Light, Sketchy, and Gorgeous: How to Make 120hp Feel Fun. 1963 Beetle from Jay Leno's Garage

You don’t need to convince us that the Volkswagen Beetle is a highly underrated car to build… just look at our very own Scumbug. But you just don’t see a whole lot of bug builds these days. Chris Walters (from Jay Leno’s Garage) knows what’s up though, and built himself a damn clean weekend cruiser out of this ’63 Beetle, with a heavy focus on aesthetics and style. It may not be the ultimate canyon carver, but driving stuff like this ain’t about lap times. It’s all about getting a sh*t eating grin after making it through another run in one. Even if it’s at sub-70mph.
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[@LarryChenPhoto]

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[@errolberu6219]

What gearbox is he using

[@aaronlehman9549]

What exhaust is he using

[@sharptoothtrex4486]

It is also great modern Volkswagen Beetles deserve Chevy Corvette engine and transmission swaps is that Herbie Fully Loaded deserves to be a Real American Chevy VW.

[@andrewgross8125]

As a bug owner, this is how you modify one of these. Keep the outside stock and stupid clean. The upgrades are usable, unique, and not too flashy. Much respect from NJ

[@cf5914]

This is the posture that all drivers of lowered bugs eventually acquire while driving.

[@Been.Here.Since.2007]

Truth.

[@Zt3v3]

Still better posture than VW bus drivers.

[@Been.Here.Since.2007]

@@Zt3v3 even bigger truth.

[@EmmettRacing]

@@Zt3v3 for real lol

[@lucky-rowe2623]

One of the best Bugs I have ever witnessed on KZbin.

[@CoffeeEnjoyer69]

Air-cooled gang rise up (o\!/o)

[@itslev4404]

this right here - bug goals!!!!

[@kristofverbakel9676]

I would love to see more aircooled VW stuff here. The DKP guys have the dopest cal-look VW's. A club feature on them would be awesome.

[@franklatin2411]

Kristof Verbakel right them an the oil drippers

[@Live1052]

@@franklatin2411 That's how you check the oil in an aircooled VW. Look under it. If there's no oil under it, there's no oil in it!

[@bava67]

And the DKK

[@silver911100]

Dpk doesn't need to promote

[@EmmettRacing]

This would be sick!

[@NoypiTexan]

Thought it was Ken Block at first glance

[@sicelogumede6295]

bro I was about to comment on that cause. I actually thought it was him lol

[@thefinch8021]

literary just thought the same thing

[@KyleKnoblauch]

Mark Tanteo definitely his doppelgänger

[@billbronner7516]

exactly, guy could be his twin

[@adamhuss9417]

Yeah me too

[@surlycrosscheck1]

First, HUGE respect to the owner/builder. That car is beautiful man. Really fantastic work - for real. For those who know air-cooled, were you as shocked as me after all that perfection to see just how much tin was missing out back? Wowza. To those that don't know the way these engines were designed, this isn't a criticism, the engines just NEED the tin to stay cool. At least he's got the gauges to monitor temps but they're useless once he closed to glove box. That car is gorgeous though. Hopefully he seals that engine bay up that that motor lasts longer. LOVE that car.

[@chrisw.4954]

surlycrosscheck1 appreciate that 🙏 And the rear tin is normally in. I had engine out prior to shooting this was chasing a small oil leak at the pump. Wanted to have a good eye on to make sure it wasn’t leaking anymore.

[@surlycrosscheck1]

@@chrisw.4954 Wish my car was 1/1000th as nice as yours dude. Cars like yours are so epic they make me want to quit building. Hahaha J/k Super nice and super classy. Good to know you're on top of that tin. That's a relief (mostly to save you a ton of heartbreak). As far as oil leaks, mine needs a pull and rebuild at this point but...........I'm gonna run it until it croaks I think. Cheers dude.

[@Zairn12345]

@@chrisw.4954 Dang this video is from awhile back. Trying to get in touch with Chris to find out where he got those quick disconnects for the rear trunk. Thinking about running them myself.

[@davidwitcher5443]

Freaking killed it on the wheels!!! Never seen the BRM's blacked out that way. I can see it becoming a new trend.

[@James-js6dx]

I might try to copy that if I get some for my 64. They are nice and different.

[@davidwitcher5443]

@@James-js6dx I could see body color on the wheel too as long as it was subtle.

