This 1969 Volkswagen Beetle sedan was converted into a custom roadster in the 1990s by a Southern California hot rod builder, with work involving removing the roof and fenders, chopping the windshield, and fitting fiberglass body components. Following the seller’s acquisition in 2001, the body was removed from the pan and mounted on a custom tubular ladder frame, which incorporates a tubular drop axle up front, front coilover springs, and rear ladder bars with shocks and coil springs. It was later repowered with a front-mounted 350ci Chevrolet V8 linked to a four-speed 700R4 automatic transmission and a Ford 9″ rear end, and the car also has four-wheel disc brakes and 15″ Center Line wheels. The engine is topped by an Edelbrock intake manifold and a Weber carburetor, and Sanderson headers were also installed along with PerTronix ignition. This custom V8-powered Beetle roadster is now offered with service records and an Oregon title in the seller’s name.
The Beetle sedan bodywork was modified during the initial 1990s build, with work involving removing the roof and fenders, chopping the windshield, and fitting around a dozen fiberglass components including a rear compartment cover with integrated air intakes. It was subsequently repainted red. The seller notes rust along the inner nose, and flaws in the finish are shown up-close in the gallery below.
The car rides on a custom tubular steel frame, which was fabricated and powder-coated black in 2007. It uses rack-and-pinion steering, front coilovers, Morrison ladder bars, and shocks with coil springs out back. Four-wheel disc brakes are assisted by a dual-circuit master cylinder mounted under the floor. Sanderson Street Rod headers are linked to a fabricated dual exhaust system.
Chrome-finished 15″ Center Line wheels are mounted with staggered tires.
The cabin has been retrofitted with a pair of aftermarket high-back bucket seats trimmed in gray cloth with patterned inserts. Dynamat insulation is fitted under the carpeting. The rear seats have been removed, and lap belts, a wood radio blanking plate, and a passenger grab handle are further appointments.
The wrap on the split-spoke Grant steering wheel is worn, and a Lokar shifter and pedals were installed. A Dolphin 120-mph speedometer was installed in 2007, and a combination gauge monitoring fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and voltage has been mounted in the locking glovebox. The digital odometer now shows 2k miles, and approximately 5k miles were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.
The 350ci V8 was purchased as a crate engine and installed in 2009, and induction is via an Edelbrock intake manifold, a Weber carburetor, and a chrome air cleaner assembly. Additional equipment includes polished valve covers, an Edelbrock water pump, and a PerTronix Flame Thrower ignition coil.
The radiator is mounted out back along with a fuel tank mounted under the custom hard tonneau.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed 700R4 automatic transmission. A Ford 9″ rear end with Dutchman axles has been installed along with a replacement driveshaft assembly.
Historical photos and images of the work being performed are detailed in the gallery along with records.
Chassis number 119492450 is listed as the VIN on the current Oregon title, and the sequence is consistent with a Volkswagen Beetle sedan produced in 1969.