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1963 Volkswagen 1500 Ruby Red Notchback Price: $42500
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I'm listing my 1963 Ruby Red VW 1500 Notchback, featured in HotVWs (Nov 2024). Since completion it has about 1,234 miles. It is a very nice car that always gets compliments and attention at shows, including two 1st Place awards at the Kelley Park Vintage Show in San Jose. The Ruby Red paint really suits a Type 3, shifting in tone depending on the light.
I purchased the car sight unseen in October 2020 planning a mild preservation, but once inspected it needed much more. We ended up doing a full restoration at ISP West, aiming to keep it close to stock while preserving originality where possible.
The body was stripped to the shell and pan, with major rust repaired before repainting in single-stage Ruby Red L456. Fenders, doors, hood, and trunk were painted inside and out, and the car was assembled with NOS fender beading. The pan halves were repaired and undercoated without separating the body from the pan. The driver's door was replaced with a year-correct piece, while the engine bay retains factory paint. Both trunks still have their original liners. Rust repair was extensive around the rockers, wheel wells, and common areas near the engine compartment. Doors, windows, and pop-outs were rebuilt with new rubber and felts. The front and rear glass received NOS "fat" molding. Bumpers and guards were re-chromed.
The interior was restored to stock appearance. It has an uncracked wrap-around dash pad and working push-button assembly. Seats and lower door panels are reproduction with correct Salt & Pepper material, while the rear lower seat cover is NOS. Upper door panels are original. Original rubber floor mats remain and are in excellent condition. Carpet is German squareweave, the headliner is new, and the Blaupunkt AM radio works. The NOS Hirschmann antenna and original VDO gauges are present. Wiring was replaced with a complete ISP harness, and the car remains 6V. All lights, including dome and trunk, function properly.
The engine and transmission were rebuilt before my ownership. Both run well with just over 1,200 miles since. The engine is correctly dressed, though showing some age. The NOS engine lid has the correct diamond-pattern insulation. Transmission shifts smoothly and the car has plenty of power. Last year it completed the 800+ mile trip to and from the Type 3 Rally without issue.
I added a few accessories and safety upgrades such as AC Industries disc brakes up front with a 1966 master cylinder (to keep it looking stock in the frunk), a 6V emergency flasher system, original Jokon reverse lights, an original VDO tachometer, and a rare bud vase holder with vase. NOS VW 1500 x-pattern beauty rings are fitted.
For full transparency, the armrests were recovered and are serviceable but not perfect. The padded upper door trims have some slight cracks. The speedometer needle sometimes sticks, and the aftermarket fuel sender reads about half when full. The wheels were painted prior to my ownership in non-correct colors (they're close), but the beauty rings cover them well.
Ownership history is well documented, tracing back to its import from Germany. Notably, it was owned by conductor George Tsontakis, who nicknamed it "Little Red." He and I are still in contact, and he is searching for photos from his time with the car.
Ask around. Those who have seen this car will tell you it is extremely nice and very well done. Early Type 3s are difficult to restore and under-appreciated, and this one stands out for its originality, quality, and history.
Asking $42,500.
More Pictures: https://photos.app.goo.gl/YgXFPqKdPs46XDwS7
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