1963 Volkswagen Beetle Sedan

Description

One of the all-time classics, the Volkswagen Beetle can also lay claim to being the most important car ever built - certainly in sheer volume, with more than 20 million sold around the globe. Designed by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche around a rugged air-cooled four-cylinder in a rear-engined layout, the Beetle was basic, cheap, and reliable which made it increasingly popular in a post-war world hungry for automobiles. Launched in 1945 as an 1100, the Beetle underwent almost constant development; a 1200cc engine was used from the early 1950s and this was redesigned in 1960 for more power (up from 36 to 40 brake horsepower). An all-synchromesh gearbox was adopted at the same time while the bodywork was gradually improved as well – most noticeably the small oval window was enlarged in August 1957 to improve visibility. Australian assembly of Beetles from CKD kits began in 1954 and by 1962 Volkswagen was the third biggest manufacturer of cars here after Holden and Ford, exporting cars across South-East Asia. Innovations continued into the early 1960s, with larger taillights, seat belt mounting points, a better heater and spring-loaded bonnet for mid-1962. Beautifully made, extraordinarily robust and durable, and utterly charismatic, the Beetle is an affordable and practical classic car choice.