1951
January 1, 1951 - December 31, 1951
- Chassis: 220,134 - 313,829
- Engine: 265,000 - 379,470
- Chrome moulding to windshield.
- Wolfsburg crest on front hood.
- Vent flaps to front quarter panels on export models.
- Double acting shockers replace rear lever shockers.
- Glove box door added to convertibles.
- Single valve springs replace double springs.
1952
January 1, 1952 - December 31, 1952
- Chassis 318,830 - 428,156
- Engine 379,472 - 519,258
- Crankshaft end play adjusted by 3 shims.
- Tyre size changes from 5.00x16 to 5.6x15.
- Six leaved torsion bars increase suspension travel.
- New instrument panel from October.
- 26PCI (or 28PCI?) carburetor in late 52.
- Transmission has 3 synchro gears (2nd, 3rd, 4th) replacing old crash box.
- Window crank reduced from 10 ½ to 1 ¼ turns.
- Vent windows.
- Vent flaps in quarter panels discontinued.
- Rotary heater knob introduced.
- T type engine lid handle introduced.
- Two brake/taillights replace single unit.
- Interior light moved to left side door pillar.
- Bigger, stronger bumpers.
- Self parking wipers.
- Crank starter hole discontinued on all models.
- Widened body side trim Oval horn grill to front.
- Redesigned "Pope's nose" number plate light.
1953
January 1, 1953 - December 31, 1953
- Chassis 428,157 - 575,414
- Engine 519,259 - 695,281
- After 10 March, split rear window became one-piece oval.
- Fuel filler neck increased from 40 to 80mm.
- Lock button added to vent windows.
- Chrome plated ash tray handle.
- Adjustable door striker plates.
- Altered 3rd and 4th gear ratios.
- Valve clearance changed to .004"
- Late in 53 carburettor/distributor with both vacuum and mechanical advance.
- Generator increased to 160 watts.
- Break-in period for new engine dropped.
- 8 leaves in each torsion bar tube.
1954
January 1, 1954 - December 31, 1954
- Chassis 575,415 - 781,884
- Engine 695,283 - 945,525
- 1192(1200)cc engine, 36hp, 6.1:1 compression.
- Larger intake valves.
- Altered cylinder heads - better cooling.
- 28PCI carburetor.
- Starter switch moved to ignition switch.
- Three way interior light.
- 6.6:1 compression introduced late 54.
- Oil bath air cleaner.
- Better fabric for seats.
- Rear seat gets rubber strap so it does not flip forward whilst braking.
1955
January 1, 1955 - December 31, 1955
- Chassis 781,885 - 1,060,929
- Engine 945,527 - 1,277,347
-
Flashing blinkers replace semaphores (US models - Europe/Australia/Canada kept semaphores up to 1960).
- Top window in tail light housing dropped.
- Gear lever moved forward.
- Dished steering wheel.
1956
January 1, 1956 - December 31, 1957
- Chassis 1,060,930 - 1,394,119
- Engine 1,277,347 - 1,678,209
- Optional sunroof changed from cloth to vinyl (and is smaller).
- Tail light housing raised 2 inches, and has only one window.
- Gear shift handle is curved.
- Bumper over-riders added.
- Export models get dual chrome exhaust pipes (black enamel on standard models).
- Steering wheel spoke moved off-centre.
- Heater knob moved forward.
- Larger fuel tank with more luggage space. Larger oil pump mounting shaft.
- Fuel filter tap removed.
- Copper plated fulcrum plates in universals.
- Increased starter motor horsepower.
- Tubeless tires.
- Late 56 front floor heater outlets moved rearward.
1957
January 1, 1957 - December 31, 1957
- Chassis 1,394,120 - 1,774,680
- Engine 1,678,210 - 2,158,321
- Optional sunroof gets smaller again.
- Oil galleries in engine are bigger.
- Ring and Pinion ratio changed.
- Brake pedal redesigned for more leverage.
- Adjustable striker plates in door frames.
1958
January 1, 1958 - December 31, 1958
- Chassis 1,774,681 - 2,226,206
- Engine 2,156,322 - 2,721,313
- Larger windshield.
- Frame head reinforced.
- New instrument panel.
- Front blinkers moved to top of mud guards (fenders).
- Engine lid redesigned.
- Flat accelerator pedal replaces roller type.
- Convertibles get horizontal air inlets.
- New dished steering wheel.
- Wider brake drums and shoes.
- New clutch, stronger springs. 3rd and 4th gear ratios changed.
1959
January 1, 1959 - December 31, 1959
- Chassis 2,226,207 - 2,801,613
- Engine 2,721,314 - 3,424,453
- Outer front suspension control arm bushings become needle rollers.
- Frame reinforced for more strength.
- Anti sway bar added.
- Improved fan belt.
- Stronger clutch springs.
1960
January 1, 1960 - December 31, 1960
- Chassis 2,801,614 - 3,192,506
- Engine 3,424,454 - 3,912,903
- Recessed steering wheel for safety.
- Steering damper.
- Steering box is worm-and-peg instead of worm and roller.
- Generator increased from 160 to 180 watts (26.5 to 30 amps).
- Outside door handles now push button (was pull type).
- Padded sun visor.
- Seat back re-contoured.
- Wolfsburg crest on front hood has less colour.
- Last year for semaphores in Europe, Canada, Australia.
1961
August 1, 1960 - July 31, 1962
- Chassis 3,192,507 - 4,010,994
- Engine 3,912,904 - 3,924,022
- 5,000,001 - 5,958,947
- Note the change in the model year dates.
- 1200cc engine, 40bhp (SAE), 34BHP(DIN), 7:1 compression.
- Fuel pump relocated to right of distributor.
- Generator stand now separate from block.
- Lifter and pushrods no longer one-piece units.
- Valves are angled in heads.
- 28 PICT carburetor with auto-choke.
- Fully synchromesh transmission.
- Vacuum advance distributor.
- Positive crankcase ventilation (spiral grove in crankshaft behind crank pulley).
- Flatter fuel tank.
- 28 blade cooling fan.
- Tie rod ends ‘permanently greased'.
- Sissy bar added.
- Non-repeat starter switch.
- Wider front shoes and linings.
- Transparent brake fluid reservoir.
- Pump type windshield washer.
- Push-on wiring connectors.
- Larger heater pipes.
- Sun visor and grab handle for passenger.
1962
August 1, 1961 - July 31, 1962
- Chassis 4,010,995 - 4,846,835
- Engine 3,924,023 - 3,924,914
- Engine 5,958,948 - 6,935,203
- Fuel gauge replaces reserve tap.
- Tail light ‘glass' now plastic.
- Spring balance to front hood.
- Sliding covers on heater outlets.
- Progressive valve springs.
- Anchor points for seat belts.
- Stronger clutch springs.
- Windshield washer uses spare tire for air pressure.
- Last year of semaphores on domestic models.
1963
August 1, 1962 - July 31, 1963
- Chassis 4,846,836 - 5,677,118
- Engine 3,942,915 - 3,959,303
- Engine 6,935,204 - 7,893,118
- Fresh air heating replaces stale air heating.
- Engine gets redesigned fan housing, muffler and heat exchangers.
- Leatherette head lining.
- Folding handle for sunroof.
- Nylon window guides.
- Foam sandwich floor mats.
- Wolfsburg crest discontinued.
1964
August 1, 1963 - July 31, 1964
- Chassis 5,677,119 - 6,502,399
- Engine 3,959,304 - 3,972,440
- Engine 7,893,119 - 8,796,622
- Metal sunroof.
- Horn has two buttons instead of half ring.
- Distributor vacuum pipe changed from loop to inverted ‘V' bend.
- Larger front turn signals.
- Larger licence plate light.
- Aerated vinyl material for seats.
- 28PICT/1 carburetor in late 64.
1965
August 1, 1964 - July 31, 1965
- Chassis 115,000,001 - 115,999,000
- Engine 3,972,441 - 4,050,000
- Engine 8,796,623 - 9,800,000
-
Note new type of chassis number. The first digit ‘1' denotes type 1 (beetle). Second digit used to denote
body style (eg 5 for cabrio in appropriate years). The third digit ‘5' indicates the model year 1965.
