If you compiled a list of the ten most influential cars of the 20th Century, the Ford Model T and the original Volkswagen Beetle would make the grade. They may have emerged from opposite sides of the globe and in entirely different eras in automotive history, but the project philosophy remained the same: Their creators envisaged them as affordable transport for the masses. This 1963 Beetle needs love to return to its former glory. However, it is a solid foundation for a project build that could allow its new owner to be truly hands-on. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Riverside, California. They set their auction to open at $6,300 with No Reserve to muddy the water.

The Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most recognized vehicles ever produced. Aerodynamic efficiency played an enormous part in its styling, designed to counter the car’s lack of engine power. Volkswagen hit upon a winning formula, and the shape evolved only relatively slightly between the post-war years and the moment when the final car left the factory in 2003. The first owner ordered this Beetle in 1963, choosing to have its interior finished in subtle Anthracite. The seller believes the paint may be original, and its overall appearance supports that belief. It isn’t perfect, but it holds a warm glow. The panels have a few minor dings, none of which warrant steel replacement. Perhaps the best news hides beneath the surface. Life in a favorable climate has protected the floor pans from typical rust, and the car’s underside shows only dry surface corrosion. The exception is the area beneath the battery, which has rotted. A patch would be the most straightforward and affordable solution, and one that many potential buyers would probably consider. The trim generally looks acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle, and the glass is clear.

The engineering principles Volkswagen used to design the Beetle were quite advanced by the standards of the day. Placing the engine at the back moved most of the noise, smell, and heat as far as possible from the car’s occupants. This is one area that remained almost entirely unchanged during the Beetle’s production life, as the company saw no reason to reinvent the wheel. This car’s 1,192cc air-cooled flat-four once sent 40hp to the road via a four-speed manual transaxle. I use the past tense because the seller states that the motor hasn’t run for six months. They installed a new starter, but the four refuses to play ball. They believe the culprit may be the fuel or the spark, though they haven’t delved deeply into the problem. However, the motor turns freely, which is an encouraging sign.

With affordability the primary concern, life inside a Beetle wasn’t what many would term lavish. A minimal gauge cluster and a heater were as good as it got for most buyers. However, this classic scores points with its factory radio, and somebody has added a dash-mounted clock. I would classify this interior as serviceable, since the seats are free from major flaws or imperfections. However, the door trims look tired, the headliner is failing, and the kick panels are missing. Therefore, a complete retrim would be the best solution to achieve a high-end result. This is a surprisingly affordable process, because appropriate kits typically retail for under $1,500.

There was a time during the 1980s when buyers could purchase a 1963 Beetle for only a few hundred dollars. Those days are a distant memory, as the Beetle has become another automotive must-have. Pristine examples typically command impressive prices, and the foundations are in place for this one to meet that standard. The auction opening figure is realistic, and it is worth noting that while the listing statistics are healthy, they haven’t translated into genuine action. Therefore, it is possible that someone could become its new owner with a single bid. That must make this listing worth monitoring.