[@surlycrosscheck1]

It's been done a few times. Killer look though.

[@roscoejones4515]

Cool bug, thanks.

[@Brian-os9qj]

Good job Larry Chen

[@bentleygt3716]

Saint Christopher. the Saint for Travelers. GREAT touch .i love that :0)) such an awesome looking car. GREAT Job.

[@cliveturner4980]

the headliner is the measure of any resto,its the first thing i look at,some guys spend mega bucks on a car only to have a crappy rag in the roof ,nice job !!!!!!!

[@obsidian00]

Nothing like a nice clean bug...

[@The_editor28]

“No seat belts? Oh I see why you need that crest” 😂

[@tysonthewolfe93]

Your Beetle is so Fresh and Clean 👍

[@richproctor7023]

What a beautiful car!!!

[@kytothejelley]

Outside of the slightly crooked wolfy badge... this car is perfect.

[@guyonthebike]

This is pretty much my dream bug. Except in a peach color with blade bumpers.

[@AutomotiveAnatomy]

The bug and bus are the greates VWs ever made. Cannot change my mind.

[@flatlinesup]

Very nice car. * '67 DOKA owner

[@kos492]

Without a doubt the nicest beatle I have ever seen. Greetings from australia

[@larryb.lindsay2366]

Lets hope Jay Leno does a show on this car. Very nicely done

[@rarnette73]

Very well done 63!

[@roelandmeijer100]

What a great car and the sound too.

[@Tango_November]

Very slick car and very true about the electronics accessory part about pausing the cars time period when adding more modern stuff like that

[@imachamp68]

Bulgarian Beast yet he goes and puts a monster tacho under the dash. Looks stupid!

[@krusher74]

@@imachamp68 the car is full of noob vw cliches

[@tony714keene]

you did tastefully done with your volkswagen beetle. this is what I want to do what you did in modification yes yours just same mine.

[@stevemo2164]

Absolutely beautiful Bug! I learned a lot of new tricks that I'd like to do to my 59 right hand drive beetle! 🐞

[@infowazz]

When i was in the Army my friend brought his Bug back from California. It was the first time i was in one. I kept laughing as we drove around. It felt like a clown car. It was laughter of joy really. I loved the simplicity and the vintage feel. It was a 60s flat black with red interior back in the late 90s. Looking back now it was a really nice car. California car so it had no rust at all. I think the top rolled back or that was the next plan. I can't remember.

[@MindDezign]

Love everything....the driver seat . Is not a driver seat. Let Jay hold onto it ,because he HATES anybody to throw out and parts. A good seat for a performance car..... I'm not a truck guy at all...but the closing montage that I call it a "Raptorsaurus " sounds KICK ASS jumps like its made of carbon fiber, and JUST ,Gets It ! In the montage!!! LOVE- IT !

[@jerritstarkey5921]

I have a 1967 beetle with a 1915cc. I love when y’all feature Vw’s.

[@marktourtellotte1336]

Can’t help but smile when you’re driving an air cooled bug!

[@JT-un7dc]

Owned, several VWs & I don't miss driving in the slow lane. But, I definitely miss those car's.

[@adamtaylor3542]

I want that bug!!!really sweet video!!

[@shaunelliott5408]

Great car and a cool guy.👍👍

[@AC-jh3pn]

Man I love that shift

[@user-dg1hu8uu1o]

Awesome Beetle bug😎👍

[@MikeDyer6378]

4-wheel disc, "freeway flyer," and a 1915cc with dual carbs; My '63 has the same combination, but Chris car (which is gorgeous) is worlds apart from mine. Lots of good details here, especially the "sync-lok" throttle linkage system and the detailed BRM's; such an underrated VW wheel option. I love how he kept the dash stock with a correct Saphire I. Also the VDO gas gauge became standard on U.S. cars in '62, so it would have been standard by '63. Regardless thanks for showing the ACVW world some love Hoonigan!

[@danielmiller6983]

My dream Bug!!! Man that thing is beautiful!!!! Great video

[@robertmcglinchey3347]

Had a 1959 bug - in 1967 I took it to the prom and tricked it out with Paisley rear seat covering and chartreuse bathroom tiles behind the rear seat. I grew babiesbreath flowers in the ashtray. Needless to say my prom date and the couple we doubled with thought it was pretty cool.

[@joshdobson2737]

What a fun little toy!!!!

[@aircooledlife8916]

Sweet Bug! Awesome photography/videography

[@jasonstilgebouer565]

I have a 63 with the crest so this video makes me very happy 😁

[@tysonthewolfe93]

Is it the Beetle

[@shaunmilor]

never seen a slug bug move like that... rad little car, I don't see many driving around now like I did in the 80's& 90"s

[@Zt3v3]

Right? You were guaranteed to see a beetle if you drove for more than a 1/2 hour.....not so much anymore.

[@ShowseeTravels]

Beautiful 🤩

[@PSDAust]

Noiyce bro… 63 was my first car ..

[@evilbeetlekustomscreations4965]

Tastefully done resto mod!! pay attention young dudes and gals ✌️

[@charlesluna8450]

The BugTech Shifter is awesome for sure.

[@Itsa_Mea]

About time an aircooled VW is featured! Thanks!

[@SF_Native]

Bugs aren't my thing, but i can appreciate the build on this. Very tasteful, high quality build. Well done.

[@bretnickerson8555]

I dig it, big$ build and did it with his dad on weekends. -67 dual carb (single port) owner

[@westernblood3732]

Killer bug!

[@atlascrypto2507]

California classic vw bug super clean super nice built!!

[@derPetunientopf]

That Ladys and Gents is one lovely Bug. Other cars are maybe yachts but this is a love boat.

[@boricuaenOK]

Just bought a 1968 Beetle and I am so excited to start working on it. We also want to do everything in our garage all the way down to painting it!! Wish us luck :)

[@robertrodriguezFhortune]

Nice 👍 wv Ken Bloock!

[@thomasmorrison8011]

Very nice.......hard not to recognize my home town too!

[@TexasFinest_Collectibles]

Amazing car, great job

[@jhuntosgarage]

Beautiful car! Just because of the bolt pattern, no one will steal those wheels. 😆

[@simonmillar9161]

Thats one cool bug he has built

[@gnrrpreacher]

No patina!!!! So much love!

[@---l---]

Beautiful build, keep up the amazing work!

[@VwRosstorations]

Nice ride 👍🇬🇧

[@tsunamirider9895]

Beautiful car, beautiful work. Can really see the passion and effort that went into this. Awesome!

[@mrbadmojoe]

The color is incredible. And the Lambo against the city skyline in the outro is beautiful.

[@harryballzack]

Love Bugs! Can never get enough of them.

[@EDHBlvd]

19:50 is what I came here for. I was not disappointed.

[@CorradoRacer]

Awesome and pure gear head! thx for sharing. Outstanding work from the owner and yes larry great shots as usual

[@510th]

so much want.... I so want to rebuild an older VW... I had a 72 bus and 71 squareback I wish I never sold.. on the hunt and this video just makes me lust...

[@evanfield580]

I absolutely love vw bugs

[@YukiTsunoda7]

*chris a fucking king, ouchea in the shcreets havin fun, doin what he finna do* *oorah King, keep pushing forward*

[@AndySutioso]

Amazing job with this 63. Love the styling, the colours, the upgrades, and the choices made in terms of which stuffs are kept stock or customized. Much respect. Warm Greetings from Indonesia.

[@charl1300]

This was one of the best Auto Focus videos.

[@richharr]

Oh that 996 turbo parked back there, awesome. The vw is great too

[@MickeyD100]

richharr Thats Larry’s! 👍 He’s got some great cars.

[@cgrist7000]

Just wow 😮 so pretty/badass at the same time. Cheers!

[@fairworld2522]

Dude this definitely is a super cool project. Looks and drives great. Love it

[@lowdl]

Wow this sounds great. Beautiful car.

[@frederikbalcaen]

Hey Chris, beautiful Bug, nice build! And the great sound of the weber induction and the flat for!

[@swissmochaj]

That is a rad bug! Good job dude!

[@curtbonner104]

The throw on that shifter is amazing...!

[@jenwalters2629]

Beautiful bug! What a cool owner too! So handsome!

[@militaryproductions8714]

Love the sound!

[@petewitt2867]

Best. Episode. Ever. Thanks Larry!

[@dirtcheapmedia3390]

I love listening to people talk about their project cars whenever they’re done and you can see the love they have for automobiles in their tone and how their own personality always shows itself in the car it’s something special

[@deschapman4842]

Absolutely beautiful car, well done.

[@Th3unknownuser111]

Sweet build! I have a 63 as well with a 1914 and it moves. It's more fun to drive than my STI. Lol

[@jasonstilgebouer565]

I have a 63 as well with a 1641! It's so slow, I need to add dual carbs and maybe it will get some more juice out of it,!

[@ol59kafer92]

I've got a 1959 ragtop with a 1915cc in it . It moved when I had 40idf's on it. Getting new 48ida's powder coated black for it, cant wait to see the difference.

[@watchingitallhere]

Love that steering wheel and oldschool dash unmolested. Time machine!

[@hotrodaallbbaa2343]

They are called “banjos”

[@jensl.4267]

Nice VW Bug, it Looks fantastic and the Sound is amazing

[@ronb5701]

Looks great with the stock look and all the chrome!

[@ivankuljismusic8895]

Larry___GREAT VIDEO! Your buddy had a 'Resto Custom' Beetle that you went in, doin' the 'Gene Berg' Rally. Incidentally, l built the very first 'VW Show Car' to do the Australian VW Show circuit in the summer of 1985____bought it for $400 in orange house paint in Cranbourne from a former 'Buggy Association' member who decided to put 'one' away 9 years earlier! The car, a 1955 Oval, was 'Johnny Bee' Good' that was completed 40 days after purchase, then driven on the next Saturday arvo, driving with freshly bolted 14 and 15 inch chrome wheels with Michelin XVS tyres and twin carbs on the original engine with original exhaust!!!! We arrived 11 hours later into the South Australian Caravan Park where we would stay the night before the car's first ever showing. Total Cost of Build: $2000 [including Car] It featured a ton of accessories____MotorMeter 3 gauge cluster in dash, pop-out windows from my 1954 VW Rally Beetle that competed in 1958 in Tumut, NSW, short-shift 'ShpareWolfe' [sp] locking gear stick, 19mm sway-bar from the Rally car, including the front -beam suspension stiffening bars that triangulated the front ends____A VW Australia Factory standard issue item on their 'Race-Cars' of the 1950's when they consistently won Redex Rallies in that decade beating out the big car brands like Holden and Ford! BTW l knew the great VW Beetle drag Racer of the 1960's who 'slayed' the BIG cars____Ken Virgin is a hero of mine! On a side note, l published the look of 'Johnny Bee' Good' in 1987 in the magazine 'In Type' by the Club 'Type VW' The look was titled 'Classic Custom' loosely, as the Club had just transitioned from the name 'Volkswagen Custom Club' and besides this car was, as far as l know, the first to wear 'Custom' on it's 'BumbleBee' deck-lid; the chrome badge taken from the 1966/67 VW Australia model called '1300 Custom' Four years later, 'VW Trends' published an almost identical image with similar details on what constituted 'Resto Custom'____Funny That! Johnny Bee' Good went on to win 'Car Of The Day' award in SA, first time out, then continued to drive to major events around Australia for the next 12 months, once even meeting Gene Berg and his Family at 'The Volkswagen Spectacular' at Nambucca Heads in northern NSW___AMA2!NG PEOPLE! BOY____THAT WAS A MOUTHFUL!!!!! :)

[@larrypeeples614]

Nice

[@VichOor33]

you can really see how proud he is of his VW

[@NoSleepRacing]

This totally reminds me of my 1967 vs bug I carried a trombone case in the back and seeing that case brought back some major memories of my first car. I have a 240z I want to build but this could make me changing my mind

[@rmassensini]

Beautiful Beetle, I would put the rear lid on and light it up with an LED when it opened to show off this wonderful engine you made!! Congratulations my friend! Here in Brazil we didn't have modern Beetle bodies, all that came after 67 came the same as this 63, they only changed the aesthetics of the rear windows, headlights and taillights basically....

[@johnnygeorgopoulos4072]

I should've bought that damn Beetle years ago 😅 I've always loved these things, and the Bus of course, but definitely need to eventually get one of these.

[@saabreplay7553]

That is so cool man. I love it. So freaking sweet

[@jamestorres5582]

Beautiful car . Love it !!!

[@geraldbly4903]

Sweet ride! Love it!

[@joshn.5625]

Beautiful build!