1963 Volkswagen Beetle

Description

More than anything, old Beetles are about fun. There are a lot of cars that just take themselves too seriously, but this 1963 VW Beetle, with its roof rack and playful red interior, totally understands that being unique and entertaining doesn't necessarily mean a big price tag.

VW fans tend to separate the early cars (pre-1967) from the later cars, with the early cars remaining at the top of many fans' wish lists. In white, the familiar shape looks clean and utilitarian, just as the folks in Wolfsburg intended, and this little car is utterly devoid of pretense. Instead, it's simple, straight, and nicely finished so that you'll be pleased with the reactions you get every time you stop for gas or park it at a show. With the bigger headlights, the early cars are much more endearing, and the flat windshield and rubber running boards add a certain vintage appeal. The paint is better than you'd expect on a Beetle at this price, showing great gloss and a lot of extra effort in the prep so it fits together nicely. All the original trim remains in place, including the slender chrome bumpers and stainless side trim, and that lovely wooden luggage rack on the roof is just the kind of whimsical accessory that makes Beetles so much fun.

VW was able to make basic look great inside, too, with neatly tailored red seat covers piped in white for a bit of flash. Obviously most of the gear inside is new, including the door panels, headliner, and the rubber floor mats. Look a little closer and you'll find neat details like the tubular seat frames that are both light and strong, the single round speedometer (VWs are so reliable, no other gauges are needed, apparently), and the slender shift lever for the 4-speed gearbox. Interestingly, the speedo was made by VDO and appears to be in good original condition and is flanked by a rather rare AM/FM radio. Heck, even the white steering wheel looks great and the delicate emblem on the horn button is crisply rendered. The front trunk area is neatly carpeted and carries a vintage spare tire that that probably has a lot of history to tell.

The engine is an 1192 cc flat-four, and it's nice to see that it's still making the factory-specified 40 horsepower without the usual hop-up parts. It's easy to find your way around the engine bay, with the single carburetor up top, an original generator with Bosch regulator, and all the shrouds in place. It's not detailed for show, but in terms of reliability, it's hard to beat this simple machine. It starts quickly and easily, making that distinctive VW exhaust note, and once you master the rather vague shifter action, it's a fun car to drive. Experts will be happy with the condition of the mostly original undercarriage and an aftermarket oil filter was added for a bit of peace of mind. Slightly oversized chrome wheels with hubcaps and modern Kumho radials ensure a comfortable, safe ride.

Beetles are no longer disposable cars, and this nicely finished little Bug demonstrates the fun and practicality that made them a favorite around the world. Today, it's a great collector piece that makes friends everywhere it goes. Call today!