[{"id": 15961469, "authorName": "fpw777", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/fpw777/", "bidAmount": 100, "content": "$100 bid placed by fpw777", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730132093, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 15962198, "authorName": "cadtdi", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cadtdi/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I smiled when I saw this! Love the flower decals! GLWA!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1730135676, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15962335, "authorName": "Eric_B", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/eric_b/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I'd love to see an in-car driving video just to see how the transmission works!", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1730136166, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15962568, "authorName": "Vaquero427", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vaquero427/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I had a '68 Auto Stickshift for a couple years in about 1980. It was more rust than car, but it ran great and never had any mechanical issues.\r\n\r\nThe Auto Stick is really clever. Based on driving it, I believe it had an electric clutch (no clutch pedal) and a torque converter. You could leave it in any gear, 1,2 or 3 and come to stop. Just step on the gas to take off again. Slipping the torque converter and very slowly if in third, a little faster in second and like a jack rabbit in first. You could shift it manually any time. There was a switch somewhere in the shift lever. As soon as you touch the lever, the clutch would 100% disengage, then you shift and when you let go of the shifter, it re-engaged abruptly with the torque converter smoothing things out. Actually pretty fun to drive! My buddy would occasionally touch the lever with his knee to make the car shudder and the engine overrev. Real funny, Bruce.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1730136844, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15963286, "authorName": "Alaskastang", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/alaskastang/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "High school memories as a friend had one of these auto Beetles in blue (sans flowers). Fun little cars until you hit an immoveable object then you promptly head butted the windshield. Oh well, teenagers healed fast and Beetle windshields were cheap (disclaimer: injuries were sustained by careless teens and not a reflection of the car which survived remarkably well under such ownership).", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1730139079, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15963645, "authorName": "mick59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mick59/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The Beetle is the most adaptable car ever made, VW had the difficult task of updating it to meet ever stricter regulations. 80,000 changes from 1938-2003. We should honor these post 1967 Beetles as a testament to this.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1730140278, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15964653, "authorName": "TTSAudi", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ttsaudi/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Trying to figure out what the plate means: United Parcel Service 'Tracking' agent, Upstate something, United Postal Service Tax agent???", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1730143571, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15965002, "authorName": "AlohaZ3", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/alohaz3/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "\u201cHello\u2026DSG. Yes, yes, this is your great great granddad.\u201d Fascinating transmission.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1730144691, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15966045, "authorName": "fpw777", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/fpw777/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Hi. How easy it is to remove the flower decals. Thanks! Cool Beetle!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1730148004, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15968502, "authorName": "harrymmac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/harrymmac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Hi bidders and watchers, I'm the seller, Harry. \r\n\r\nI'm sure this will come up a lot, but I have never tried to remove the decals because I didn't want to mess up the paint job. Besides the one \"bullet hole\" where the paint has come up on the engine bay cover, it's in great shape, super shimmery and shiny. The previous owner put them on, or his wife did, it was their sunday driver as it has been mine. I also didn't take them off because I live just outside of Woodstock, NY and it's just a blast to drive around here. Always turning heads and getting peace signs. This is a positive energy machine.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1730164622, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15968526, "authorName": "harrymmac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/harrymmac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Eric_B I can upload an in-car video to show how it works. Essentially there are 3 speeds (including reverse,) but no clutch. You ease up on the gas and go from neutral to 1st or 1st to 2nd. There is no need to shift to neutral at a stop sign, the car can idle in 1st without rolling or stalling.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1730164896, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15968537, "authorName": "harrymmac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/harrymmac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@TTSAudi haha I also knew this would come up. It's Upstate Agent. If you need any real estate in the Hudson Valley, check me out. Can't post my contact here, but if you need my services I bet you could find me.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730164991, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15968667, "authorName": "Eric_B", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/eric_b/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@seller full disclaimer, I'm not a bidder, just very curious. Thanks!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1730166598, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15968677, "authorName": "harrymmac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/harrymmac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Eric_B I appreciate you letting me know. But good idea anyway. Getting my last few joyrides in, so might as well.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1730166694, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15969120, "authorName": "Live2ridetahoe", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/live2ridetahoe/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Do you have a DME report? :P\r\n\r\nI live in Concord, CA... I've never heard of Concorde, but I might start spelling it that way...", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1730174411, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15969979, "authorName": "Boeingpilot", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/boeingpilot/", "bidAmount": 968, "content": "$968 bid placed by Boeingpilot", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730208583, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 15970623, "authorName": "harrymmac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/harrymmac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Live2ridetahoe no DME report, sorry. Stamp in the booklet says Concord, CA. Typo in the listing I guess", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1730214329, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15970944, "authorName": "sluggish", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sluggish/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I think an audio/video clip of the horn and all of its possibilities would be appropriate for this listing.