1972 Vw Beetle - Electric on 2040-cars

 Here is your opportunity to own a really cool Volkswagon Beetle that gets lots of attention and is environmentally friendly. I built this VW for my wife over the summer of 2008/2009. She wanted a eco car to drive back and forth to the library and around our small town. I purchased the body from a guy who used the motor for a dune buggy. The body is titled as a 1973, but the suspension and parts are all 1972. almost everything is new on this car. I have pics of the rebuild and am happy to share them. I replaced most every mechanical part, bushing, and panel. The front brakes were also upgraded to disk. Of course, it has been completely rewired for the 12-volt system, and the 72 volt electric motor system including the addition of six Trojan12-volt golf cart batteries as the drive power source. It has installed chargers for both the 12-volt and 72-volt systems that work off the gas fill plug-in.

The car is powered by a 72-vold electric motor that was purchased as a kit from a California electric car conversion company. The batteries are the best 12-volt golf cart batteries available and are far superior to any automotive or marine batteries out there. It takes about 8-12 hours to recharge the batteries on the 5 amp setting, and 4-6 on the 10 amp setting. Fully charged the car will go well over 50 mph. In our terrain in New Hampshire we were getting 15-25 miles per charge. The conversion kit said that on flat terrain you would experience 30-50 miles per charge. Range is of course a product of driving habits, terrain, and charge. Amps are fuel, and the harder you drive the more amps it will use. This car is has a manual transmission but no clutch. You simply lift your foot off the power and shift. Most of the time there is no need to go above third gear, even at 50 mph.

Cosmetically this car is very clean. Most everything is new, I did reinstall the original AM radio and use some original parts that were in good shape such as turn signal lenses'. The interior has all new upholstery covers and carpet. The tires, brakes, brake lines, suspension parts, and transaxle's are all new. The transmission is sealed, and original but operates perfectly. The glass is original, but the rubber seals are all new. The floor pans had some rust but it was cut out and the pans fiber glassed where needed. The entire pan was undercoated. We never drove this car in the snow. It does have a small electric defroster but no heater. The car was painted at the time of the build but I was unable to get the body sand blasted to remove the multiple coats of old paint over the years. It was sanded as smooth as possible and some minor body work was completed. The car looks great but close inspection shows the paint imperfections. This never bothered us or any admirer. She is a driver and not a show car.

Now a reality check. This car should be looked at and used like you would a street legal golf cart. Unless you are 5 miles from work it is not really a daily driver. It is a legally registered vehicle but would not be great for battling through city traffic. Although the power is immediate, it builds speed slower than a gas powered car, something to consider when pulling into traffic. It also helps greatly on the range if your driving environment allows for gaining speed to propel you up inclines, and doing some coasting on down hill sections. In flat terrain you will use power (Amps) to build speed, but considerably less to maintain it. Once you get the feel for driving her it is really fun to see what range is possible. One last thing. She is really quiet...very nice on an evening cruise listening to the sounds of nature as you do.

This car is registered in New Hampshire, a State that does not issue titles on vehicles over 15 years old. So its sold on registration and bill of sale only. It needs to be picked up or shipped by the winning bidder within a week of auction end please. Payment is by cash, certified check upon pic-up. A nonrefundable deposit on $500 must be paid thru PayPal within 24 hours of auction end. I am happy to take the full bid price through PayPal as well, but the winning bidder must agree to pay the fees. I am certain that the winning bidder will love this car so I will allow the winning bidder to back (less eBay and PayPal fees) out upon inspection if the car is not as expected.

This is a really novel car that is fun to own and drive. I also have a really cool retro roof rack that is included. Pre-bid inspections are welcome. Please ask any questions before bidding, and bid only if you are seriously interested. My reserve is much lower than my investment, and a real bargain if you have been shopping EV conversion vehicles of this type. 

We hope to attract a new owner who will appreciate this electric VW and enjoy her as we have. GOOD LUCK BIDDING!