Volkswagen Bug enthusiasts will have their eyes glued to this cute little number when it crosses the block at the Mecum Houston Sale on April 2-4.

Among car enthusiasts, the original Volkswagen Beetle has long been regarded a cult favorite, which is a bit of a paradox, frankly. Since more than 21 million vehicles  were produced between 1938 and 2003—larger numbers, even, than the illustrious Model T Ford—Beetle owners must represent the largest so-called “cult” in history. So let’s just say that the Beetle is a distinctive vehicle with a character all its own, and that it has always had loyal followers. And now in the 21st century, VW Beetles have become desirable collectibles. Take this 1967 example in factory L456 Ruby Red, for instance.

Looking in on this Beetle’s cabin, above, we can almost hear the air-cooled flat four eagerly throbbing away and feel the rubbery four-speed manual shift lever in hand. According to the Mecum auction description, the Bright White leatherette interior is from West Coast Classics, a VW specialist firm, and there’s a Becker Europa AM/FM radio in the factory dash location. The Ruby Red exterior paint is one of seven colors offered on VW sedans that year.

The Beetle, or Type 1 as it was formally known at the home office back in Wolfsburg, was renowned for its lack of annual model changes, but there are still small and significant differences from year to year. For example. in 1967 the electrical system was upgraded from 6 volts to 12 volts and the headlamps were updated accordingly. However, the slim front and rear bumpers with tubular chrome overriders were retained, preserving the classic Beetle look. This example happens to be equipped with both the rare factory sunroof and an awesome accessory roof rack, an enjoyable conflict for the new owners to sort out as they choose.

MY1967 was also the first season in the USA for the 1500cc, 53 horsepower engine, a tangible performance improvement over the 1200cc, 40 hp and 1300cc, 51 hp flat fours previously offered. However, this particular Bug is a beast. It’s been kitted out  with a bored-and-stroked 2110 cc four with a pair of 44mm Weber IDA two-barrel carbs, a combination with the potential, the VW tuners say, to double the factory power rating. Modded engines are popular in the Beetle enthusiast community, enabling owners to keep up with contemporary traffic and enjoy their cars every day.

According to the auction house description, this VW has spent its life in dry and sunny Southern California, where Bugs have always enjoyed a large and loyal following. We’re not Beetle market experts by any means, and from what we can see, pricing tends to vary considerably with condition and equipment. We’ll just note that several pricing guides we consulted indicate that a ’67 Bug in top-notch condition is worth somewhere in the  $17,000 to $19,000 range. For that kind of money, the new owner of this Beetle will have an affordable and enjoyable collectible. –Photos courtesy of Mecum Auctions.