- Master and wheel cylinders redesigned.
- New cooling air control with flaps under fan (formerly annular ring inside fan).
- Improved heater.
- Lever type heater controls.
- Slightly curved ‘flat' windscreen, and slightly bigger.
- Slimmer door posts and windscreen posts.
- Window vent has lock moved to bottom.
- More powerful wiper motor, and longer blades.
- Thinner, more contoured front seats (increased rear leg room).
- Rear seat folds flat.
- Engine lid catch now push-button.
- Swivelling sun visors.
- Convertibles have dome light in rear view mirror assembly.
1966
August 1, 1965 - July 31, 1966
- Chassis 116,000,001 - 116,1021,300
- Engine D 0,000,001 - D 0,095,049 1200 34bhp (DIN)
- Engine E 0,000,001 - E 0,006,000 1300 37bhp (DIN)
- Engine F 0,000,001 - F 0,940,716 1300 40bhp (DIN)
- Note new engine numbering system. The prefix determines the engine type.
- 1300 engine introduced.
- "1300" badge on engine lid.
- 30PICT/1 carburettor.
- Cam bearing added to engine.
- Emergency blinker switch.
- Ventilated wheel slots and flatter hub caps.
- Bigger rear view mirror.
- Headlight dimmer moved to turn signal lever.
- Centre dashboard defroster outlet.
- Horn ring - semi circle.
- Ball joint front suspension replaces king pins.
- Improved torsion bars and shock absorbers.
- Needle wheel bearings replace ball bearings.
- Outer door handles changed from square pushbutton to round pushbutton.
- Locking front seatbacks were introduced.
1967
August 1, 1966 to 31 Jul 67
- Chassis 117,000,001 - 117,999,000
- Engine D 0,095,050 - D 0,234,014 34bhp(DIN)1200
- Engine E 0,006,001 - E 0,014,000 37bhp(DIN)1300(US-M240smog)
- Engine F 0,940,717 - F 1,237,506 40bhp(DIN)1300
- Engine L 0,000,001 - L 0,019,335 40bhp(DIN)1500(US-M240smog)
- Engine H 0,204,001 - H 0,874,199 44bhp(DIN)1500
-
1500 engine introduced - similar to earlier type 2 (bus, kombi) engine, but without the rear cross member
mounting point.
- Decklid shape changes and is flatter across the bottom.
- "Volkswagen" badge on engine lid.
- Electrical system upgrade from 6 volt to 12 volt
- Generator increased from 180 to 360 watts.
- Voltage regulator moved from generator to under rear seat.
- Rear track increased with wider swing axles to 1350mm.
- Clutch diameter increased from 180 to 200mm on 1300/1500 models.
- 130 tooth ring gear (flywheel) replaces 109 tooth.
- Dual brake cylinder system (drum brakes).
- Front discs (single circuit) on 1500 models to some countries (but not US).
- Outside door handle has push button.
- Inside door handles recessed.
- Two speed wipers.
- Back-up lights (on US models).
- Vertical headlights replace sloped glass and thus change design of the front fenders.
- US models get sealed beam headlights (other countries retain bulb-and-reflector).
- Locking buttons on doors.
- Driver's armrest on door.
- Slimmer chrome trim on outside.
- Driver's outside mirror becomes standard.
- Rear anti-sway bar added.
1968
August 1, 1967 to 31 Jul 68
- Chassis 118,000,001 - 118,1016,100
- Engine D 0,234,014 - D 0,382,979 34bhp(DIN)1200
- Engine E 0,014,001 - E 0,015,981 37bhp(DIN)1300(US-M240smog)
- Engine F 1,237,507 - F 1,296,298 40bhp(DIN)1300
- Engine L 0,019,337 - L 0,021,115 40bhp(DIN)1500(US-M240smog)
- Engine H 0,874,200 - H 1,003,255 44bhp(DIN)1500(not to US)
- Engine H 5,000,001 - H 5,414,585 44bhp(DIN)1500(US - M157 smog)
- Semi-automatic option with double joint rear axles (but dropping anti-sway bars) added as an option.
