In the present day’s Good Value or No Cube VW is notable each for its rarity (when was the final time you noticed a 412?) and for the notoriety of sharing its motor with the Porsche 914. Let’s see if this survivor sedan is notably priced as nicely.
Talking of notes, fairly a couple of of you famous that yesterday’s 2003 Saturn LW300 was a automotive that one usually buys for want, reasonably than need. That practicality prolonged to the Saturn’s price ticket, which at $3,995 earned the wagon a stellar 93 % Good Value win.
It’s protected to say that, at one time, again within the day, immediately’s 1973 Volkswagen 412 was additionally supposed as a sensible automotive. Its “Huge Beetle” structure permits for a fairly capacious inside in addition to a large-ish trunk within the automotive’s awkwardly prolonged nostril. Sadly for Volkswagen, the 412 — which was a calmly warmed-over version of the previous 411 — was the improper automotive on the improper time, because the competitors was already making VW’s air-cooled, rear-engined automobiles look anachronistic. VW would reply the decision to modernize its midsize with first the NSU-designed K70 after which the in-house effort Passat/Dasher.
That makes this 412 one thing of an oddity. Including to that distinctive character is the drivetrain which consists of a 1.8-liter Bosch D-Jetronic fuel-injected flat-four and a reasonably uncommon for the time three-speed automated.
Some enjoyable get together info are that the 79-horsepower engine was shared with the Porsche 914 and that the 412’s styling revamp over the 411 was dealt with by none apart from Brooks Stevens, notable designer of the whole lot from Harley Davidsons to the Jeep Wagoneer and even the Miller Beer brand.
Volkswagen made the 412 obtainable in three bodystyles — a two-door fastback, two-door Squareback, and, as evidenced by this automotive, a four-door fastback. Except for numerous Kind 2 busses, the 411/412 sedan was the primary four-door automotive VW provided in America.
Missing a hatch and having a reasonably tall engine compartment regardless of the “flat” nature of the 4 within the again means this automotive gives much less utility than the Squareback version. It considerably makes up for that by having these 4 doorways, which makes rear seat entry quite a bit simpler together with the additional advantage of getting 4 home windows that may roll down.
Based on the advert, the automotive comes with simply 99,501 miles on the clock. The vendor describes it as being “not good, however general, it is extremely good for its age.” The perfection-marring points start with some ratty upholstery on the entrance seats, masked considerably by a pair of Harbor Freight shifting blankets. Geez, is there something these discount blankets can’t do?
One other situation is what seems to be bubble-wrapped solar visors which additionally show eye-insulting. Aside from these offenders, nonetheless, the inside seems clear and serviceable.
Extra egregious, nonetheless, is the bodywork on the nostril. Based on the advert, the automotive was concerned in a shunt that hasn’t been correctly repaired, simply pounded out. It doesn’t look to be dreadful, although the hood is misaligned and that might result in water egress if not addressed. A brand new bumper may also seemingly be wanted as straightening out the dent within the present one would in all probability pop the plating off.
On the plus aspect, the automotive has new rotors and pads up in entrance and recent footwear and drums out in again. The engine has a couple of new seals and extra notably, new gasoline injectors. One other enjoyable get together truth on these engines is that there are literally 5 gasoline injectors, with the extra one hanging out on the consumption confluence to assist with chilly begins. A couple of different new elements fill out the record of laudable updates.
That’s apparently not all of the automotive wants, nonetheless, as the vendor claims it has minor particulars that have to be sorted out. It has a clear title and apparently runs nicely sufficient to troll the neighborhood automotive meets as evidenced by the varied location photographs within the advert.
As a novel little bit of VW historical past, this 412 appears a strong contender, regardless of its apparent shortcomings. Is it a automotive for everyone? Properly, no. Regardless of the “Folks’s Automobile” model, that is seemingly solely going to resonate with essentially the most keen and invested VW collectors and individuals who recognize bizarre automobiles. One other requirement of a brand new proprietor will likely be a checking account with at the very least $5,500 floating about since that’s the vendor’s opening demand.
What’s your tackle this odd-bodkin of a VW and that $5,500 asking? Does that appear like a good deal to expertise what some individuals name “VW’s Edsel?” Or, does the required sorting-out demand a considerably cheaper price?
You resolve!
Fb Market out of Portland, Oregon, or go right here if the advert disappears.
Assist me out with NPOND. Hit me up at [email protected] and ship me a fixed-price tip. Bear in mind to incorporate your Kinja deal with.