One-Family-Owned 1962 Volkswagen Beetle

Description

The 1962 VW Beetle Type 1 marked a pivotal moment in the model’s evolution. Production shifted in August 1961 through 1962, producing approximately 876,255 units in Germany—182,129 of which were exported to the U.S. market—cementing VW’s dominance with a near 57 % share of American imports. The 1962 model also introduced significant refinements: a proper fuel gauge, worm-and-roller steering, enlarged taillights, and semaphore turn signals were replaced by modern flashers. Three-point seatbelts, longer seat runners, safer door hinges, and a steering-lock were added, and a pair of spring-loaded hood supports replaced rigid rods.  

Purchased new by the seller’s grandmother, this 1962 example reportedly received a cosmetic refresh in 2011 which included stripping the body to bare metal and repainting in the factory Ruby Red paint, re-chroming the bumpers, and replacing the seats, door panels, headliner, and carpet while leaving the original steering wheel in place. The seller states the mileage is original, and the 1,200cc engine has not been rebuilt but receives regular service.

This one-family-owned 1962 Volkswagen Beetle is now offered with a factory tool kit, its 1962 purchase invoice, and a clean Washington title in the seller’s name.  

Highlights

• Purchased new by seller's grandmother

• Kept within the same family from new

• Cosmetic refresh completed in 2011, less than 1,000 miles added since

Factory Equipment 

• Air-cooled 1,200cc flat-four engine 

• Solex 1-barrel carburetor 

• 4-speed manual transmission 

• Rear-wheel drive, rear engine 

• Torsion-bar front suspension, swing axle rear 

• Worm-and-roller steering 

• 4-wheel drum brakes 

• 15” steel wheels with chrome covers 

• 3-point front seatbelts 

Modifications 

• Body stripped to metal and repainted factory color 

• Reupholstered seats, headliner, carpet, and door panels 

• Replaced for trunk and engine compartment

Servicing & Documentation  

• Seller reports "regular servicing since new" 

• 165/80R15 Cooper tires  

Known Imperfections  

• Dents in the body, one on each rear fender (see photo gallery) 

• Dent in stainless trim (see photo gallery) 

• Windshield wiper motor is temperamental

Ownership History 

This 1962 Volkswagen Beetle was purchased new by the seller’s grandmother at Western Motors in Great Falls, Montana. The seller acquired the vehicle with 35,000 stated original miles and performed a cosmetic restoration in 2011. The engine reportedly remains in factory specification other than basic maintenance, and this Beetle has reportedly been garaged since the 2011 restoration, seeing less than 1,000 miles of road time.

Included Items 

• Original 1962 purchase paperwork  

• Factory owner’s manuals  

• Spare wheel/tire and factory jack 

• Tool kit 

• Two Keys 

Additional Information 

From the seller, “It’s a wonderful car that drives beautifully and will elicit smiles from many who see you. Almost everyone says, ‘I used to have one,’ or ‘My best friend had one of those!’ Great memories!”