- The late actor and driver Paul Newman's 1963 Volkswagen Beetle convertible, which was transformed into an Indy-worthy racecar, is for sale for $250,000.
- Newman hired Indycar builder Jerry Eisert to transform the Bug, adding a mid-mounted 351-cubic-inch Ford Windsor V8 engine that pumps out 300 horsepower and takes up the entire backseat.
- Newman and his special Beetle appeared in VW advertisements together.
TEMECULA, California — The late actor and driver Paul Newman's souped-up 1963 Volkswagen Beetle convertible, which was transformed into an Indy-worthy racecar, is for sale for $250,000.
The so-called Newman Bug is no ordinary Beetle. The legendary actor hired renowned Indycar builder Jerry Eisert to transform it into a racing machine. Eisert installed a mid-mounted 351-cubic-inch Ford Windsor V8 engine, pumping out 300 horsepower, that takes up the entire backseat. It is coupled with a five-speed ZF transmission, with additional suspension parts to keep it stable at high speeds, as well as radiators under the front and rear hoods.
Newman had the special Beetle built after falling in love with racing while filming Winning. He loved the car so much that he appeared in VW advertisements with this convertible.
The actor later donated his one-off Bug to the Chaffey College auto shop in Alta Loma, California, where more work was done, adding school colors to the paint job and four Keystone chrome rims. When the college closed its racing program, department head Sam Contino purchased the VW. Contino and his son started more work on the car and planned to show Newman the re-refurbished Bug, including removing the school colors to return it to its original red, but the actor died before they finished.
The VW is being sold by Contino through Oldbug.com. For more pictures and information, visit the seller's online ad.
Inside Line says: It'll take a stack of cash to purchase Paul Newman's unique Bug. — Rene Wisely, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
openeyes1 says:
08:25 PM, 05/13/2011
A Classy Car for a one heck of a Classy Actor and Racer, R.I.P. Paul Newman, they'll never be another one like you!
wjtinatl says:
06:29 AM, 05/13/2011
Imagine the sound and sensation of that 351 only 12 inches from your right ear! No baffle, glass, insulated cover... has to be unbelievably loud.
powell_jr says:
11:33 AM, 05/12/2011
Old news. Thats been on Oldbug.com for atleast a month now.
roscoe108 says:
09:17 AM, 05/12/2011
Nice Bug! They should remake 'Winning,' starring Charlie Sheen driving around in this car. Drunk. And coked out.