Designed by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche in the thirties and constructed largely unchanged for nearly 50 years, he Volkswagen Beetle was initially inspired by America’s Ford Model T – an affordable ‘People’s Car’ of attractive design and reliable construction. Mass production, orldwide exportation, nd an unmistakable design made the tiny VW ‘Käfer’ an instant icon of popular culture.
In many ways, he seven years of VW history from 1958 to 1964 were perhaps the greatest. The conquest of the American market, trendsetting advertising campaign and the remarkable development of a worldwide chain of distributors all contributed to the Beetle’s surge in popularity. It was also during this period that the Beetle, car from overseas, ained widespread acceptance in the United States with a model that was much more practical than its predecessors. Motor Trend described it as a “…a car that breaks sharply with tradition, nd does so with undeniable competence.”
The Beetle presented here remains a very original, nmolested car with fabulous patina. It is a matching-numbers example with the correct series, 0-horsepower engine. The floors and panels are original and remain in excellent condition. Recently, he car benefited from a comprehensive restoration by Classic Showcase in California. After stripping the paint and body parts, he body was primered, ealed, ainted and sanded, hen buffed for a very shiny black gloss exterior finish. Each part was individually painted, s well. What’s more, his car has been professionally prepared, nspected and thoroughly gone over. It benefits from new rubber, rommets, ardware and seals, newly rebuilt carburetor and new tires, rim, indshield and starter as well as a correct, ew fuel pump and voltage regulator. All of the brightwork was redone and the original steering wheel was restored.
Other features include an oil bath air cleaner and an original Sapphire I Radio. In fact, he car still operates on an original 6-volt power system. It runs and drives wonderfully and was restored to a show driver level with a new roomy Salmon interior, eadliner and panels. All told, his may very well be one of the finest 1963 Volkswagen Beetle’s available on the market today.