1963 VW Beetle Ragtop For Sale
This California based 1963 anthracite grey Beetle has the desirable factory sunroof
and a delightful patina. It also has a recent interior, all new rubber and a well done
performance drive train that makes it a very delightful driver.
The car was originally delivered in Anthracite grey but at some point was painted in blue.
A previous owner went deep into the major time sucking project of stripping back the
finish to reveal as much of the original grey as possible. Spots of primer as well as spots of blue
paint remain, and the finish was polished up to give it a very unique overall look.
The car has also been fitted with some fun accessories,
Another fun part about this car is that its current owner is actor Ewan McGregor.
Ewan is a lifetime VW nut, from riding as a child in his parents Beetle to his first car as a teen which was also a Beetle.
He has owned this one for a couple years and has had significant work done to it at great expense
but has decided that his collection has grown a bit too large and is trimming it down to the ones that he enjoys the most.
This and two other VWs from his collection are being listed here on Oldbug.
Documentation of the ownership comes with the car of course for those folks that are fans of his connection.
With a long list of film credits including Star Wars and other mega-fan institutions, there is quite the fan based.
Aside from that he is a very cool dude and is fanatical about his cars.
There is a bit more of the blue remaining towards the back of the car,
perhaps the one who did the stripping just grew tired of the process
and just slacked off towards the back. Its kinda cool though and certainly a part of the cars history.
The joy of seeing it in its patinated form here is that the original body shows its solidity and just how straight it is.
There is nothing hiding under fresh paint, what you see here is what it is.
Certainly a new owner could refinish to their desire but the fade and the history has a cool factor to it.
VW logo mudflaps are just one of the neat accessories added to the car during its refurbishment.
In this pic you can see a bit of the shine down the side of the car...the body is really nice on the car.
Stainless roof rack is another added accessory and of course the desirable factory sunroof below
with an excellent black canvas sunroof cover.
The car sits pretty much at stock height suspension wise and rolls on slightly oversized tires.
The front suspension is adjustable, so the new owner can play with ride height and wheels
to suit their desire. I believe when Ewan got the car it was dropped low with different tires.
All the window rubber, door seals, window scrapers, etc were replaced during the rehab.
A bit of surface rust coming through on the high spots, but no notable rust damage to the metal.
Headlight grilles and fog lights add to the character of the car.
Adjustable front beam and disc brakes !
Very solid original chassis and floor pans
Definitely a car with a history of dry climate...she's solid!
Fatter exhaust tips give it a much beefier than stock engine note.
1904cc performance engine is a strong runner and fires up quickly.
This really gives the little Beetle the get up and go that one needs to keep up in the fast paced world of today.
Dual carbs with hex bar linkage. All quite fresh and clean back here.
While we dont have documentation of how many miles on the engine since installation
it looks like its pretty minimal.
12 volt alternator
Aluminum crank pulley.
Nice original paint under the engine lid.
Clean rear apron and overall a very tidy engine compartment.
Inside the patina game changes with new seat upholstery, headliner and carpets.
Original door panels remain as well as quite clean and glossy original paint on the dash and doors.
Restored steering wheel and a couple cool accessories below.
Radio block off plate keeps the dash looking super simple and clean.
More in the interior later in the pics.
Very straight and solid in the spare tire well
The original paint code sticker is still present and readable
Nice clean apron and original spare wheel with trim ring.
Original paint under the hood.
New trunk liner
Back inside the new headliner is well fit and the sunroof operates smoothly.
1963 was the first year for the pin point vinyl headliner...previous years had a wool cloth.
Seaty upholstery is excellent, as well as the German square weave carpets.
New seat belts installed at all seating positions as well.
Original door panels are pretty darn nice!
Nice drink caddy, storage basket
Very cool metal mesh parcel tray
Original VW key
Nice clean owners manual
Love the dash with no radio!
Steering wheel is very nice
Vintage Speed performance shifter.
Nice rubber floor mats too and new grey tunnel mat.
Back outside you can see the shine and the wear thru...very straight body.
Black California plates are registered to the car through the "Year of Manufacture" program.
Clean title and current registration.
Glass is all very nice and new window rubbers with the proper trim in place.
Gotta love a sunroof car!
The car has a great character to it just the way it sits.
Humble and un-assuming, but well sorted and very clean ...plus the big engine and improved performance.
Tires are like new
New window scrapers and felts
Another detail pic of the cool roof rack and nice canvas sunroof
Like a well worn in pair of your favorite jeans...I totally get why the patina look is so popular.
No worries about scratches or door dings, no ego or stress of perfection...it just is what it is
and shows its age and history proudly.
In closing this is a really neat car. Great color combo, very solid original example with
very nice professionally done upgrades and refurb work. Add to that the fun celebrity connection
and its a conversation piece wherever you go with it.
Asking
$20,000
For More Info...CALL
951 795-1175
or Email oldbug@earthlink.net