How Low Can You Go? 1971 Volkswagen Beetle

In the not too distant past, if someone had said to me that a Volkswagen Beetle would make an ideal Rat Rod, I probably would have suggested that they’d spent too long in their workshop amongst the paint fumes. It’s cars like this one that really shows the diversity that is all part of the Rat Rod scene. People will look at any car and see the possibilities that are there. This Beetle is sitting in Houston, Texas, waiting for a new owner, and is for sale here on eBay with an asking price of $4,800. There is also the option of making an offer on this one.

Chubby Checker once asked the question, “How Low Can You Go?” The answer seems to be, pretty low. The car has been slammed courtesy of adjustable air suspension at the front and coil-overs at the back. The black powder-coated wheels look the part, and the Pegasus horses are a nice touch. The shaved turn signals and the early model tail-light visor add to the look.

The 1600cc engine features some nice touches that should allow the original 57 ponies to be delivered reliably, and maybe they can bring a few of their friends with them. There’s a new carburetor, new distributor and better air cleaner, which will all help. To help with the reliability, there are also new fuel lines, along with new wheel cylinders and hoses.

The owner describes the interior as 7/10 because the headliner, driver’s seat and dash pad need restoration. The pad doesn’t look that bad, and to me, I think that restoring it would ruin the look. There aren’t any carpets, but the floors are solid and have been sealed with POR-15. I’m an old guy, and old guys are supposed to drive pretty conservative cars. I’d have this old Beetle in my garage any day. What would I change? Nothing!