michelin tires.
Under the current ownership, this cabin has been redone with all new SCAT upholstery and carpeting. The sound system was also upgraded with a Sony stereo, a 12” subwoofer, 6”x9” speakers, and dual amplifiers. The gas gauge is reported to be inaccurate, and the seller confirms all other gauges and accessories to be working properly.
Since the seller’s purchase in 2000, this Beetle underwent several engine changes before a custom-built 2180cc flat-four engine was installed approximately 4 years ago and upgraded with a T3 turbocharger. It was then mated to a 4-speed manual Freeway Flyer transmission that was custom built at a cost of over $4k in 2005. The engine is said to make approximately 180 HP on C12 race fuel at a conservative boost level of 10 psi. Other features include electronic fuel injection, stainless steel lines, heavy-duty race axles, race boots, welded hubs and gears, a Super Diff, dual billet heavy duty side covers, a Rhino gearbox case, chrome axle tubes, and 4-wheel disc brakes. This Beetle is said to have been kept in top running order with regular service and oil changes. It is also reported to meet California emissions standards.
This sale will include 1 master key, service records and invoices, a collection of spare parts, and a clean California title. A Beetle unlike any other, this turbocharged 1966 example is sure to turn heads anywhere it goes.
Comments (29)
Bid in the amount of $12,500
Bid in the amount of $10,000
Bid in the amount of $7,999
Bid in the amount of $7,500
Bid in the amount of $6,000
@Pcarram Yes... it loves the freeway...
Wow ok thanks and do you drive the car on the freeway ?
@Pcarram Good morning, thank you for your question. Yes. POWERHAUS did all of the work on this VW. I have spent approximately $4,000 on the transmission, and approximately $12,000 on building the current engine. POWERHAUS also added a selector drop front end.
Hello can your tell me how much you have invested in the engine and Transmition in total . I know powerhaus as one of the best vw engine builders in california did they do all the work ?
Bid in the amount of $5,500
@Chipper Your question is best answered by the mechanic who built the engine. I'm not sure about the spec you referenced.
Thanks but I don't understand your reply. I was asking what it makes on 91 as this is a custom turbo engine Thai only has a spec listed with race gas?
@PCARMARKET Thank you and my apologies for mistake
@Singer2020 your bid has been retracted.
I am sorry the bid submitted incorrectly. Please void the last bid
@Chipper I believe every Volkswagen beetle was designed to run on high octane gas only it says on the gas cap or a sticker inside 91 octane only
@Tirefriar Sorry for the delay. In California, this vehicle does not require a smog test. I presume it's because of the year (1966). This vehicle was never equipped with smog equipment, and no smog equipment has been installed.
Bid in the amount of $5,000
@seller - just for the record this is a very nicely executed beetle.
@seller
Not that its essential for a 1966 year model car in California but how does your car conform to Calfornia emmission standards - those included visual as well as the pipe sniffer test. I presume when you claim confirmation to CA emmissions you mean the exhaust emmission test...Does your car have any smog equipment installed and operational?
@Chipper I have always used 91 Octane. Race fuel is not mandatory, but I like to keep a little inside the tank in case I decide to give it a hard run. That prevents the engine from getting overheated.
@jallgood1225 Good morning, please see the answers to your questions below.
1. That's a difficult question to answer because I do not drive it everyday.
2. Yes. It will run on 92 Octane.
3. If the vehicle is parked for more than a week, you might see a small drop of oil. However, when it's driven and parked, this VW does not leak oil. It is not burning oil.
4. No. It has not been wrecked.
5. To the best of my knowledge, no maintenance is needed now or soon. As of today, I have addressed every possible maintenance issue with this VW.
How many miles?
Will it run on 92 Octane?
Leaks? Is it burning oil?
Ever wrecked?
Maintenance needed now or soon?
Thannk you, Jim Allgood
What will it do on regular gas or is race fuel mandatory? Thanks
Hello, my name is Melvin, and I have owned this vehicle for the past twenty years. The primary service provider for this Volkswagen has been POWERHAUS, located in Torrance, California. The receipts validate the love shown to this vehicle. I look forward to answering your questions.
@Larry911 Thank you for your question. I do not have the original front hood. I do have the original steering wheel, gas gage cable, back-up lights, signal lights on top of fender, and alternator.
Merry Christmas do you have the original front hood and other parts that would go with the car thank you
Bid in the amount of $1,100