I have come across a 71 or 72 Super Beetle (haven't crosschecked the VIN yet to be sure). It is in a good state of restoration. No rust, current owner has cut out and replaced several portions with metal and smoothed everything out. It is just about ready for paint. Owner has a headliner, new seat covers and other parts to complete the job. Has the curved front windshield. Engine runs good but will need to be tuned up (carburetor). It also has the apparatus under the front hood for A/C, but does not have the compressor installed. I didn't ask if he had it or not but if he doesn't is it expensive to buy one and how difficult to install? I've heard in the past about certain models of Super Beetle that are a hardship because finding the front glass is difficult. Is this the model? In the back of my mind I seem to recall that it was the convertibles that were the problem. He only wants $700 for it. Does this sound like a good deal or am I not seeing something?

As far as I could tell the engine seemed solid except for the carburetor, there was no oily residue indicative of oil leakage. The front end seemed solid except that he said the suspension seems to stick sometimes. He pushed up and down on the front end real hard and it did seem once to slightly hang or at least not bounce back as quickly. Pans are solid. I'll try and look at the VIN later today or tomorrow.

I can tell you from experiance that nothing handles as bad as Super Beetle with front end problems . . . but when they are right, you'll be hard pressed to find a mid-70's compact car that handles better.

As for the year, the curved windshields started in '73 . . . and Ret.Bugtech forgot one!!!! They did make a few Supers in 75.  If the third digit is a 5, it's a '75.  All of the glass EXCEPT the windshield is the same as a regular Beetle.  The windshield is more expensive than a flat windshield and you won't find a mail order place that will ship one . . . but you can pick up a new one at most shows for about $65.  The curved 'vert windshield is usually about double that, but I picked up one in FL year before last for $90.

Struts aren't too bad.  You can rent the spring compressor from Autozone.  

Hey, the guy that walked up to me in the parking lot today told me I must have about a '68 because "they all had curved windshields after '71".  Now, who you gonna believe? :?  :lol: