The History of the
Volkswagen Beetle

The Beetle's birth went hand-in-hand with Germany's construction of the autobahns. In 1933, Adolf Hitler met with Ferdinand Porsche, the Beetle's designer. Hitler knew that Mr. Porsche had been working on a small family car, and ordered Porsche to have it made ready for production. He emphasized that the car should be able to carry 2 adults, 3 children, have a maximum speed of 62 mph, and return 33mpg. Hitler then ordered the building of a network of high-speed highways that would act as the infrastructure for the industrial and economical revival of Germany, the autobahns. In the spring of 1937, a number of pre-production Beetles were built by Daimler-Benz. More than any other of the pre-production cars, these had the characteristics, looks, and personality of what would become the Beetle. This was the point when the appearance of the car was finalized, a look that would remain fundamentally unchanged for more than 50 years. 26 May, 1938 was one of the most important milestone dates in the evolution of the Beetle. On this day, Adolf Hitler visited the site where the factory was to be built that would mass-produce the Beetle. Hitler was there to lay the first foundation stone that signified the birth of the Bug. Years of complex engineering wrok led to that famous day, but the laying of that stone showed that the Beetle was a production reality. Hitler also rode in a pre-production Type 38 Cabrio, the car that would become the Beetle, on that day. Hitler's test drive in the car was a pivotal moment in the Bug's history, signaling the start of the most successful car ever built. The car now had an oval rear window, a single line of louvers in the metal strip above the engine cover, a one-piece lid at the front, and 'frogeye' headlights faired into the finders. This car was the Type 38. Wind-tunnel tests showed that Porsche's work on aerodynamics paid off: with a cd of just 0.385, the Bug was both an engineering and styling success. After the war broke out, Volkswagens were built mainly for military purposes. The VW Type 87, better known as "Kommandeurswagen" (Commanding officer's vehicle), was a four wheel drive Beetle built for the German army. Another popular wartime car was the K�belwagen (VW Type 82), the vehicle designed for all-terrain use. Because of the lack of fuel during the war, experiments were mad with Beetles and K�belwagens equipped with wood gas generators. Another well-known car from the war was the amphibian VW Type 166 (a car capable of floating like a boat), one of Porsche's best-known designs based on the Beetle. However, after the war, British occupied forces took charge of Beetle production. Major Ivan Hirst was responsible for the Beetle project at that time and got production rolling once again. After the British took over production, Beetle popularity grew tremendously. In 1949, the early model Beetles (with very Spartan equipment) were retained as standard models. However, the export models had improved equipment and chrome trim. In 1950, intensive improvements on the model began. The Export Beetle was fitted with hydrolic brakes, replacing the old mechanical braking system Recesses in the side windows on the front were added to improve ventilation And, for 250 DM, a sliding roof was available In 1951, the Beetle was equipped with side ventilation flaps (only for one year). 1952 was a year of surprise: 15 inch instead of 16 inch wheels were added Synchromesh gearbox was added to the export models Door windows were fitted with opening quarter-lights Two tiny brake lights were incorporated in the rear light units replacing the single brake light in the center of the engine lid Last year the Beetle had a divided rear windshield In 1953, the central dividing rib of the rear windshield disappeared. This made it possible to fit the oval rear windshield on older models as a service installation. In 1955, the engine output was raised to 30 bhp from 24 bhp and a duel exhaust was added. Tubeless tires were introduced in 1956. 1957 brought on a drastic change: both the front and rear windshields were enlarged. Also, the roller-type accelerator pedal was replaced by a flat one. In 1959, fixed door handles with push buttons were introduced. Also, a foot support for the front passenger and a stabilizer on the front axle were added. In 1960, the engine output was once again increased now at 34 bhp. Also, the choke was replaced by an automatic starter on the carburetor. Other changes included: Asymmetric headlights Turn signals synchromesh Changes were again made in 1961: Steering lock Anchorages for seat belts and fuel gauge In 1963, the PVC sliding roof was replaced with a steel sliding roof, for an additional 250 DM. The VW 1300 was introduced in 1965, with enlarged windows, 40 bhp and flat hubcaps. The 34 bhp engine remained only for the standard Beetle. 1966 brought about a new model: the VW 1500. This Beetle was given: 44 bhp engine Wider rear axle The 1300 and 1600 models in addition had an anti-roll spring. The Beetle changed in appearance in 1967: Vertically placed headlights (only for models with higher engine capacity) Box-section bumpers 12 volt electrical system (replacing 6 volt system) An automatic gearbox, for an additional 465 DM. In 1970, a new Beetle was introduced with a new running gear. The VW 1302 had suspension struts in the front and a double-jointed axle at the rear as on the automatic Beetle. The S version had a 1600 cc engine with 50 bhp. Through-flow ventilation with crescent-shaped air outlets behind the side windows was also introduced. In 1971, the ventilation system was improved with the addition of more air inlets in the engine lid. The evolution of the Beetle reached its climax in 1972: the VW 1303 with panorama windshield and new dashboard. However, the small body version was retained as the VW 1200. In 1974, the 1303 was improved: the turn signals were integrated in the bumpers. The last Beetle rolls off the assembly line at Wolfsburg on 1 July. As a result of the oil crisis, the demand for the Beetle increased. The 'economy Beetle'--a 1200 Beetle with Spartan fittings--was brought out in 1975. On 18 January, 1978, the last Beetle left the assembly line at Emden. Its production number was 16 255 500. Beetles came from Mexico from then after. Over the years, the Beetle hardly changed its appearance at all. The basic technical concept also remained the same. Nevertheless, there is probably no other mass-produced car that has ever been so thoroughly updated.