Vehicle 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 period accessories and playful demeanor, 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 medium blue, 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 10-year-old 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. This Bug is also
loaded up with accessories and rare options like pop-out rear
windows, headlight visors, bumper guards, gravel guards, and turn
signals mounted on the B-pillar.
VW was able to make basic look great inside, too, with neatly
tailored cream 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 correct German square-weave carpets.
Look a little closer and you'll find neat details like reclining
seats that are both light and strong, the big, round speedometer
with the gas gauge next to it (instead of inside it), 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 radio. Heck, even the white
steering wheel looks great and is wrapped in a matching leather
wrap. A jaunty storage rack under the dash is another neat
accessory and the front trunk area is neatly carpeted and carries a
matching spare tire assembly.
The engine is an 1200 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. Rebuilt about 5000 miles ago, it starts quickly and
easily, making that distinctive VW exhaust sound, and once you
master the rather vague shifter action, it's a very fun car to
drive. Experts will note that it has been converted to 12 volts
using a Porsche generator, but otherwise it's quite stock. You will
also be happy with the condition of the undercarriage, which is
clean but not so perfect you can't drive it regularly. Painted
steel wheels with simple chrome hubcaps look great and 165R15
whitewall radials that 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!
