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I get asked all the time by people wanting to enter the collector car hobby which car they should start out with. My answer is always the same.
If they are looking for a car that they can maintain themselves if they choose to, that offers great build quality, is fun to drive, and is loved by just about everyone, they should consider a classic VW Beetle.
The Pick of the Day is a 1963 Volkswagen Beetle offered on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Bakersfield, California, who is the third owner of the car and says it’s in excellent condition.
The Beetle is the only car I know of that was pretty much designed in the 1930s that people still use today as daily drivers. They were ahead of their time when new, and if you get a good example today are the easiest to own classic car.
They are affordable, have tremendous parts support, great club support, and the best shop manual ever written for any car ever: How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive.
Due to the original quality and value of these cars, it is much better to buy a restored or preserved example than to buy a project, as you will quickly find that the cost to restore it exceeds its worth.
This Beetle is said to be a completely matching-numbers example. The original engine has not been rebuilt, but has had a valve job, the seller says. At the same time, the clutch, pressure plate and release bearing were replaced and all synchros have been replaced in the transmission, according to the ad. The car also has new shocks, brakes, drums, wheel cylinders, wheel bearings and new BF Goodrich whitewall radial tires.
Every bit of this car’s sheetmetal and glass are original, the seller notes, and it received a new paint job in Ruby Red, which included all new rubber seals, scrapers and felt. The car also has a correct new interior with German wool carpet and headliner, and still retains its original radio and steering wheel.
This looks to be a Beetle that needs nothing except a new owner, and the asking price of this VW of only $14,500 has to exceed the cost of the work that was done.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
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