1971 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Joining the standard Volkswagen Beetle in 1971 was the new Super Beetle, which was three inches longer than its popular sibling. The Super Beetle also came with larger brakes, an upgraded suspension with MacPherson struts, and twice the luggage space as the standard model. Both models, however, were equipped with the same 1600 four-cylinder, air-cooled engine, which for 1971 had its horsepower upped to 60.
Not to be left in the dust, the standard Beetle received a number of upgrades for 1971, including a wider engine cooling fan, a larger oil pump, and a new clutch assembly. In addition, headlights now turned off with the ignition, and new vents behind the rear windows provided improved ventilation.
Standard features included swiveling sun visors, coat hooks, assist straps, an automatic windshield washer, an overhead light, folding rear seats, and luggage space under the front hood and in a three-foot carpeted compartment behind the rear seats. A convertible top was optional.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1971 Volkswagen Beetle
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Apr 10, 2011
I absolutely love my 1971 beetle! A 40 year old car is quirky to say the
least, but she was owned by her original owner up until I bought her and
she runs like a champ. Thanks goodness he took such great care of her.
I'm absolutely in love with my car.Apr 10, 2011
by Pe P
Mar 01, 2011
is the best car ever built because is so reliable, maybe not even a fast car but with 40 years old it looks much better than many new cars, performance is good and fuel consumption, it´s a Volkswagen what else you need to knowMar 01, 2011
by Andrew H
Feb 20, 2010
Performance = FUN!
Build Quality = FUN!
Appearance = FUN!
Cost of Ownership = FUN!
Fun Factor = FUN!
What can I say....My First car.....a traffic cone orange 71 "Flat Screen" Bug with Banana Bumpers.....only those "in the know" know what I'm on about! The most fun I've ever had driving (and fixing) a car.....mine's personality was different from anyone one else's....as was everyone else's I know who ever owned one.....THE ABSOLUTE MOST AWESOME CAR EVER!!!!!! I would take one on the Pan-American or Mongol Rallye any day!!!
Tools required: Hammer, 3 screw drivers, one crowbar, bailing wire and gaffer tape......and they all fit in the glovebox!Feb 20, 2010
User rating:
by Anonymous
Apr 10, 2011
I absolutely love my 1971 beetle! A 40 year old car is quirky to say the
least, but she was owned by her original owner up until I bought her and
she runs like a champ. Thanks goodness he took such great care of her.
I'm absolutely in love with my car.Apr 10, 2011
by Pe P
Mar 01, 2011
is the best car ever built because is so reliable, maybe not even a fast car but with 40 years old it looks much better than many new cars, performance is good and fuel consumption, it´s a Volkswagen what else you need to knowMar 01, 2011
by Andrew H
Feb 20, 2010
Performance = FUN!
Build Quality = FUN!
Appearance = FUN!
Cost of Ownership = FUN!
Fun Factor = FUN!
What can I say....My First car.....a traffic cone orange 71 "Flat Screen" Bug with Banana Bumpers.....only those "in the know" know what I'm on about! The most fun I've ever had driving (and fixing) a car.....mine's personality was different from anyone one else's....as was everyone else's I know who ever owned one.....THE ABSOLUTE MOST AWESOME CAR EVER!!!!!! I would take one on the Pan-American or Mongol Rallye any day!!!
Tools required: Hammer, 3 screw drivers, one crowbar, bailing wire and gaffer tape......and they all fit in the glovebox!Feb 20, 2010
by Rami E
Apr 14, 2009
Just your run of the mill super beetle nothing special here. It has a stock 1600DP engine with a H30/31 carb and SVDA distributor. Cheap to drive and maintain an awesome car to own and gets looks and conversations started!!!! Sweeeeet.Apr 14, 2009
by Ryan L
Dec 24, 2008
i do not drive a stock 1971 VW bug. The car that i drive is modded to be a Baja style car. It has a decent lift and ride on 29 inch tires. The engine is mounted in the rear and is air cooled. I do not have vacume lines or an oil filter. No need for them . Though i do plan on adding an external oil cooler. Dec 24, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 21, 2008
The bug that we own is a beut. One of only a couple thousand made during the early 1970s, ours has a rounded front windshield, a sunroof, and a gold paintjob (which I guess was special for the time). I'll get more info up soon, but yeah.Mar 21, 2008
by John B
Mar 09, 2008
This little monster has made it up and down every trail that i've seen a jeep go up and it only has two wheel drive.Mar 09, 2008
by Mike En Nathalie F
Jan 09, 2008
Repainted winter 2006-7
Engine set in in ordre 2006
Real fun car with lots of history
And it realy is fun to drive open in summerJan 09, 2008
by Anonymous
Dec 13, 2007
Easy to work on. Easy to figure them out. Tough as a tank. Fun to drive.Dec 13, 2007
by Jonathan Y
Nov 05, 2007
Awesome car that couldn't go over 120kph without drafting and when I did that I blew a chunk out of the engine. Bought for $3100, sold for $700, loved every cent, kilometer and bit of it.Nov 05, 2007
by Anonymous
Jul 06, 2007
I brought the car after it was parked for 20 years. A new battery, starter, fuel pump and fuel line and I had it on the road.
That pretty much says it all.Jul 06, 2007
by Anonymous
May 22, 2007
I like my bug alot and wouldnt trade it for anything. my bug is my joy.May 22, 2007
1971 Volkswagen Beetle Pricing
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