Heroshot

1974 Volkswagen Beetle

Sun Bug Convertible
Big-money Mopars and more at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas 2022
Thursday, 30 June - Saturday, 2 July 2022
$33,000
Sale Price
No
Reserve
1 July 2022
Sold Date
365
Lot Number
#2
Older restoration
Barrett-Jackson
Auction House
Chassis no. 1542445813. Harvest Gold Metallic with black side graphics and brown cloth top over brown vinyl. 1600 with dual carbs, 4-speed, BFG Silvertown tires, wood shift knob, aftermarket radio, rear defrost.

Evaluation: Not to be confused with “slug bug,” this is a very rare “Sun Bug” built in 1973-74. Sources vary on production numbers, but the highest number is 300. Very good paint and chrome. Clean wheels. New weather stripping. Excellent interior. Light scuffs on the inside of the top and the top frame is fairly oxidized. A nifty, somewhat obscure and well-restored late Beetle.

Bottom Line: The Beetle had life left in it in the mid-1970s, but it was nevertheless an old design and it was facing new competition from efficient, practical, well-built and cheap Japanese economy cars. Like Detroit, mid-’70s VW put out several appearance packages to at least make things look fresh.

One of them was the Sun Bug, which dressed up the standard Beetle or Super Beetle with special gold paint, a special badge on the rear, black body side graphics, unique shift knob, and even a rosewood dash. The brochure reads “let a little sunshine into your life.” Even by classic VW standards, it’s a real charmer.

Sun Bugs don’t often pop up for sale, but this one sold for $9250 at Mecum Anaheim 2016, back when Beetles were still cheap entry-level classics. That was oh such a long time ago, though, and this result is in line with what other Beetle cabriolets are going for these days, with a notable but ultimately mild premium thrown in for the Sun Bug cachet.

by Andrew Newton
7 July 2022
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Comments

  • Marco Ryans says:

    I have the next one off the production line

  • James Gabriele says:

    I have had a 1974 Sun Bug for 45 years. Mine is a super beetle. A one family 2 owner car.

  • Robert Baughn says:

    I have a sun bug vert! How do you tell what production it is?

  • Meg Green says:

    I have one but need to part with it. Had it restored but it’s been outside for a while. Will need some restoration.
    So many road trips, so many wonderful memories.

    • Annette Deaton Lineberry says:

      Awwwwe. I’m just learning about the Sun Bugs. They are a special car indeed. I have a ‘74 super Beetle in pretty good shape. I just love driving them❤️

  • BL Verwey says:

    I have a 74 sun bug for sale. New brakes Starts easily. Original floor needs replacing. On drivers side. Looks great. Head Turner. Low mileage. Working radio and sun roof.

  • Dan Bethel says:

    How much

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