TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Aug 21, 2008 9:36 pm

I can't believe my good luck. This week, a friend of mine offered me his father's Rag Top Beatle for FREE! It has sat for at least 20 years. No rust on the pan, no accidents, still 6 volt, even came with a luggage rack. The registration was never maintained. I checked with the California DMV and they do not show the VIN number in its data base. The VIN is 3010210. Looking under the front hood was a color ID L 451. Looks like this was made between Aug 1959 and July 1960. Does this make it a 1959 or 1960 model? Can't wait to get started on the re-birth of my "barn find". Photos to follow.

Thu Aug 21, 2008 10:54 pm

... hate you :evil:

Actually, congrats! Good Luck with the resto. Are you planning to use it - what are your plans? Put some pics.

Fri Aug 22, 2008 4:42 am

:shock: That sounds like a very nice Beetle. India/Indian Red, one-year-only color. Built mid-March 1960 => 1960 model year.

Pictures please, NOW! :)

Tue Aug 26, 2008 11:12 pm

Picked up the Bug last Sunday. After an inch of dirt was removed, here are the pictures. Hope to get the car back on the road soon. It is a solid car and one day plan to do a pan off restoration. Hope my lotto ticket hits soon :D

Wed Aug 27, 2008 1:15 am

That is one heck of a nice car to get for free. Pick yourself up a manual, preferably the Bentley, if you haven't already; it will prove invaluable for the work you'll need to do to get her back on the road.

When you're ready to start the restoration, we'll be happy to advise on all the "incorrect" stuff if you're interested. :D

Wed Aug 27, 2008 11:52 am

Ya, thats a sweet ride. Im sure that it will clean up nice. A clean black plate california car for free, cant go wrong there.
Keep us posted on its progress. :wink:

Wed Aug 27, 2008 1:32 pm

Man old ragtops are poppin' up like daisys around here! Cool car.

Wed Aug 27, 2008 2:09 pm

Super car! Very rare colour ragtop! Congratulations!
Personally I wouldnt even consider restoring it :wink: ( ours is faded garnet not India)

Wed Aug 27, 2008 2:28 pm

HerrrKafer wrote: When you're ready to start the restoration, we'll be happy to advise on all the "incorrect" stuff if you're interested. :D

Like the decklid latch :wink:

Wed Aug 27, 2008 10:15 pm

Looks like someone threw a 40HP engine in there at some point.

Wed Aug 27, 2008 10:54 pm

Isn't that Coral Red? I thought Indian Red was a more true Red

Thu Aug 28, 2008 6:37 am

Here is a photo of the color code. Says Indiana L 451. The engine serial number said it was made in 1962.