The following Volkswagen Beetle information is targeted mainly towards the Export models Volkswagen produced. In some cases this may only apply to models shipped to the United States, its main export market.

F1934
First prototype Beetle.1000 cc (984) engine, 22hp, and 5.8:1 compression
ratio.

1936
1000 cc (985) engine, 22hp, and 5.8:1 compression ratio.

1937
External oil cooler added.

1938
Split rear window

1943
1131cc engine, 25 hp, and 5.8:1 compression ratio.

1948
'Pope's Nose' license plate light. Horn mounted externally behind front left
hand bumper overider

1949
Chassis # 91922 to 138554. Solex carburetor now standard. Air control flap on fan shroud discontinued. License plate indentation on rear deck dropped along with the starting handle bracket and guide hole. Inside pull cable release for front hood added, eliminating lock on old style L-shaped twist handle. Small emblem hubcap replaces large one.

New colors introduced, chrome trim appears.

1950
Chassis # 138555 to 220471. Cloth sunroof introduced as an option. Cable brakes changed to hydraulic on export models. Starting crank hole discontinued on Cabriolet in late 1950. Sound muffler put in heater ducts. Heat riser added to intake manifold. Automatic engine cooling temperature control with the thermostat. Offset piston wrist pin to reduce piston slap. Tougher alloys for exhaust valves and inserts.

1951
Chassis # 220472 to 313829. Chrome garnish added to windshield. Wolfsburg crest appears on front hood above handle. Vent flaps added to front quarter panels on Export models. Double-acting telescopic shocks replace rear lever shocks. Glove box door now standard on convertibles. One heavy valve spring replaces the two used before.

1952
Chassis # 313830 to 428156. Crankshaft endplay adjustment with three shims. Tire size changed from 5.00x 16 to 5.60x 15. Six leaf torsion bars for increased suspension travel. New instrument panel.

Late 1952
26 PCI carburetor with accelerator pump replaced the old 28 VFIS. Transmission with three synchronized gears replaced the old crash box. Number of turns made by window crank changed from 10-1/2 to 3-1/4. Vent windows added and vent flaps in front quarter body panels discontinued. Pull-type heating control knob replaced by rotary control knob. T type rear hood handle replaces loop type handle. Twin brake and taillights replace centre mounted single version. Single glove box gets a door and replaces the two open bins. Turn signal control moved to steering wheel from dashboard. Interior light moved to center pillar by driver's door. (The driver in this case would be sitting on the left side. We are talking United States and Europe here). Bumpers and guards strengthened and enlarged. New rear license plate housing.
Self-parking windshield wipers. Starting crank hole discontinued on all models.

1953
Chassis # 428157 to 575414. One rear oval window glass instead of two (end of the split window). Lock button added to vent window handles. Brake fluid bottle moved from master cylinder to behind spare tire. Improved exterior trim made of corrosion resistant alloy. Handle added to dash ashtray. Third and fourth gear ratios changed. Changed valve setting to 004.

Late 1953
Combination vacuum and mechanical advance distributor added. Increased generator output to 160 watts. Break-in driving requirement for engine dropped.

1954
Chassis# 575415 to 722934. 1200 engine, 30 hp, 6.1:1 compression ratio. Larger intake valves. Cylinder heads redesigned to provide better cooling for the valves and plugs. 28 PCI carburetor. Starter switch taken off dash and incorporated with ignition switch. Three-way interior light.

Late 1954
Higher 6.6:1 compression ratio.

1955
Chassis # 722935 to 929745. From 1955 the model changes always came in August, meaning that model 1956 started in August 1955. This can be confusing, as manufacture date and 'model year' are now two different things. Model years normally follow all the major changes (but there are exceptions as when the new larger tail lights with separate chamber for turn signal was introduced in May, 1961). Flashing turn signals mounted low on front fenders replace semaphores in the B pillar. Small top window in rear tail light housing dropped. Dished steering wheel. New gearshift lever moved forward.

