It’s 1960s week here at Brokelyn, what with the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, starting on Saturday, and the return of Mad Men on Sunday night. We’re going full bore on both fronts, first, with a search for some Woodstock-worthy wheels.
Nothing says “I embrace free love and flower power” like a ’69 Volkswagen, and so I spent the past week clicking my way through vintage car sites to find one. Turns out ’69 Volkswagens aren’t so easy to come by on the East Coast, and those that actually run aren’t so cheap either. Here, the results of my search: seven VW bugs and buses, almost all within 200 miles of Brooklyn and ranging in price from $400 to $6,000.
Cambria Heights, Queens: $400
The closest VW, a convertible Beetle located in Cambria Heights, Queens, is also the cheapest—just $400. Unfortunately it doesn’t run. But I’m sure you can think of some wonderfully creative use for it. Just look at those kids who turned a Dumpster into a swimming pool. Why not make it the centerpiece of your Woodstock Anniversary Backyard BBQ? Or turn it into yard art! Besides, this year “rust” is the new black.
Nassau County: $4,000
If you want something that you can drive home, you’ll have to travel a little farther afield, say Nassau County. A guy named Anthony is willing to part with his adorable baby blue Beetle for $4,000. It even has a roof rack just begging to be heaped with camping gear and a sunroof. Stargazing, anyone?
New Jersey: $3,535
Looking for something a little sportier? You might try the ’69 VW Beetle convertible for sale in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. This white car with a black top looks stellar, but the seller says it’s a “work in progress.” Careful! This may be code for “doesn’t run.” If so, the asking price—$3,535—seems a little high.
Connecticut: $6,000 bug and $3,000-plus van
Connecticut, also known as the “Land of Steady Habits,” boasts a taxicab yellow Beetle for $6,000 (above) and a “Westy” camper bus (below) complete with a flip-down table and cots (the top bid on Ebay is currently $3,051).
Pennsylvania: $1,500 bug
Pennsylvania has a yellow Beetle with a newish engine and only a little rust (current bid $1,500).
Georgia: $2,000 camper
I was going to stop there, but this one is just too perfect. If you can find your way to Georgia, you can get a well-loved ’69 VW camper bus in Woodstock, a town of 10,000 just north of Atlanta. The bus, which is admittedly a bit forlorn-looking, is selling for $2,000. But according to the ad, it goes 65 miles an hour, so you should have no problem getting it home.
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i can't watch mad men cause brokelyn told me to get rid of cable.