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The Sight Unseen Super Beetle - Owner: James Brubaker
Owning a classic Volkswagen often begins with a moment of inspiration, and for James Brubaker, that moment set off a search that stretched across states and months. What followed was a story of persistence, timing, and family teamwork that ultimately led to a rare Champagne Edition II Super Beetle convertible.
The journey toward owning a classic began with a nudge from a friend in the Old School Euros car club. After admiring a vibrant 1975 orange Super Beetle, the decision was made to sell a 1964 Ford Fairlane 500 and join the world of vintage Volkswagens. Finding the right car proved difficult, as four months of searching across Pennsylvania yielded nothing that met the necessary expectations. Everything changed in April 2024 when a 1978 Champagne Edition II convertible appeared on Facebook Marketplace, located all the way down in Orlando, Florida.
A stroke of luck connected the search with family travel plans. With son in law's parents already flying to Orlando, they were entrusted with power of attorney and a cashier's check. They met the seller at a bank to conduct a thorough inspection on behalf of a buyer who was still hundreds of miles away. After seeing the car in person, the feedback was immediate and enthusiastic. "Jim, you have to buy this car," Rob insisted after looking over the vehicle. Based on that high praise, the car was purchased sight unseen.
The drive from Orlando to Clearwater served as the car's first official victory lap. Instead of being picked up by their son, the parents took the wheel of the convertible for the two hour trip. The experience was unlike anything they expected as they navigated the Florida roads. "People were waving and honking their horns," they reported later. "We felt like movie stars." The attention from the community confirmed that this specific Volkswagen had a magnetic personality that resonated with everyone who saw it pass by.
Once the car arrived at its new home in Pennsylvania via a car hauler, the process of uncovering its history began. A request sent to Volkswagen in Germany returned a detailed information packet that tracked the car back to its origins. It was manufactured in June 1978 and originally arrived in Portland, Oregon, that December. From the Pacific Northwest to the Florida sun, and finally to the Northeast, the car had traveled across the entire continent before finding its place in this new garage.
This 1978 model is a rare find, being one of only 1,100 Champagne Edition II convertibles produced that year. While these were typically finished in Anaconda Blue Metallic or Peach Red Metallic, this particular car boasts a factory white interior and a sophisticated burl dashboard complete with a clock. A standout feature is the air conditioning, which was installed at the port of destination. Though it was originally fuel injected, the engine has recently been converted to a carburetor setup to keep it running smoothly for the road ahead.
With the keys finally in hand and the paperwork settled, the focus has shifted from searching to driving. The community of enthusiasts and the support of family made this long distance acquisition possible. There is a sense of pride in preserving such a specific piece of automotive history. "Hopefully we will enjoy taking road trips for many years to come," James says while looking forward to the many miles of open road and sunshine that await this classic convertible