-
In the USA this is known as IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) - which is a bit of a misnomer, as ALL beetles
have independent rear suspension, but some are swing axles and some are double joint axles.
- New bumpers.
- Hubcaps made flatter.
- Plastic dashes (US models only?).
- Large black knob added to vent window opener.
- Gear change lever now straight.
- Four stud wheels replace 5 stud patten.
- Bigger front brakes (drum brake model).
- Bigger rear brakes.
- Solex 30PICT/2 carburetor
- Fuel filler moved outside to behind right front fender.
- Brake fluid reservoir moved from under spare tyre to left side of front luggage area.
- Fuel gauge combined with speedo. Fuel gauge is now electrical.
- Oil warning light now red.
- Outside door handle has squeeze trigger with single-finger shape.
- Larger ‘flat bottom' tail lights.
- Head restraints built into front seat backs (US models only?).
- Collapsible steering column.
- US models have exhaust emission control.
- Front hood release moved into glove compartment, and fuel door release is inside from late 68.
1969
August 1, 1968 to 31 Jul 69
- Chassis 119,000,001 - 119,1200,000
- Engine D 0,382,980 - D 0,525,049 34bhp(DIN)1200
- Engine E 0,015,982 - E 0,020,021 37bhp(DIN)1300(US-M240smog)
- Engine F 1,462,599 - F 1,778,163 40bhp(DIN)1300
- Engine L 0,021,115 - L 0,024,106 40bhp(DIN)1500(US-M240smog)
- Engine H 1,003,256 - H 1,124,668 44bhp(DIN)1500(not to US)
- Engine H 5,414,586 - H 5,900,000 40bhp(DIN)1500(US-M157 smog)
- Double joint rear axles (so called IRS) on all US models (but not elsewhere).
- Dual front circuit discs (US models retain drum brakes).
- Warning lights in speedometer get letters for identification.
- Day/night rear view mirror (US models).
- Steering lock included in ignition lock.
- Floor hot air vents moved slightly rearward.
- Speedometer gets 1/10th mile indicator in late 69.
1970
August 1, 1969 - July 31, 1970
- Chassis 110,2000,001 - 110,3100,000
- Engine D 0,525,050 - D 0,674,999 34bhp(DIN)1200
- Engine E 0,020,022 - E 0,022,000 37bhp(DIN)1300(US-M240smog)
- Engine F 1,778,164 - F 2,200,000 40bhp(DIN)1300
- Engine L 0,024,107 - L 0,026,500 40bhp(DIN)1500(US-M240smog)
- Engine H 1,124,699 - H 1,350,000 44bhp(DIN)1500(not to US)
- Engine B 6,000,001 - B 6,600,000 47bhp(DIN)1600 (to US)
- US models get 1600cc single port engine.
- US models get larger turn signals and side reflectors on housing.
- Two sets of air intake slots added to engine lid.
- Pressure control valve added to lubrication system.
- Solex 30PICT/3 carburetor on 1600 models (30PICT/2 continues on 1500 models).
- Diaphragm clutch springs to 1600 models - requires less pedal pressure.
- US head restraints reduced in size.
- On US models, buzzer sounds when door opened with key still in ignition.
- New 3rd, 4th gears with finer teeth (reduced noise) added late 70.
1971
August 1, 1970 - July 31, 1971
- Chassis 111,2000,001 - 111,3200,000
- Engine D 0,675,000 - D 0,835,006 34bhp(DIN) 1200
- Engine AC 0,000,001 - AC 0,003,239 40bhp(DIN)1300
- Engine AB 0,000,001 - AB 0,141,591 44bhp(DIN)1300
- Engine AF 0,000,001 - AF 0,000,444 46bhp(DIN)1600
- Engine AD 0,000,001 - AD 0,360,022 50bhpDIN 65bhpSAE 1600
- Engine AE 0,000,001 - AE 0,558,000 47bhpDIN 60bhpSAE 1600(USA)
- Dual port 1600 engine.