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1730216749, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15977888, "authorName": "rdpbmp", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rdpbmp/", "bidAmount": 1100, "content": "$1,100 bid placed by rdpbmp", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730237861, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 15978410, "authorName": "brdwyray", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/brdwyray/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Vaquero427\u2026..you did a pretty good job of describing the Auto Stick function. I have two relatively minor \u2018clarifications\u2019. It has a \u2018fluid coupling\u201d, not a \u201ctorque converter\u201d\u2026.the significant difference being there is no torque multiplication in a fluid coupling. Neither is the clutch solely electrically operated\u2026..there is a set of electric contacts in the base of the shift lever\u2026..however that electric \u2018signal\u2019 operates a vacuum valve that in turn connects the vacuum tank to a vacuum operated slave cylinder that disengages/engages the manual clutch on the back of the fluid coupling. There is also a trans fluid tank and second oil pump on the engine to circulate the fluid to cool the fluid coupling.\n\nWhile they work fine \u2018while they work\u2019 , like any semi-complex system, they are rife with opportunities for something to need attention.\n\nI worked for a VW Regional Distributor Training Center when these were introduced in the US Market and became familiar with them. A few years later I was Used car manager at a VW dealership and I became Very familiar with them. \ud83d\ude42\n\nAt the time these were a \u2018modern\u2019 improvement on the earlier European only Saxomat semi-automatic. They had similar Rube Goldberg system but used a Centrifugal clutch instead of a Fluid Coupling.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1730240044, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15981186, "authorName": "Boeingpilot", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/boeingpilot/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Could you add pictures of under the back seat (battery box area which is a corrosion focal point) and the floor pans", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1730291980, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15981187, "authorName": "Boeingpilot", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/boeingpilot/", "bidAmount": 1968, "content": "$1,968 bid placed by Boeingpilot", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730291991, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 15982815, "authorName": "harrymmac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/harrymmac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Boeingpilot please see attached", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730305913, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15982859, "authorName": "harrymmac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/harrymmac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Hi bidders and watchers, a couple people have asked about the auto stick function, so here are some videos of that, along with driving videos and cruising county roads at about 60mph. My favorite driving with this Beetle is to cruise our back roads between 35-60mph, it performs great. \r\n\r\n@brdwyray\r\n@Vaquero427\r\n@Eric_B", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1730306272, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15983530, "authorName": "Eric_B", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/eric_b/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@seller great videos, very interesting, thank you!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1730309223, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15990387, "authorName": "ptedrow", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ptedrow/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "My wife had a '68 auto stick in high school, such an odd trans but works well. I can still hear the goofy sound it makes when shifting. Splunk, splunk....", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730344039, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 15991011, "authorName": "Mr.Tim", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mr.tim/", "bidAmount": 2968, "content": "$2,968 bid placed by Mr.Tim", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730374675, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 15991168, "authorName": "thomoz", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/thomoz/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This looks like an excellent driver car for the air-cooled curious. Your videos demonstrating the auto-shift were very informative (I last saw one driven in 1981). GLWTA!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1730377724, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16001139, "authorName": "HARRYB3", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/harryb3/", "bidAmount": 3068, "content": "$3,068 bid placed by HARRYB3", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730433100, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16019431, "authorName": "Craig66", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/craig66/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "What are the servicing needs of the semi automatic and are there people that know how to serve it and are parts available?", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1730645008, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16019563, "authorName": "harrymmac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/harrymmac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Craig66, I'm not a super handy guy to be honest, and have all repairs done by a professional. I take it to a great shop in my area. I recently had service done on the Autostick, and I'm uploading a photo below. The gears were grinding, and the shop traced the issue to a bad servo diaphragm, repaired and replaced. Parts are easily available for these bugs, my mechanic sends me to jbugs.com. Also, this is not a specialy VW mechanic, just a good one in my area that I trust. He's done all the work on the beetle and works on a huge variety of cars. If you have a good shop, I would bet they could handle it. \r\n\r\nYou may see here, but the horn does not sound, I beleive that is because the wiring was re-routed to hook up the stereo and \"rainbow horn\" as detailed in another comment. \r\n\r\nFinally, see @brdwyray great comment below on the mechanism of the auto stick.