O beetle or, as it is known in its homeland, the Coffee, is one of the most beloved cars in automotive history. Created by Volkswagen In the 1930s, the model became synonymous with robustness, simplicity and affordability. However, when we talk about the value of some examples of this classic, the scenario is quite different. If you think that a Beetle is always synonymous with cheap, get ready for a surprise! A 1974 Beetle Convertible recently restored was put up for sale for such a high price that it is comparable to the price of a Porsche 911 Carrera zero km. Yes, you read that right: the price of this Beetle is equivalent to a brand new Porsche!
The impressive value of a classic Beetle
In Germany, the price of some Beetles classics has been so high that it is possible to find examples with prices close to those of luxury sports cars. For example, a Volkswagen Käfer 1303 Cabriolet 1974, which has been carefully preserved for more than 50 years, is being offered by 130,000 euros, or approximately R$ 785,000. This value makes the price of the Beetle equivalent to that of a Porsche 911 Carrera, which in Germany costs about 128,700 euros.
The reason for such a high price is the history of the car and the amount of care it has received over the years. This Kafer 1303 Cabrio 1974 was purchased new and remained in the hands of first owner for half a century, which is already a big difference for a model like this. However, the story doesn't end there. Although it was kept in excellent condition for most of its life, the owner realized that, over time, natural wear and tear had affected the car's paintwork and components. And that's when a real transformation began that raised the value of the vehicle to an impressive level.
The restoration that became a customization
Although the car remained original until 2010, the conditions of use and the action of time were greater than the owner's care. Therefore, the owner sent the Coffee for the Memminger, a renowned German customizer specialized in Beetle restorations. The initial goal was to return the model to its original condition, but the work went beyond expectations and ended up becoming a true customization.
The total value of the restoration, which ended up being more of a customization of luxury, it was impressive 67,000 euros (about R$ 404.000). This value is equivalent to the price of a Porsche Cayman zero km, and, when observing the result, it is easy to understand the reason for such high appreciation. The customization was not only aesthetic, but also technical, bringing the Beetle into the 21st century.
What has changed in the look?
The work of Memminger was not limited to simply restoring the paint and finishes. The Kafer 1303 Cabriolet 1974 it won sports alloy wheels retro style, plus a bodywork completely restored and free of corrosion, a problem that affects many older models due to age and use. In addition, the painting was specially made to ensure that the car had an impeccable finish, and the interior was also remodeled, with new finishes, seats and details that make the car look more modern and refined.
The engine: surprising power
But what really justifies the stratospheric value of that beetle is the engine. The Coffee 1303 from the factory, in the 1974 version, it came with engines boxer air-cooled 1,200 cm³ (34 hp), 1,300 cm³ (44 hp) or 1,600 cm³ (50 hp). However, the owner decided to give it a up considerable in the model's performance. The original engine was replaced by a boxer 2.300 cm³ (2,276 cm³) with mechanical injection, capable of delivering 100 horses It is 19.8 kgfm of torque. This puts the Beetle at a level of performance that is totally unexpected for a car in this category.
In addition, the car received hydraulic steering, disc brakes it is a stainless steel exhaust, items that guarantee more agile and sporty behavior. The four-speed manual transmission, which has been lengthened and reinforced, also contributes to a more precise and exciting drive. The result? A Beetle that, when accelerated, has surprising performance and sound, especially considering its history as a simple and popular car.
The classic car market and the market value of cars
What is perhaps even more surprising is the fact that in some parts of the world, the Beetle has become a true luxury object. In the case of this specific Beetle, the price of 130,000 euros is a rarity in the market. Even though the price is at the top of the scale, it is possible to see an increasing number of Classic Beetles being valued as collector cars. This is due to several factors, such as rarity, The history of the model, the restoration quality and the performance modifications that elevate the car to a new level.
On the other hand, the market for sports cars has also shown great appreciation over the years. Models such as the Porsche 911 are constantly admired for their performance and Lux, which means that new examples of the brand cost the same or even more than a completely restored Beetle. This ends up generating an interesting comparison, where a classic like the Beetle 1303 Cabriolet restored can be valued at the same price as a Porsche zero km.
The Brazilian market and the search for classics
In Brazil, the reality of classic car prices is a little different, but there is also a growing appreciation of models like the beetle. Although the price of R$ 785,000 for one beetle is something unthinkable for most Brazilians, the model continues to be highly appreciated in the country. Restored and well-maintained examples are sought after by collectors looking for cars with history It is guaranteed appreciation.
O beetle has never stopped being loved by Brazilians, whether for its simplicity or for its affective memory that it represents. And, if in other markets the Beetle became a luxury product, in Brazil it continues to be a kind of symbol of automotive resistance, surviving time and modernity with a unique charm.
Conclusion
The appreciation of beetle It's not something recent, but the case of this Kafer 1303 Cabriolet 1974 shows how the classic car market can be unpredictable and fascinating. The value of 130,000 euros (approximately R$ 785,000) is an amount that many would consider absurd for a Beetle, but when you look at the restoration work It is customization made on this specific specimen, the idea that the price is justified begins to make sense. After all, who wouldn't want to have a beetle that offers the same performance as modern sports cars, such as the Porsche 911, but with a unique touch of history and exclusivity?
If you are looking for a beetle or any other classic, it's good to keep an eye on it, because in today's market, what seemed to be a simple car can become a real rare jewel. And with that, the comparison with the Porsche zero km It doesn't seem so out of place anymore.
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