Three decades of use isn't bad for a $150 car
Commuting can be a drag. Helping to make Dick Zittler's Hoffman Estates-to-downtown haul enjoyable was a lovable 1964 VW Beetle.
He used it for several years during the late 1970s and into the early '80s.
"It was quite easy to park and regularly got 50 miles to the gallon," Zittler said.
The only folks who didn't care for his micro machine were his co-workers. "Everyone made fun of me when they'd see me drive by."
That negativity didn't squash his Bug enthusiasm. What did was its quickly deteriorating condition.
"Coming home one night on the expressway, the battery fell out from under the seat," he recalls. "I heard a big 'thunk' and then saw it bounce across the lanes in my rearview mirror."
That V-dub finally fell apart and sadly bit the dust. However, its timing was perfect: Dick had just found something else that caught his eye. His family had an insurance agent who drove a Karmann Ghia coupe.
"I asked him for a ride and found it to be really sporty," Zittler said. He was set on finding one and soon was scouring the suburbs for a convertible. But nothing turned up.
On a whim and perhaps a tinge of nostalgia, he responded to an ad selling a mustard-colored 1969 VW Beetle. The car was located in Hoffman Estates and quite a piece of work. Stair treads held the tattered top together and the fenders were heavily dented.
Zittler was told to never open the top because "You won't get it closed again." Before going on a test drive, the seller dumped in a quart of oil and sent Dick on his way around the block.
"I got back and could see a solid stream on the pavement where it had all leaked out," Zittler said. Yet the seller was eager (dare we say desperate) and asked Dick to make a hasty offer.
"Half serious, I said I considered it worth about $150. Right away he said 'SOLD!' "
Zittler drove it home and began getting it shined up. He replaced all four fenders with fiberglass units and had the "ugly yellow" paint replaced with GM Classic White. Electronic ignition was added, along with new bumpers, radio, seat covers, stainless steel running boards and a windshield.
The 1,600-cubic-centimeter engine was rebuilt to accept unleaded fuel. Other than the engine overhaul and paint, Dick completed all the work himself.
"I've always liked VWs for being easy to work on," Dick said. "Parts are cheap and easy to find."
And while he delayed looking for his dream Ghia 34 years ago, he eventually found one in 2009. He purchased a cherry red 1972 convertible and has added that to his VW collection. Still, the '69 Beetle won't be going anywhere.
"My wife says it's such a cute car. Why get rid of it?"
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