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Wed May 13, 2009 10:08 am

So I'm tootling around my neighborhood a week or so ago and what suddenly appears around the corner...I almost couldn't believe my eyes:

I drove by there a few times and yesterday got up the nerve to go talk to the owner. I walk up the driveway and at the same time, an elderly woman comes into her yard with her two little boston terriers, she's somewhat startled I think (I'm 6'3") and I start asking her about her bugs, history, sharing a bit about my bug project. She wasn't sure what year they were but they bought them new, she thought maybe a 63 or 4 and a 68 or 9. (I think they're a 66 & 67) The older one has 1300 on the decklid...that was a 66 thing I think (muir book reference).
She said she didn't care for driving them but they were her husband's and he was going to fix them up. I think she wanted them out of the driveway. She said they were still running, and the license plates were current. She went in to get her husband but he was napping.
We exchanged numbers and I went on my way. I asked her if I could snap some pics. They didn't have internet so they weren't familiar with the samba. I gave them the info, also of our local VW club.

I didn't poke around on them much, the interiors looked well worn and in need of replacing, weatherstripping was pretty shot as well. They looked like they are in really good shape though.
I'm going to call again and try to talk to the husband and see what his plans are for them, I'll follow up later. Here's a few more pics:

Wed May 13, 2009 12:06 pm

Are those original paint? They look like it. They both still have their colored fender beading. They are 66 and 67.

If you dont buy them I will. :D

Wed May 13, 2009 12:11 pm

You may be the lucky owner of those VW's.

Wed May 13, 2009 12:24 pm

I'lltake the 66 thank you!!

very good struck of luck man...

Wed May 13, 2009 1:15 pm

Funny you should mention that about the colored beading.

I didn't know there was such a thing. It is colored. When I looked at it, I initially thought it had been painted over, but there was no paint chipping around the edge of the beading it was clean and tight, so it must be original. I don't think that the cars had been painted, I will find out.

I would ask what you all think they're worth, but I think a little more info is in order first...rust issues, mileage, etc.

I'll post more when I know more, I'm going to try to stop by and see the owner on my way home from work tonight.
The lady I spoke to was interested in getting rid of them, and also mentioned that her husband has lots of parts to go with the cars but didn't think he would ever get around to it.

Thu May 14, 2009 5:01 am

Nice find! The front bumpers both look decent and polishable. Its amazing how original bumpers can clean up if there is no real pitting, just good quality chrome. Definitely a 66 and 67, 8)

Thu May 14, 2009 9:38 am

Well I had a long conversation with the 74 year old owner yesterday, (actually he had a conversation with me) for over an hour about a lot more than VW's, politics, health care, the military, socialism, cars, his health, etc. He was a VERY nice man and very interesting.

Unfortunately, he doesn't want to sell them right now.

Of interest, he's owned the 66 since new, he bought the 67 from someone else in 68.
He didn't know if they had any rust issues, he has maintained them faithfully over the years, but is aware they need some attention, especially the interior & seats (he told me he was a heavy guy).

So there you go samba folks...

Thu May 14, 2009 10:24 pm

Just wait and keep in touch with them it took me 5 years to get my 67 from the original owner that bought it while in Germany in the air force,
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=340105