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1730646439, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16020753, "authorName": "miller_beer", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/miller_beer/", "bidAmount": 3500, "content": "$3,500 bid placed by miller_beer", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730656339, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16023745, "authorName": "Ypss36", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ypss36/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Fun fact - Lee Bowman Motors, the original dealership, is still there in Concord California with the original buildings all in place as built. It is now an Enterprise auto rental facility. \nI recall the new cars stored at the rear of the facility usually parked in color groups all still coated in the shipping protective coating of cosmoline ( not sure of the spelling for that waxy coating). You would make your color and model choice, the shop guys would go and begin the new car prep and we watched as my buddies older brother waited for his new \u201870 Deluxe Beetle Sedan in light blue with optional black leatherette upholstery come to life in front of our eyes. A magical transformation into a very shiny and bright car as it then gained it\u2019s optional pop out rear windows, Motorola Benidix am radio, and if I recall his mom & dad also sprung for optional floor mats\u2026.. \nLucky dude\u2026. a new VW graduation present unheard of in my world made me wonder if I could be adopted. Great memories and a very classy dealer that personally greeted and thanked his folks for their business and also welcomed their son into the Bowman VW family. They sold a ton of new cars and busses for decades. BTW he still owns his first new car\u2026. VW\u2019s forever I guess.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1730671457, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16024020, "authorName": "harrymmac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/harrymmac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Ypss36 Great story, thanks for sharing! A lot of history in this little bug.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1730674730, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16026337, "authorName": "KyleCornman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kylecornman/", "bidAmount": 3600, "content": "$3,600 bid placed by KyleCornman", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730734391, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16026883, "authorName": "miller_beer", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/miller_beer/", "bidAmount": 3700, "content": "$3,700 bid placed by miller_beer", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730738588, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16027239, "authorName": "Wjr33", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wjr33/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Can the flower decals be removed without causing damage to the paint?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730741189, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16027264, "authorName": "Craig66", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/craig66/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Wjr33 addressed earlier", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1730741355, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16028244, "authorName": "harrymmac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/harrymmac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Wjr33, I don't really know. I imagine so, but I never tried to remove them as I didn't want to risk any potential damage, especially with the auction coming up. There's certainly lots of options, and the car is in fantastic shape aside from the flowers so if it's about the underlying body and original character, it's still a great listing", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1730745189, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16028889, "authorName": "Wheelman9", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wheelman9/", "bidAmount": 3800, "content": "$3,800 bid placed by Wheelman9", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730746960, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16029943, "authorName": "WarrenL", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/warrenl/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Any photos beneath the front carpet? Much rust under there?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730750111, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16030055, "authorName": "TLBH1966", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tlbh1966/", "bidAmount": 3900, "content": "$3,900 bid placed by TLBH1966", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730750536, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16030111, "authorName": "harrymmac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/harrymmac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@WarrenL No rust, this thing is very clean. See photos The previous owner told me he never drove it in the rain, and I follow the same philosophy. Before that it was in CA. \r\n\r\n@Boeingpilot were you looking for these photos as well?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730750777, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16030136, "authorName": "harrymmac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/harrymmac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@warrenL another one, had trouble with the upload. This is driver's side", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730750852, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16030243, "authorName": "ttbrinson", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ttbrinson/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Somebody is about to get a really good deal. I would bid but I am in CA.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730751225, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16030244, "authorName": "lenvw", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lenvw/", "bidAmount": 4000, "content": "$4,000 bid placed by lenvw", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730751229, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16030261, "authorName": "cb1", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cb1/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Wish this one wasn\u2019t on the other side of the country from my location. : (", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730751275, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16030283, "authorName": "harrymmac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/harrymmac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@ttbrinson @cb1 I can send it to you! Lets get involved gentlemen or ladies", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730751349, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16030309, "authorName": "Mitziebikes", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mitziebikes/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I remember Lee Bowman Volkswagen in Concord Ca. No e on the end of Concord. I sold my truck to a salesman that worked there. Used to but parts from them for my bug..", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1730751411, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16030318, "authorName": "Carsandicedcoffee", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/carsandicedcoffee/", "bidAmount": 4100, "content": "$4,100 bid placed by Carsandicedcoffee", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730751423, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16030322, "authorName": "64Marauderman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/64marauderman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "my folks bought one new for $1,997.00 in 68 Drk Green with a 4 speed", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730751436, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16030344, "authorName": "cb1", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cb1/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I hope whomever wins it leaves the flowers and peace sign intact.