1976 Volkswagen Brasilia

Don't buy this car! First of all there are only (estimated) 20 or less of these in the US right now, which means when you roll up at a show everyone will need to ask you questions. You will probably never see another in person so you will be unique, different, and rare. You will not be able to get gas or go through a drive thru without having to explain the car. It's like the pure hell rock stars go through. Not for the timid or those who want to blend into the scenery. Do you think you handle being in a ride as unique as this? Then read on.This is Blu. She is a Brazilian built 1976 Brasilia. Brasilia's were also built in Mexico, (which is what most in the US are), making this particular car even more valuable. The car was featured in an 8 page spread in VolksAmerica #11 and a copy of the magazine will be provided to the winning buyer (along with some spare Brasilia parts). I took the car to California in 2018, where it won second in class at El Prado (not too shabby since it was filled with swap meet finds and not even opened up), it was also in a small picture in Hot VW's coverage of the 2018 Bug In. The car has won specialty awards at Circle Yer Wagens,(over 500 mile round trip) as well as Mid-America's FunFest. (500 mile round trip) The car has been in storage while I worked on other projects for the past 2 seasons and a month or so ago I pulled it out to get ready to show at my club's car show (V-Dub Derby, Classic VW Club of Louisville (I'm the Vice-President)). I pulled the engine and transaxle to address a couple leaks, and to give it a tune-up, oil change, valve adjustment, new fuel lines, etc. This car has always been one of the best running VW's I have ever owned, and it did not disappoint once I was able to focus back on it. This season Blu and I attended the SIVF Show in Huntingburg Indiana where it placed. (approx 200 mile round trip) Then to The V-Dub Derby (where it was display only since Officer cars are ineligible) and September 26th I drove her to the VW Reunion, hosted by the Cincy VW Club, where it won the coveted "Best Aircooled" award. (approx 250 mile round trip). On October 8th it will be at Euro District in Jeffersonville Indiana, you are welcome to view the car there, or in person before hand by contacting me. It is available to view any time, heck I drove it to work today. If I didn't have 5 VW's and 4 parking spaces I would never sell this car.  Speaking of driving it, I drive Blu a lot. For the 2018 and much of 2019 it was everywhere, including as my daily around town car in nice weather. It is a very nice driver, and with its underpinnings (similar to a Karmann Ghia) it is much more comfortable than a beetle. The Brasilia was originally designed and released in 1974 to combat the new Chevy Chevette that began stealing some of the aging Beetles market share in Brazil. This 1976 example is considered a MK1 version, which means it gets the prettier, early bumpers and lights. By comparison to the later models, the MK1's really capture the proper design elements. OK, so what about Blu?  Engine: 1600cc, with factory dual carburetors. The engine is actually an upright design, much like a beetle, but with a low profile fan shroud and special tins that do not have the heater ducting (Brasilias were not offered with heat, so they do not have any of the heat provisions). It has an electronic ignition, a Miller exhaust and runs very well. My last trip to Cincinnati was an average speed of 70mph and it was a happy camper.Transmission: A leaking nose cone was what put Blu into storage but was recently pulled and resealed. There was about 4 drops of gear oil under the car the morning after getting back from the last trip, on the drivers side at the axle seal. It is the first time I have noticed anything since the reseal, and I checked it at work today and it is dry under the car. Brazilian transaxles are the same units sold here as heavy duty rhino cases. The shifter is a Scat Dragfast, very short throw but has been a favorite of mine since the 80's. Suspension/brakes/tires: adjustable stock width front beam and Valley Auto Werks rear drop plates. car rides well especially given the height. I just replaced the two rear tires (were 195/60's) with a pair of good 165's because the others were showing some wear.  Front tires are 155/60's with good tread.  One of the unique things about this car is the drum rear with factory disc brakes up front.  car stops very well with little effort on the pedal.  Wheels are 15x5.5 fully polished Sprint Stars.  Spare wheel is a stock steelie, included but not in the pictures.Body:  Blu wears a factory shade called "Azul", which while sounding pretty sexy literally translates to "blue", (They named the whole car after the Brazilian capitol, so obviously the guy in charge of naming stuff was phoning it in). It was painted with what appears to be lacquer and has a great finish, the panel between the hood and the windshield has a few minor cracks in the paint consistent with  a lacquer finish.  I have about half a quart of the paint that will go with the car also for any touch ups.  The car actually slipped off the floor jack when I was getting ready to lower it and it did result in a small repair on the passenger side, down low, in front of the rear wheel.  