1956
Chassis # 929746 to 1246618. Optional sunroof now made of PVC plastic instead of cloth. Optional sunroof is a little smaller than previous year. Gearshift handle now curved instead of straight. Taillight housings moved 2 inches higher and redesigned with one window only. Bumper over riders added.

Chromed dual tail pipes replace single tail pipe on Export models. Black enamel tail pipes are installed on Standard models. Steering wheel spoke moved lower off center. Adjustable, wider front seats. Heater knob moved forward. Redesigned gas tank yields larger luggage space. Larger oil pump mounting shaft. Number four main bearing clearance modified. Copper-plated fulcrum plates in universals. Starter motor horsepower increased. Fuel filter tap removed.

Late 1956
Front floor heater outlet moved rearward. Tubeless tires introduced.

1957
Chassis # 1246619 to 1600439. Optional sunroof is again a little smaller than previous year. Oil gallery sizes increased. Metal camshaft gear. Ring and pinion ratio changed. Brake pedal leverage increased. Adjustable striker plates in doors.

1958
Chassis # 1600440 to 2007615. New instrument panel. Larger windshield. Larger rear window. Frame head reinforced. Front turn signals moved to top of fenders. Rear deck lid redesigned. Flat type accelerator replaces roller type. Horizontal air inlets replaced vertical inlets on convertibles deck lids. New dished steering wheel. Radio grille moved in front of driver. Wider brake drum shoes. New clutch release assembly with stronger clutch springs. Third and fourth gear ratio changed.

1959
No new modifications except for the introduction of a large external rear view mirror (door mounted)

1960
Safety recessed steering wheel. Steering damper added. Steering box is worm and peg instead of worm and roller. Generator output increased from 160 to 180 watts. Outside door handles are now push button instead of pull types. Padded sun visors replaces dark plastic sun visor. Seat back contoured for greater comfort. Simplified Wolfsburg crest on front hood.

1961
All new redesigned engine:
1200cc, 40 hp, and 7:1 and compression ratio. Fuel pump is now located to the right of the distributor. Generator stand is no longer cast as part of the block. Lifters and pushrods are no longer a one-piece unit. Valves are now angled in the cylinder heads. 28 PICT carburetor with automatic choke. New tunnel type, fully synchronized transmission. Vacuum advance distributor. Positive crankcase ventilation. Flatter gas tank increases luggage space by 65%. 28 blade cooling fan. Permanently greased tie rod ends. Sissy bar added. Non-repeat starter switch. Wider front brake shoes and linings. Transparent brake fluid reservoir. Push-on connectors for the
wiring system. Pump-type windshield washer. Larger heater pipes. Sun visor and grab handles provided for passenger side. Door key slots changed from horizontal to vertical plane.

1962
Fuel gauge replaces reserve fuel tap. Switch made from glass to plastic taillights.

Springs balanced front hood. Sliding covers on heater outlets. Progressive type valve springs. Anchor points for seat belts. Stronger clutch springs. Windshield washer uses spare tire for air pressure. Last year semaphores are offered on non-Export models.

1963
Fresh air heating and engine with redesigned fan housing, muffler and heat exchangers. Leatherette head lining. Folding handle for sunroof. Nylon window guides. Foam sandwich floor mats. Wolfsburg hood crests discontinued.

1964
Metal replaces fabric in optional sunroof. Horn activated by two thumb buttons replaces half ring. Bent vacuum pipe- formerly a loop. Larger front turn signals. Larger license plate light. Aerated vinyl material replaces non-porous leatherette seat upholstery.

Late 1964
came with a 28 PICT -1carburetor.

1965
Master cylinder and wheel cylinders changed. New engine cooling air control system with flaps at the bottom of the fan housing. Heater efficiency improved. Lever type heater and defroster control replace rotary knob now positioned on either side of parking brake. Window and windshield area increased by 19.5% with slightly curved windshield. Slimmer door and windshield posts. Window vent made smaller, angled back and lock moved from bottom to side. More powerful windshield wipers and longer wiper blades. New chassis numbering system. Thinner, deeply contoured front seats. Increased rear seat knee room. Rear seat folds flat to hold more stuff. Change from T-handle to push button engine hood latch. Swivel mounted sun visors. Dome light incorporated in rear-view mirror assembly on convertibles.

