1974 VW Beetle "Jeans Bug" For Sale
This is a rare one!
In the mid 1970s as Beetle sales started to decline, VW and its dealers worldwide
introduced some special models to attract attention to the product line.
In Europe and the UK, one such attractive package was the "Jeans" Beetle based on the
low price and low spec "standard" model Beetle.
These no frills low price cars were painted in bright colors and featured a denim interior
hoping to attract first time buyers and the youth of the day.
The "Jeans" never made it to the US unfortunately, but if it had, I bet they would have sold well.
This California based example started life in Europe and some number of years ago
was beautifully restored by a well respected VW builder in The Netherlands.
It was shown around Europe and the UK and was highly praised at the time.
The car was exported to the US at one point and joined the collection of actor Ewan McGregor.
Ewan has enjoyed the car for many years now and has maintained it faithfully.
It remains a beautiful car inside and out and it runs and drives great.
Its time though to thin the herd and the Jens is up for grabs for a lucky new home.
Here's a parting shot of the man with his machine.
All miles but I know this one is a little hard to let go of for him.
Fortunately he has others to play with, so the VW fever can continue.
Documentation of the ownership of course comes with it. Clean and clear title with current registration.
The clean look and black trim against the bright paintwork makes for a pretty sweet looking ride.
No chrome, just black trim and bumpers.
Lowered up front with disc brakes and black powder coated steel "sport" wheels.
Beautiful paintwork on this car and a really straight and solid body.
Window rubbers and scrapers are all in excellent shape.
This has always been garaged and well cared for.
The standard model has some interesting details such as the lack of the "crescent vents"
that go behind the quarter windows that you see on most Beetles of the era.
The "Jeans" logo and stripe
Amber topped euro spec lenses on the taillights.
Cool black bullet sport mirror on the door.
Lowered stance but not "slammed".
When first completed in the Netherlands the suspension was as low as it could go
and the wheels were a different style.
Ewan raised it up a bit to make it a better driver and changed to the sport wheels at the same time.
Other than that the car remains as built by Mar-Co Supplies in the Netherlands.
It sure looks cool and with that color combination it will definitely stand out
in the crowd at the VW events.
Euro headlights as well
Glass is excellent
Dashboard is so clean and simple...a flashback to the earlier models without the pad and such.
Simple black two spoke steering wheel with black horn button.
Blue vinyl door panels were a part of the package...no trim, no pockets and just a simple door pull
not the usual armrest.
Fun to see the "standard" details such as no door switches for the interior light.
This was all about saving money and keeping costs down.
The Jeans seats have been redone in a diamond pattern stitching for a slight custom look
but are otherwise as they were when new.
The minimal headliner means more exposed painted surfaces inside
which is another very cool part of the Standard model cars.
Its really fun to have the color surround you inside as it does.
The US spec models and other Deluxe Beetles were all covered up and really
the only exterior paint color inside was on the doors and lower dash.
Nice coco mats installed in here along with a drink caddy/basket on the tunnel
The carpets in the standard models were a more simple and thinner "felt like" material.
This one has an awesome multi bad Euro radio installed.
Sweet and unique car for sure.
Out back is a simple single port 1200cc engine as original.
12 volt electrics and just super stock in its trimmings.
These cars were offered with smaller engines to keep costs low
which is pretty wild as the Deluxe models got a 1600cc in 1974!
For the US, the 1200cc stopped in 1965!
It runs great though...like a little watch.
The front brakes squeaked a bit on the test drive. They are disc brakes
so they might be a bit glazed over from hard braking on the big hills its been driven
but I will look deeper into that. Brakes are firm and mechanically it really runs and drives superb.
Ewan mentioned that it has been the most reliable and easy to drive VW he has ever owned.
Fun ride!
Very clean under the front hood
Matching spare wheel and tire
Sticker on the glove box door from Mar Co, the restorer of the car in Europe
Love that smooth dash.
The billiard ball shift knob is a neat item too.
Feels big and smooth in your hand....fun stuff.
Low back seats in a 74...so great.
That simple headliner in the center of the roof is cool too
Very solid underneath
A bit of road grime under the engine but no major leaks and it retains the stock exhaust.
Adjustable front beam.
Its a really cool car. Exceedingly rare model to be in the US, and well done
by a top level European restoration shop. Well kept and cared for by its current owner
and that owner is a neat guy with a cool history of his own.
Asking
$20,000
For More Info...CALL
951 795-1175
or Email oldbug@earthlink.net