The history of the “people’s car” is rooted in Adolf Hitler’s Germany. The Nazi party’s successor to the country’s labor unions – aka the German Labour Front – founded Volkswagen in 1937 after Hitler ordered that a cheap, mass-produced car should be made for German citizens. A savings plan was created to ease acquisition of the new car, but despite eager participation, not one car was delivered to prospective owners under the program. In fact, only a few cars were produced at all before war broke out in 1939. But at the war’s conclusion in 1945, VW made up for lost time: almost 22 million Beetles hit the roads worldwide over a 65-year manufacturing run, turning the Beetle into the second best-selling car in history. Here on eBay is a denizen of this historical success, a 1963 VW Beetle in running condition but with mild needs. This VW is bid to $4150, reserve not met, and it’s located in Eden, Utah.
For 1963, the Beetle was delivered with the same 1192 cc air-cooled flat-four that was available in 1954, except that ignition and other improvements nudged output to 34 hp. The Beetle’s hitchy four-speed manual transaxle remained a constant, with upgrades in 1961 when shifting was synchro’d, and all along the way as the clutch diameter increased. The seller suggests that before considering this Beetle roadworthy, it will need brake work.
The interior is worn – with the upholstery simply missing off the rear seats, and the headliner in need of replacement. That’s an after-market steering wheel but originals are not hard to find. The floors are rust-free, as are the heat passages, but forward of the driver’s running board is a rust hole. The car was originally red; vestiges of the original paint can still be seen in the trunk. The radio is missing, and the horn has a short. But the headlamps, tail lamps, and gas gauge all work. The roof rack only looks vintage, but it’s attractive!
Much controversy surrounds the question: who designed the Beetle? We used to think Ferry Porsche was responsible for its lines, but he was buddies with Hans Ledwinka over at Tatra, as was Hitler. The similarities between the rear-engined Tatra 97 and the Beetle can’t be denied, and Porsche admitted that the two “looked over each other’s shoulders”. Meanwhile, other engineers had created their own “people’s cars”, including Jaray, Ganz, and Barényi – most of which resembled the Beetle. No matter who designed it, the Beetle was immensely popular and remains so today – with price part of its appeal. Very fine Beetles from the early 1960s can be had for $20k and sometimes less. This seller might want to consider lifting his reserve to encourage a new owner to perform the work required to bring this one to the next level.
I’d like to begin this awesome post with a bit of a hitch. I happen to know, the 1st paragraph is going to be offensive to some. In defense of the author, it’s tough to describe the history of a VW, and not include the words used, those words are still extremely offensive, and probably should not be used. I realize what I said about how unfairly Germany was treated, and we’ve made great strides, but in these times, where it’s so important not to offend anyone, it’s still out there. It’s okay, I’ve accepted the past as just that. With as many view this site, best to be cool.
So,,,the ’63 Bug was nothing special, Bug-wise. Quick correction( I hate this) this Bug is all over the place. 1st, it’s a 1200 and usually 40hp. and the 1300 decklid is from 1966. Amber turn signals came out late ’63, most had white, the ’63 had an improved fresh(er) air heating system and muffler, still worthless, and a gas gauge was now standard( ’62). Wrong headlights for a ’63, in fact, I might go so far as to say, this might be a ’67? Whachootink?