1966
New Engine:

1300cc, 50 hp. '1300' logo added to rear deck lid. 30 PICT-1 carburetor. Cam bearings started. Hazard warning switch. Ventilated wheel slots and flatter hubcaps. Larger rear view mirror. Head light dimmer switch mounted on turn signal handle instead of floor (borrowed from VW Variant). Center dashboard defroster outlet. Semi-circular horn ring. Ball joint front suspension replaces kingpin suspension. Better torsion bars and shocks. Needle wheel bearings replaced round wheel bearings.

1967
New Engine:

1500 engine, 53 hp. 'Volkswagen' script added to rear deck lid. Squared-off, locking rear hood, the vertical mounted number plate being the requirement in some Beetle buying countries. Rear bumper over riders redesigned to clear new deck lid. Change from 6 volt to 12-volt system in middle of year; generator increased from 180 watts to 360 watts. Voltage regulator now mounted under rear seat instead of on generator. Wider swing axles increase track at rear. 1500cc car gets disc brakes. Clutch disk increased in size from 180 to 200 mm. 130 tooth (200 mm) flywheel replaces 109 tooth (180 mm) flywheel. Dual circuit brake system. Outside door handle has round push button. New design inside plastic door handles. Two-speed windshield wipers. Reversing lights. American model cars get the one piece, slightly recessed vertically mounted headlights. Locking (pin) buttons on doors. Driver's armrest added. Slimmer outside chrome trim. Left outside mirror becomes standard equipment. Z-bar added to rear suspension in an attempt to improve handling.

1968
Semi-Automatic stick shift with double-jointed rear axles option on 1500. New 'Europa' bumpers, no more overrides. Hubcaps are now even flatter than before. Beginning of plastic dashes on Bugs. Air intake slots on rear lid (1500). Big black knob added to vent window handle. Gear shifter is now straight instead of crooked. Wheel bolts changed from five to four. Wider front and rear brakes. Solex 30 PICT-2 carburetor. Gas tank filler moved from under the hood to right front fender. Brake fluid reservoir moved from under spare tire to left side wall. Combined fuel gauge into speedometer gauge. Fuel gauge is now electrical instead of mechanical. Oil warning light changed from green to red. Outside door handle button now has to be squeezed instead of pushed. Larger taillights. Reversing light built into taillight.

Head restraints built into front seat backrests. Energy-absorbing
collapsible steering column. New exhaust emission control system.

Late 1968
Front hood release moved to the glove compartment. Gas filler cover has an inside release.

1969
Double-jointed rear axles on all models. Swing axle transaxle is replaced by IRS transaxle. (Independent Rear Suspension). Warning lights in speedometer identified by letters or symbols. Day/night rear-view mirror. Rear window defroster. Ignition lock combined with steering wheel lock. Warm air outlet at base of the doors moved rearward. Remote control knobs are mounted on door columns. In late 1969 the tenth of mile indicator was put on the odometer.

1970
1600cc engine, 57 hp. Larger turn signals. Larger tail lights with side reflectors on housing. Air intake slots on engine lid (1300). Added a pressure control valve in lubrication system. (Dual relief case) Solex 30 PICT-3 carburetor. Diaphragm spring clutch replaces coil spring clutch to provide quicker engagement with less pedal pressure. Head restraints on front seats reduced in size. Lock on glove compartment door. Remote control knobs for warm air outlets discontinued. Buzzer sounds when door is opened and key left in the ignition. New third and fourth gears with finer teeth resulted in better mesh and reduced transmission noise.

