1970 Vw Convertible - Electric Conversion! on 2040-cars
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Engine:electric
For Sale By:owner
Drive Type: manual
Make: Volkswagen
Mileage: 126,000
Model: Beetle - Classic
Exterior Color: White
Trim: convertible
All electric powered VW convertible! Great summer car! This was originally a Georgia car when I purchased it. Very clean floors and frame. Body was painted pearl white, and is what I'd call a so-so job. The conversion kit was purchased from Wilderness EV. If you go to their website, please look at the Kit #3. The car operates on 120V power from 10 12 volt deep cycle batteries. It is SO quiet compared to the original motor/drivetrain! You can hear the 40 year old squeaks and rattles, but not the motor! Incredibly quiet for an air-cooled VW! The stock 4 speed transmission is present, although the electric conversion operates without the need for a clutch. Simply put it in 2nd or 3rd gear and pull away like an automatic. When you stop at a light, you can leave it in gear as electric motors don't "idle".
The kit and batteries all are about a year old, and have less than 1000 miles on them. When I bought the car, it needed brakes and many exterior parts like lenses and trim rings. These were all put on also about a year ago. There are many other parts not yet installed including the fender beading and rear license light. Although the top is nearly new and in excellent condition, there is little to no original rubber on either the top or windows. If you plan to drive in the rain these should be added! My plan was to drive in the summer and on nice days so these items were low priority. Brakes are new as I said, but aren't very powerful stopping the increased weight with 10 batteries. Another plan of mine was to convert the front brakes to disc to help stopping power.
Although this was a fun project, and is a successful driver, the hilly area where I live in Cincinnati limits my practical range to about 30 miles. On the flat, under 40-45 miles per hour, the range should be much greater. Top speed according to Wilderness EV is supposed to be 65+, but I've never driven faster than 55 because the range is greatly affected by speed. It is possible to use as a "commuter" car, not just a neighborhood electric vehicle depending on the distance and terrain for your drive. I've taken it to the golf course and back on very hilly roads, a distance of about 15 miles round trip, without any issues. If you live near work, school, etc. you can drive without using any gasoline! "Fill ups" require an overnight plug in, roughly eight hours, for a full charge. The car comes with the charger I've used in my garage to keep the batteries full.
Please ask any question you might have before bidding! This is a very cool, fun car, but is not for everyone! I'm happy to discuss any details about the car, and set up a time for you to test drive if you are local to Cincinnati. This is a no reserve sale! First bid could win the car!!
Please note, if you restore and resell vintage Beetles, that the motor and gas tank that were in the car are still available to interested parties. This conversion was done with minimal alteration of the stock vehicle, and would allow for a full restoration to a very high level if that was your desire. I would be happy to negotiate with an interested buyer who wanted to keep the motor with the car.
Volkswagen Beetle - Classic for Sale
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