1963 Volkswagen Variant (Squareback) For Sale
The Type 3 VW line has become a real hot property in the scene in recent
years and the population of good solid, honest original survivors seem
to have dried up over night. Years ago we had quite a few come through the shop
and website, but in recent times its been slim picking...especially for the earliest examples.
This rare 1963 Variant is a very uncommon model in the US as it represents the
true "base model" of the line. No body trim, painted reflector bases out back, single carburetor engine
and so on. These early examples were not imported to the US in great quantity at all.
It really wasnt until 1966 that VW of America really pushed the model line and sold cars
widely through the dealer network.
This car comes with its Certificate of Authenticity from VW that tells the story.
Produced on May 27th 1963 and delivered to the MAHAG VW distributor
in Munich Germany. The car must have come to the US through an independent importer
or private party, but it landed in California where it has been its whole life.
An original German sales brochure accompanies the car as well as an original
period correct luggage rack for the roof and a clean California title.
The car remains cosmetically all original and unrestored.
Its original Pearl White paint has faded through to a neat patina.
The original upholstery still remains in place as well.
This would be a prime car to fully polish and leave as is, or if you
wanted to restore it to showroom condition it is a truly dreamy basis for that.
The front seat upholstery has been hidden under covers for years, but remains in place.
New carpet was installed at some point and the floors were cleaned and treated
and finished with Por15 to keep them solid for the future.
The lowback seats and cool vinyl and cloth combo is really neat.
Nice to see it all original like this.
The dash pad has been replaced or recovered, but the instruments are all original as are the door panels and all controls.
The accessory horn ring was added by the current owner but the original remains with the car as well.
Rock solid original body and chassis on this one!
A scant bit of surface rust but no signs of true rust or any past repairs.
Never hit, never painted, nothing to hide.
Chassis and pans are impressively solid!
Even the rear apron looks mega straight
Original jack and tools, original trunk liner intact.
Just a super straight and solid survivor.
Door gaps and such are excellent.
Body has a few dings here and there but no notable collision damage.
Being the "N" model or base Variant it has no body trim down the sides which is really cool to see.
These early Variants are very uncommon all over the world.
There is an Early Variant Registry that is out there that estimates only 74 of these
in existence at this time! Most of them in non-running condition.
The flat design amber topped taillight lenses are an early detail and the
painted bases for the round rear reflectors. The Volkswagen script with Variant emblem below it.
Black California plates and a vintage plate frame.
The early Type 3 five lug wheel with its thin lipped flat hubcap
Side marker lights forward of the door.
Very simple and clean body,
I would love to see this car polished up to a high shine just as it is personally,
but a top level respray in that original Pearl White would be nice as well.
New carpet was installed at some point and the dash pad replaced.
The rest is all original and untouched.
Full length armrest design and door top pad.
Original headliner and optional pop out middle windows (as noted on the birth certificate)
The original numbers matching engine with single side draft carburetor runs excellent.
The car has been converted to 12 volt electrics but is otherwise all factory spec.
Headliner looks pretty good for its age!
You can see a few scrapes and creases in the body such as behind the driver's rear wheel
but overall its a super straight example.
Oh...lets not forget the push button dash!!
This is a very early model detail that is uncommon to see today.
The best part is that everything works on the car as it should. Lights, wipers, etc.
Bottom edges of the doors are very solid and rust free.
Clean door jams
Rear hinge cover is intact!
A closer look at the 1500cc original engine.
Looks like the fuel pump is a replacement but the original carburetor and manifolds are all here as well
as the correct oil bath air cleaner.
The owner states that the engine runs great and the car is a good driver with no issues
Even the original cloth strap is here to hold the engine lid open for service.
Engine is clean underneath
Spare tire well is clean !
Very straight and original in here and this would all polish up amazing!
Original jack in its canvas bag
Lights are all functional
Even the side marker lights are working!
Very solid and dry.
While a color sand and polish might expose more of that factory primer,
I have seen some really impressive results from polishing an original finish like this.
The orange of the surface rust will go away and the remaining finish will shine and be protected
for the future. Its truly in fashion to retain the original finish like this and people love it.
Obviously repainting it could be done as well...but they are only original once!
A few more interior shots
Amazing how much cargo space is in these with that rear seat down!
Oh...and a peak under the rear seat just for good measure.
In closing this is a pretty rare car and a very uncommon find in today's world.
So few of these early Variants exist in any form, but an all original un-restored example
that you can drive and enjoy right here in the US, is a needle in a haystack for sure.
Not often you get a chance at this.
Asking
$17,000
For More Info...CALL
951 795-1175
Or Email oldbug@earthlink.net