1971
1600 engine with dual port heads introduced, 60hp. Installed a flow-through air system with vents behind rear windows. Taillights changed again. Three part intake manifold. Chrome exhaust valve stems. New combination vacuum/centrifugal advance distributor. Installed the activated charcoal filter for fuel tank fumes. Solex 34 PICT-3 carburetor. Door buzzer. New oil cooler that causes a bump in the fan shrouding (dog house style) that cools cylinder number three better. Pressed-in engine mounting nut on the left side of case. New clutch throw-out assembly and ball bearing. Headlights go off when ignition is off. First year of 1302 Super Beetle. It has McPherson struts and bigger front brakes. Has 1300 and 1600 option, with disc brakes on the larger engined car.

Late 1971

brought in larger oil pump. Different camshaft with four rivets instead of three holding camshaft gear. Separate wiring harness added for VW Computer Analysis system.

1972
Air intake slots on rear hood increased from two to four. Many more hoses
and gizmos in engine compartment for smog control. New steering column with safety collapse feature. New distributor has vacuum retard at idle. Exhaust re-burner (EGR, exhaust gas re-circulation). New muffler. Transmission third and fourth gear synchronizer rings were
modified to prevent fourth gear from howling, which sometimes resulted from a cold transmission. Special Baja Bug model introduced.

Late 1972

tires changed from 5.60x15 to 6.00x15.

1973
Horsepower drops from 60 to 58. Alternator replaces generator mid year and increases output to 600W. Improved intake pre-heating, for faster cold weather starts. Huge round tail lights and front turn signals. Reinforcement of the engine case in the flywheel area near number three cylinder. Softer transmission mounting with different style mounts. More durable, easier to operate clutch. Porsche-style pressure plate. Oil drain plug removed from oil strainer cover. New three point front seats adjustable to 77 different positions. New heavy duty braced doors. New fuel pump designed with fuel cutoff valve and made to clear alternator. Front and rear wheel bearings no longer required periodic lubrication. Redesigned fresh air system. Paper filter air cleaner. New curved windshield and expensive big dash in 1303 Super Beetle. Interior light assembly changed. Stronger 5mph bumpers add an inch to overall length. Sports Bug introduced.

1974
New self-restoring energy absorbing bumpers. New quieter muffler. New cylinder head alloy for better heat dissipation. Steering wheel made more
elastic to 'give' more in case of an accident. Smaller front seat headrests give better visibility. Computer check sensor pressed into top of block,
close to flywheel, to read TDC (top dead center). Computer check sensor to check ignition voltage. Seat belt ignition interlock system added. Seat belt and brake warning lights combined into single unit. Super Beetle and convertible have a bit of negative king pin offset for better tracking under braking conditions. Super Beetle has a square glove compartment lock instead of round. Warning light for hand brake. Love Bug and Sun Bug introduced.

Late 1974
Alternator has an integral regulator. Distributor is now vacuum and centrifugally activated.

1975
Fuel injection replaces carburetor. Engine case now made from a better alloy classified as AS21; it retains its original structure and sheds heat better than previous cases. Engine case no longer has a hole for the old mechanical fuel pump. 'Fuel injection' script added to rear deck lid. Larger exhaust valve stems for better heat transfer. Clutch pedal pressure eased. New heat exchangers for greater output. Odometer triggers red warning light EGR in speedometer to notify drivers of service requirement. Single tail pipe. Last year of the Super Beetle in United States, Le Grande Bug introduced.

1976
Metallic paint, full carpeting, sports-style wheel rim and rear window
defogger are now standard equipment. Redesigned front seats with improved back adjustments. All trim components chrome-plated. Two-speed fresh air fan standard on all models. Automatic stick shift discontinued. A new speedometer with outer scale in miles per hour and inner scale in kilometer introduced late 1976.

1977
Front seats have new backrests with separate adjustable headrests. Redesigned door panels. Redesigned pedal pads. Plastic headlight rings replace chrome-plated metal units. Last year of Beetle in United States. Champagne Edition convertible introduced.

1978
Champagne II Edition convertible introduced.

1979
Intermittent windshield wiper system standard equipment. 'Epilog' special edition released. Last year of convertible in the United States.

1980
Remaining cars built after December 1979 carried 1979 serial numbers for emission reasons. Most of the 1980 models were produced during the 1979 production year.