Wilma McKay was a loyal Volkswagen buyer when she went into a VW dealership 47 years ago and bought a brand-new Super Beetle convertible.
The stylish little German drop top became a family legacy vehicle because Wilma’s daughter Tanara is now the proud owner of the Super Beetle.
Jim Sutherland
1979 was the last year of production in Germany for the famous VW Beetle, arguably one of the most famous production cars this side of the Model T. The Beetle would continue production in other countries like Mexico, but Wilma purchased one of the last convertible models built in Germany.
Wilma pampered her ‘79 Super Beetle because the little car was stored inside and did not have to face winter months in the northeastern United States, so it avoided the ravages of salted roads and cold weather.
In fact, the car was very pampered because Wilma only racked up about 1800 miles during her long period of ownership. The Super Beetle was virtually in showroom condition when Wilma’s daughter Tanara became the car’s second owner.
Tanara was well-acquainted with her mother’s loyalty to the Volkswagen brand and grew up with them in her younger years, including her mother’s last Beetle, namely the 1979 VW Super Beetle convertible.
Tanara had married a rancher named Tony Martin and moved out to Montana when she became the Super Beetle’s second owner. The convertible was kept in storage for a long time, so they had to replace the gas tank because it had been corroded by old fuel and would have presented serious mechanical issues to the engine.
Speaking of engines, a 1979 Super Beetle had the most powerful and efficient factory version of the famous VW air-cooled engine at the time because it was equipped with fuel injection, but it only produced about 49 (net SAE) horsepower, according to Tony.
Nevertheless, Tony said the Super Beetle can reach 70 mph on the highway and is “fun to drive” in his words. However, the car still has its original tires, so he and Tanara prefer to keep it off highways unless it’s on a trailer. However, they have added about 300 miles to the car’s odometer under Tanara’s watch.
The Super Beetle convertible still has its original (and unique) windshield washer system that draws its pressure from the spare tire instead of a pump. The convertible’s retractable roof has electrically heated rear glass designed to defrost the back window, although it was clearly never used by its first owner.
Volkswagen Super Beetles were the ultimate versions of the famous Bugs at the time, so Tanara’s is also equipped with a day/night mirror, as well as a factory radio. Her 1979 VW Super Beetle is an amazing example of an ultimate survivor car and still looks like it just left the showroom.
As mentioned, Tanara is only the second owner of this unique family heirloom and has no desire to sell it, given the Super Beetle’s strong link to her mother. In fact, she intends to give the car to her own daughter in the future to ensure it remains in the family.
Sounds like a very solid game plan to us here at MyStarCollectorCar.
Jim Sutherland
BY: Jim Sutherland
Jim Sutherland is a veteran automotive writer whose work has been published by many major print and online publications. The list includes Calgary Herald, The Truth About Cars, Red Deer Advocate, RPM Magazine, Edmonton Journal, Montreal Gazette, Windsor Star, Vancouver Province, and Post Media Wheels Section.
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