- Three part induction manifold.
- Solex 34PICT/3 carburetor
- Combination vacuum/centrifugal distributor.
- Activated charcoal filter to catch fuel fumes.
-
New larger oil cooler mounted ‘doghouse' style and venting to atmosphere - gives better cooling to No 3
cylinder.
- Bigger capacity (wider) cooling fan.
- New clutch throw-out assembly and ball release bearing.
- Headlights go off when ignition off.
- ‘Eyebrow' vents behind rear window for improved cabin ventilation.
-
Superbug with McPherson strut (vertical coil spring) front suspension introduced, (Standard beetle still in
production too).
- Bigger front brakes (drum brake models).
- Larger oil pump.
- Different camshaft retainer (4 rivets).
- Wiring for VW computer analysis system added late 71.
- In Australia, 1300s are standard beetles, 1600s are superbugs.
- In the US, both super and standard beetles are offered with 1600 engines.
1972
August 1, 1971 - July 31, 1972
- Chassis 112,2000,- 112,3200,000
- Engine D 0,835,007 - D 1,000,000 34bhp(DIN) 1200
- Engine AC 0,003,240 - AC 0,006,700 40bhp(DIN)1300
- Engine AB 0,350,001 - AB 0,699,001 44bhp(DIN)1300
- Engine AF 0,000,445 - AF 0,000,801 46bhp(DIN)1600
- Engine AE 0,558,001 - AE 0,917,263 47bhpDIN 60bhpSAE 1600(USA)
- Engine AD 0,360,023 - AD 0,598,001 50bhpDIN 65bhpSAE 1600
- Engine AH 0,000,001 - AH 0,005,900 47 bhp(DIN)1600(USA)
- Engine lid gets 4 sets of air slots.
- Smog control models get extra ‘plumbing'.
- New steering column.
- New double vacuum distributor with vacuum retard (5 degrees ATDC) at idle.
- EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) added. New muffler.
- Modified 3rd and 4th synchro rings to reduce noise.
- "Baja bug" introduced.
- Karman Ghia gets disc front brakes in US (already from 67 in other countries).
- Wheels change from 5.6x15 to 6.0x15 in late 72.
1973
August 1, 1972 - July 31, 1973
- Chassis 113,2000,001 - 113,3200,000
- VW1303 133,2000,001 - 133,3200,000 (superbug)
- Engine D 1,000,001 - D 1,115,873
- Engine AC 0,006,701 - AC 0,008,195
- Engine AB 0,699,002 - AB 0,990,000
- Engine AF 0,000,802 - AF 0,036,768
- Engine AE 0,917,264 - AE 1,000,000 (to 1 Oct 72)
- Engine AK 0,000,001 - AK 0,239,364 (from 1 Oct 72)
- Engine AH 0,005,901 - AH 0,114,418
- Engine AD 0,598,002 - AD 0,990,000
- Reduced horsepower in US models (60 to 58 SAE).
- 600 watt (50 amp) alternator replaces generator in mid year.
- Improved intake pre-heating for faster cold weather warm-up.
- Engine case near No3/flywheel is reinforced to prevent cracking.
- Softer transmission mounting.
- Softer clutch.
- Porsche style pressure plate.
- No oil drain plug in oil strainer cover plate.
- New fuel pump (with cut-off valve) to clear alternator.
- Paper air filter.
- New ‘lifetime lubricated' front and rear wheel bearings.
- Larger curved windscreen and smaller front lid to luggage compartment.
- New dash in super beetle.
- Redesigned fresh air system.
- New interior light assembly.
- Stronger bumpers.
- Large round (Elephant Foot) tail lights.
- ‘Sports Bug' option.
- New front seats with multiple adjustment.
- Outer door handles get ‘two finger' indents on trigger.
1974
August 1, 1973 - July 31, 1974
- Chassis 114,2000,001 - 114,2999,000
- VW1303 134,2000,001 - 134,2999,000 (superbug)
- Engine D 1,115,874 - D 1,284,228
- Engine AR 000,001 - AR 121,271 44bhp(DIN)1300
- Engine AS 000,001 - AS 171,566 50bhp(DIN)1600
- Self restoring energy absorbing bumpers.