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1730751489, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16030356, "authorName": "Jesuede", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jesuede/", "bidAmount": 4500, "content": "$4,500 bid placed by Jesuede", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730751522, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16030380, "authorName": "lenvw", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lenvw/", "bidAmount": 4750, "content": "$4,750 bid placed by lenvw", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730751601, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16030387, "authorName": "DanT99265", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dant99265/", "bidAmount": 4850, "content": "$4,850 bid placed by DanT99265", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730751627, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16030398, "authorName": "Jesuede", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jesuede/", "bidAmount": 5000, "content": "$5,000 bid placed by Jesuede", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730751658, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16030421, "authorName": "harrymmac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/harrymmac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Come on bidders! This car is a beaut! Don't let it get away.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1730751737, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16030422, "authorName": "lenvw", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lenvw/", "bidAmount": 5100, "content": "$5,100 bid placed by lenvw", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730751743, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16030426, "authorName": "DanT99265", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dant99265/", "bidAmount": 5200, "content": "$5,200 bid placed by DanT99265", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730751760, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16030467, "authorName": "lenvw", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lenvw/", "bidAmount": 5300, "content": "$5,300 bid placed by lenvw", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730751843, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16030505, "authorName": "lenvw", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lenvw/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Sold on 11/4/24 for $5,300 to lenvw", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730751963, "type": "bat-bid-reserve"}, {"id": 16030513, "authorName": "Taz24", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/taz24/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "congrats @ lenvw!\r\nit is definitely worth more value than the price...\r\ni am sure you will really enjoy this!!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1730752001, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16030519, "authorName": "harrymmac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/harrymmac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Nice one @lenvw. Not going to lie, I'm pretty disappointed in the price. I hope you enjoy it though, very fun car", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1730752017, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16030535, "authorName": "Carsandicedcoffee", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/carsandicedcoffee/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "\ud83d\udc4f", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1730752054, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16030540, "authorName": "Taz24", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/taz24/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@harrymmac i agree...it should have gone for higher..not sure what happened here..maybe all the vw enthusiasts are missing today..", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1730752077, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16030699, "authorName": "upinthetrees", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/upinthetrees/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Well bought. Nice driver. Enjoy", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1730752681, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16030707, "authorName": "lenvw", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lenvw/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Lenvw here...I had a bug just like this when I came to the states from Holland in 78...same auto stick shift...grand kids get to use it for school if they can't afford their own...thx for the nice deal!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1730752710, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16031034, "authorName": "Kayemtee", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kayemtee/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Taz24\r\n@Harrymmac\r\nI can assure you that this VW enthusiast was around and watching. The very first car I drove legally was my folk\u2019s 1968 Beetle, which my dad bought new on 12/1/67, and the first of three Beetles my family bought new. I have been looking for a later model to have for weekend cruising. Added to my initial excitement was the fact that this car was located only a 90 minute drive south of my home. \r\nAlas, the Automatic Stickshift withered my desire. They weren\u2019t even available when my dad bought his early production \u201868 in late 1967. I seem to recall they became available in the Spring of 1968. I had one experience with the Auto, when my friend acquired a used 1974 SuperBeetle years later. As the then owner of a fuel injected 1975 Beetle of my own, with a manual transmission, of course, I was underwhelmed by the experience. \r\nI have owned manual cars for most of the 53 years I have been driving but lack one now and want another badly. \r\nThis car took me back to my first car, but the lack of three pedals cooled my ardor, and my search will continue. \r\nSo sorry for the seller that it didn\u2019t go for more, but a semi-auto Beetle has always been a niche vehicle.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1730753882, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16031831, "authorName": "Taz24", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/taz24/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Kayemtee\r\n@Harrymmac\r\n@lenvw\r\nThank you Sir, for the lovely trip down memory lane. it must have been an amazing experience with the 3 brand new beetles and the first 68' you legally drove as well. Since we are sharing stories, i would like to mention my father who drove back from Yugoslavia to Iran by road in a 65 VW beetle in the year 1971(way before i was born). He loves to tell stories of how the then 6 Volt car never failed him and how it always started on the first self. i currently do own a 1974 1200 standard beetle back home and cant wait to drive it when i go home. These listings always catch my eye and i yearn to have a beetle here as well. i agree...nothing beats a manual car...especially after driving the BMW e39 M5, i feel there is no parallel in terms of it's drive. Can't say enough about German Engineering here at it's finest!.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1730756262, "type": "comment"}]