1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible

This car sold for $21,450, including buyer’s premium, at RM’s Arizona Biltmore sale, held January 18, 2002.

The 1979 VW Super Beetle convertible rode the crest of the 1970s “instant collectible” convertible craze. Worried that upcoming government safety regulations would outlaw convertibles, GM started the movement by marketing the 1976 Cadillac Eldorado as the “last American-made convertible.” GM advised consumers to buy at least two of them, flatly telling television viewers to “visit your Cadillac dealer and buy a pair so you can enjoy one for now, and put away one to enjoy later.”

Dealers and individuals alike were asking twice the sticker price of $11,049 within a year of the end of production. That market eventually collapsed and, according to the CPI Value Guide, an excellent ’76 Eldorado is now worth $15,950.

The other two major “buy it and don’t drive it” collectible-when-new convertibles of that era were the 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Indy Pace Car edition and (ta-da) the 1979 VW convertible. Volkswagen announced that the 1979 model would be the last. Many were bought with an eye towards investment rather than pleasure.

In fact, all three of the convertibles above are found today in one of three conditions: virgins that haven’t been started since dealer delivery; cars with very low mileage (15k or less); or examples that have been used and abused, thrashed and trashed, then put away wet (if put away at all).

Realistically, hardly a month passes without a ’79 VW convertible being advertised in Hemmings that couldn’t be substituted for the one offered at this auction. Some are even offered by the original dealer, still on the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin instead of a title. In this case, just because the car is still new after 23 years doesn’t make it exceptionally rare.

On top of that, unless you plan to use one for sculpture, undriven cars aren’t much fun. Inactivity is one of the worst things that can happen to a vehicle. Seals go dry, corrosion forms in brake systems and engine cylinders, and tires tend to lose their integrity. Cars like this need a thorough mechanical inspection before being put back on the road. Finally, if this VW is turned into even a lightly used collector car, the “brand new” aura is gone, along with much of its inherent value.

If you have a hankering for one of these that is brand-spanking new, because it brings back fond memories of the Disco Decade, the price paid here isn’t too far north of the going rate. While it’s over-the-top as far as all established price guides are concerned, they don’t take into account the premium that an “as-new” car will bring.

Don’t feel bad if you missed this 46-mile Beetle. Just remember, it’s like a flight to Chicago O’Hare: there’s another one about to come around again shortly. — B. Mitchell Carlson