- Quieter muffler.
- New cylinder head alloy for better heat dissipation.
- "Softer" steering wheel to improve safety.
- Smaller front headrests give better rear vision.
- Computer sensor pressed into top of block to give TDC.
-
Computer sensor for ignition voltage. Seat belt ignition interlock. Seat belt and brake warning light
combined.
- Super beetle and convertible have slight negative king pin offset.
- Super beetle has square glove box knob.
- Warning light for hand brake.
- Ghia has thicker front disc pads.
- Last year of Ghia in the US.
- Internal regulator to alternator in late 74.
- Distributor gets vacuum and centrifugal advance.
1975
August 1, 1974 - July 31, 1975
- Chassis 115,2000,001 - 115,2600,000
- VW1303 135,2000,001 - 135,2600,000 (superbug)
- Engine D 1,284,227 - D 1,347,142 34bhp(DIN)1200
- Engine AR 121,272 - 150,000 44bhp(DIN)1300
- Engine AS 171,567 - AS 269,030 50bhp(DIN)1600
- Engine AJ 0,000,001 - AJ 0,012,405 50bhp(DIN)1600 (US, Japan Bosch L-Jetronic FI)
- Fuel Injection introduced.
- Engine case gets better alloy (AS21) to shed heat better.
- No hole for mechanical fuel pump.
- "Fuel Injection" added to engine lid.
- Larger exhaust valve stems improve heat shedding.
- Lower clutch pedal pressure.
- Better cabin heat exchangers.
- Odometer has a red "EGR" light to notify service needed.
- Single tailpipe.
- Last year of Superbug in US.
1976
August 1, 1975 - July 31, 1976
- Chassis 116,2000,001 - 116,2200,000
- Convertible 156,2000,001 - 156,2200,000
- Engine D 1,347,143 - D 1,393,631 34bhp(DIN)1200
- Engine AS 269,031 - AS 401,299 50bhp(DIN)1600
- Engine AJ 0,012,406 - AJ 0,095,935 50bhp(DIN)1600(L-Jet FI)
- Metallic paint, full carpets, rear window defogger.
- Improved seats and adjustment.
- All trim chrome plated.
- Two speed fresh-air fan on all models.
- Auto stick-shift discontinued.
- Speedo in mph and kmh in late 76.
1977
August 1, 1976 - July 31, 1977
- Chassis 117,2000,001 - 117,2200,000
- Convertible 157,2000,001 - 157,2200,000
- Engine D 1,393,632 - D 1,415,740 34bhp(DIN)1200
- Engine AS 401,300 - AS 528,948 50bhp(DIN)1600
- Engine AJ 0,095,936 - AJ 0,119,687 50bhp(DIN)1600(L-Jet FI)
- Front seats get new backrests with separate headrests.
- New door panels.
- New pedals.
- Plastic headlight rims replace chromed units.
- Last year of beetle in the US.
- "Champagne Edition" convertible introduced.
1978
August 1, 1977 - July 31, 1978
- Chassis 118,2000,001 - 118,2100,001 (to January 1, 1978)
- Convertible 158,2000,001 - 158,2100,000 (to January 1, 1978)
- Engine D 1,415,741 - D 1,431,112 34bhp(DIN)1200
- Engine AS 526,949 - AS 610,029 50bhp(DIN)1600
- Engine AJ 0,119,688 - AJ 0,132,850 50bhp(DIN)1600(L-Jet FI)
- "Champaign Edition 11" introduced.
1979
August 1, 1978 - July 31, 1979
- Chassis 119,2100,001 - 119,2150,000
- Convertible 159,2000,001 - 159,2036,062
- Engine D 1,431,113 - D 1,432,179 34bhp(DIN)1200
- Engine AS 610,030 - 691,913 50bhp(DIN)1600
- Engine AJ 132,851 - AJ 143,096 50bhp(DIN)1600(L-Jet FI)
- Intermittent wiper control added.
- "Epilogue" edition released.
- Last year of convertible in the US.