1968 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible with a 1,916cc engine, bid well under the market

Why we picked it

Why we picked it: This 1968 Beetle Convertible is on Hagerty Marketplace at $6,750 after 8 bids, and the auction ends Monday afternoon. Comparable driver-grade 1966-71 convertibles have sold for roughly $10,000 to $21,000 this year, so the current bid is less than half the middle of that range. Bids usually climb near the end, so treat this as a car to watch rather than a sure bargain.

The seller says it has a clean Massachusetts title, a newer convertible top, battery, tires and some weatherstripping. The original 1,493cc engine has been replaced by a 1,916cc unit with dual carburetors and a Freeway Flyer four-speed. It has been refinished in gray over black vinyl and wears widened 15-inch steel wheels, aftermarket bucket seats and VDO gauges. The seller bought it in December 2025.

The value check

When we found it, the bid was $6,750. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $10,000–$21,000, so the middle of the market is about $15,500. That put this car 56% under.

Driver-grade 1966-71 Beetle convertibles, original and lightly modified, sold between about $9,350 and $21,300 at BaT, Hagerty and Mecum in 2026, with most landing in the $10,750-$17,000 range.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1970 Beetle convertible, modified, BaT $16,000 (Sep 2026)
• 1966 Beetle convertible, BaT $16,000 (Sep 2026)
• 1966 Beetle convertible, BaT $12,500 (Apr 2026)
• 1970 Beetle convertible, modified, BaT $21,300 (Jul 2026)

What to check

• The listing says nothing about rust. Check heater channels, floor pans, the battery tray under the rear seat, and the front beam and spring plate areas.
• Convertible bodies flex when the heater channels are weak; check that the doors close cleanly with the top down.
• The engine is not original. Ask who built the 1,916cc motor and for any receipts, and check for oil leaks and cooling tin.
• Reserve status is not stated on the page.
• Mileage is listed as TMU (true mileage unknown).

Making it drive like new

A good base for a mild resto-mod: front disc brakes, a 12-volt check and modern wiring harness, an adjustable beam with better dampers, and an electronic ignition. The bigger engine pairs well with a front anti-roll bar and radial tires sized for the wider wheels.

How it ended

Bidding reached $13,500 but the car didn't sell (ended Oct 19, 2026). Unsold cars often get relisted, so it may turn up again.