Both the torsion cover and the aluminum trim go over the affected area and the repair isn't noticeable until pointed out.  I used a color matched spray can (mixed at a local auto paint supplier) for the repair.  My intention was to save the actual paint and someday spray in the cowl and the lower panel, but the issues are really to minor to even mess with at this point.  I just received new side molding stainless trim and all new lenses, headlight surrounds (also includes a set of color matched surrounds and a few other new lense variations).  I ordered 3 colors of front turn signal lenses, two sets of rears (red and orange) as well as new bulb housings, all of which will be included in the sale.  I also have a set of stainless rain guards that are not installed, but will be included.  I have replaced the door handles and rear hatch push button, new keys are included for all locks.Interior: factory pattern seat covers were replaced when restored.  New rubber matts were ordered from Brazil and show as new.  The center console is Brasilia specific and is a new addition.  Door panels are excellent with the drivers door pocket having a small separation inside (not visible, easy fix, but I try not to put small stuff in it.)  Brasilia factory wheel has been replaced with a more familiar beetle style wheel which helps folks identify the car, but the original wheel will be included as well.  Seat belt holders are another recent accessory addition.  Factory shoulder belts are present and function properly.  Fresh air inlet box operates properly, allowing air to the windshield to combat fogging, or into to cabin to aid in cooling occupants, or both for those times when you are stuck in the hot rain forests of South America. Electrical:  All lights, turn signals, emergency signals and wipers work as they should.  Car has an electronic ignition, and an alternator, both of which work properly.  Carbs have electric chokes, but I have never hooked them up.  Car starts easily and idles well.  The Miller exhaust has a good tone, and makes the car seem more aggressive than its 1600cc's. Dash lights and radio (Bosch) all work, although the speaker is junk.  I don't listen to the radio when I drive so I have had no reason to upgrade.  The fuel gauge functions but is not accurate.  Half is full, and empty is empty.  A common VW issue that would probably be corrected with a new sender, but again is more character then I deemed necessary to fix.  With so little to do on ol' Blu maybe it's something you want to do?  Also the headlights work fine (low and high beam, plus a very cool running light feature).Restoration:  The entire car was blown apart, the last 2 NOS front fenders were used, and the car was totally gone through in Brazil.  I had a file with over 100 pictures of the restoration that I have since lost, but will add if I can locate.  The restoration was done with keeping the car in mind as opposed to flipping it so it does not have the typical "filler restoration" many cars coming from Brazil have.  One look at the construction and you know its a quality piece.  Let's be honest here, many cars from Brazil get a bad rep because of poor quality restorations.  This one was done better than most of the work performed here in the States.  Sure you could send off a check to some unknown broker, arrange your own shipping and figure out how to do all the paperwork yourself and roll the dice on what the quality will be once (if) it actually shows up, OR, you can skip all that mess and get Blu. Already here on a clear Kentucky title, no weird translations or risky money transfers needed, and available to be viewed at your leisure.The bad stuff:  There is a very small bubble under the passenger taillight. The front cowl has some minor paint checking, the dash pad has a couple cracks, there was a leak at the brake fluid reservoir that let brake fluid run down to the bottom of the spare tire well, which got under some of the paint at the bottom.  Not visible with spare installed (which is why I didn't see it before. Easy touch up with supplied paint) Horn doesn't work.  Speedo works but could use lubrication, is currently unhooked until I get around to it, but being in KMH and having the shorter tires it's not like it was ever accurate anyway. Cable is new.  Would take very little to go full bore show car if you desired.The car is located in Louisville KY.  I will help load if you are having a transport company pick it up.  I have sold cars out of country before and have no issues doing that again.  Of course all funds must clear before I release the car to anyone.  I am not really looking for trades as the only reason to sell is a lack of space.  However, if you have a nice bay dual cab, split dual cab or split panel,( maybe a low light ghia? Idk)may be interested in trading you Blu and a very nice, mostly original 1962 sedan together for it. Feeling Blu – VolksAmerica & VolksMania MagazinesYouTube walk around  video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMyQ4eHnyfgWhat else is there to say?  I don't know, but if you have any questions just send me a message.  Blu is a great car and I want to be up front about all of it.  I am happy to provide any additional information.  A$500 non refundable deposit is required within 48 hours, full payment before pickup, within 7 days.

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