About The Volkswagen Beetle
PrefaceToo many times have I been approached by an 'expert', claiming that their beetle was a '67, or pre '66, only to find that it wasn't. Of course the obvious is exactly that, and after letting them waffle on I point it out. Hence the clever little list on "How to impress your friends" by identifying years from a distance.
If you are reading this article to gain insight prior to looking for a Beetle to purchase, you really should read the "What to Look for When Buying" article as well. We all feel that is the most useful article on this site, at least to novice Beetle enthusiasts.What makes the beetle so special, what are they worth, why all the fuss?
If you discover something that you think is wrong, feel free to E-Mail
me. Be specific, polite, and PLEASE, never be offended if I tell you your opinion is wrong, I've had years of practise, listening to my wife tell me that mine is wrong.What are the years?
As for the years, I will note some technical changes, and TRY to be objective . I have found it helpful to make several "cuts" at differentiating the years by model changes.
For a really in depth guide to the changes through the years, click here.
Feature "families"
Often, Beetle era's are referred to as "metal dash" or "40 horse", or "kingpin front end". To help you with that, some further digestion of the stuff above identifying year "groups" by various sub-components. Remember that these year offerings were for US Models only. Offerings in other countries varied.
Engines
25HP- 1949-1952
30HP- 1953
Gear Boxes Suspension, Rear Suspension, Front
Dashboards How do they do that!? (impress your friends and
family) So maybe you have a friend who is a real bug nut
and gets a quick glance at Beetle in a parking lot while passing at 50mph in
your car he says "cool, a '64". "How did he do that?" you think. Well it is not
that hard. Even my wife can now spot the major "family" years like ovals and old
vs. new and supers (and she is not exactly an enthusiast). Well, let me help you
impress your friends and family and give you a quick course on "telling the year
at a glance". I can't get you to a single year in the later models, but the
early years I have mostly down pat. First cut "OLD" or "NEW", look for the "towel bar"
bumpers
NEW: Next for these is the taillights
Smaller but with reflectors on the sides: '70-'72
So Which One to Buy?
Well again it depends on what your intentions are. Somewhat objectively below I have "classed" intentions based on vintage "value" and driveability. At the end, in brackets, I have added my "if I could pick any year" pick for the described intentions.
Vintage= HIGH
Driveability=LOW
For true "vintage" character and maximum investment protection: '66 and earlier. You won't drive this car a whole lot. Really the older the better, but parts cost and availability goes up with age. Heavily modifying a complete "old" Beetle into anything but stock is grounds for horsewhipping in many states. [if I could pick a year: easy, a '49]
Vintage= MED/HIGH
Driveability=MED/LOW
For "old Beetle charm", investment protection and some driveability: any '58-'67 Beetle. '65 and up will get you better parts availability and (parts) price, but loose some "vintage" value. But parts in the '58 - '66 range are very similar and there are no real hard-to-finds. You can modify suspensions, brakes etc. to improve driveability, but don't perform and irreversible modifications (see "horsewhipping", above). [if I could pick a year: hmmm.... probably a '63 sunroof, it's a nice compromise between old and really old, I would be tempted to put a ball joint front end on it though]
Vintage= MED
Driveability=MED/HIGH
If you want a true "daily driver", I'd recommend a '67 to about '71 (non Super). They have all the useable improvements of the "new" Beetles, but are simple and parts for this range are most plentiful (except the '67 for some parts). Investment protection should not be an issue here. After '71, VW made SOME models complicated with fuel injection and McPherson strut front ends (Supers). Accessories, wiring and dashboards got more complicated too. [if I could pick a year: 67, but only if I only had to drive it in good (no salt) weather, other wise '68]
Vintage= LOW
Driveability=HIGH
This would be what I would call a "beater". You just want to drive a bug, you don't care about vintage anything, you will modify anything you want to make it work, you will drive it year round in some less than ideal weather for cars. My recommendation for years is the same as above, except leave the '67 out, it is too special of a year. '68 to about '73. Parts are readily available and yet the design is still straight forward and simple. [if I could pick a year: 68, just 'cause I like the swing axles]
So that's it folks, hope I've offered something (I did enjoy writing this). Remember be realistic about what you expect from the car and what you want to do with it; long or short term. They are great cars, simple and fun to tinker with. AND, they just aren't making' them anymore. So keep your eyes open, and don't be afraid to pull a "U-ey" on your way to the in-laws one Sunday when you see a dusty old "complete" looking '62 rolled out in front of a house you've passed 100 times before. Knock on the door, you might have a shot at a real sweetie......"Excuse me, but I was just passing by, and....."
This site was last updated 05/16/08