1949
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 2, Convertible: N/A
Original Price:
Sedan: $1,480
Convertible: $1,997
Chassis Numbers: 1-091922 to 1-138554
Changes:
* First Deluxe export Beetle model 11c built for the United States. * License plate identification on decklid dropped.
* Inside pull cable release for hood: No lock on hood handle. * Solex carburetor standard equipment. * Starting crank
hole dropped on Deluxe model. * Grooved bumpers with flared guards introduced. * Deluxe interior featured ivory dash
panels and knobs, 8-day clock, two-spoke steering wheel, rear bolster pillows.
1950
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 328, Convertible: N/A
Original Price:
Sedan: $1,480
Convertible: $1,997
Chassis Numbers: 1-138 555 to 1-220 471
Changes:
* Hydraulic brakes replaced mechanical brakes on Deluxe models. * Sunroof introduced. * Noise mufflers for heating
ducts added. * Automatic engine air cooling by thermostatically-controlled throttle ring. * Fuel mixture heating device
(heat riser) introduced. * “T-style” heater knob with 90-degree rotation to lock in place. * Inside ventilation controlled
by “cut-out” pattern at top of windows. * Front and rear ashtrays added as standard equipment on the Deluxe models.
1951 ,Early 1952
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 367, Convertible: N/A
Original Price: Sedan: $1,480, Convertible: $2,296
Chassis Numbers: 1-220 472 to 1-313 829 (1951) 1-313 830 to 1-397 022 (1/52 to 10/52, early ‘52 model)
Changes:
* Chrome trim moulding added to windshields. * Vent flaps added to front-quarter panels on Deluxe models. * Doubleacting telescopic shock absorbers replaced rear lever-style shocks. * Glove box door standard on Cabriolets. * Wolfsburg crest added above hood handle..
Late 1952,, Early 1953
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 887, Convertible: N/A
Original Price:
Sedan:$1,595
Convertible: $2,395
Chassis Numbers: 1-397 023 to 1-428 156 (10/52 to 12/52 late ‘52 model), 1-428 157 to 1-454 950 (1/53 to 2/53)
Changes:
* Vent windows added, vent flaps in front-quarter panels discontinued. * “T-type” decklid handle introduced (formerly
loop-type). * Twin brake and taillights replaced center-mounted single light. *Window crank made 3-1/2 turns; formerly
10-1/2 turns. * Glove compartment door added; formerly open bin. * Turn signal control moved to steering wheel from
dashboard. * Interior light moved to center pillar by driver’s door. * 5.60 x 15-inch tires replaced 5.00 x 16-inch tires.
* 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears synchronized (formerly “crashbox”). * Bumpers and guards enlarged and strengthened.
*Accelerator pump added to carburetor. * New rear license plate light housing. * Self-canceling windshield wipers.
1953
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 1,139, Convertible: N/A
Original Price:
Sedan: $1,655, Convertible: $2,455
Chassis Numbers: 1-454 951 to 1-575 414 (3/53 to 12/53, late ‘53 model)
Changes:
* One-piece oval rear window replaced split rear window (March 1953). * Lock button added to vent window handles.
* Brake fluid reservoir relocated behind spare tire (October 1953); formerly at master cylinder. * Exterior trim improved
with anti-corrosive alloy. * Handle added to in-dash ashtray.
1954 to 1955
U.S. Sales:
1954 Sedan: 8,086, 1955 Sedan: 32,662, Convertible: N/A
Original Price:
Sedan: $1,495
Convertible: $1,995
Chassis Numbers: 1-575 415 to 1-781 884 (1954), 1-781 885 to 1-929 745 (1/55 to 8/55, 1955 model)
Changes:
* Starter switch now incorporated with ignition switch; formerly separate button on dashboard. * Horsepower increased
from 30 to 36, and displacement increased from 1131cc to 1192cc. * Oil bath air cleaner replaced felt element filter.
* Break-in driving requirement for engine. * Automatic three-way interior courtesy light added.* Top window in
tail light housings dropped. * (mid-1955) Flashing directional indicators, mounted low on outside front fenders, replaced the semophere turn indicators.
1956 to 1957
U.S. Sales:
1956 Sedan: 38,129, 1957 Sedan: 47,446, 1956; Convertible: 2,303, 1957 Convertible: 2,613
Original Price:
Sedan: $1,495, Convertible: $1,995
Chassis Numbers: 1-020 746 to 1-1 246 618 (1956 model, 9/55 to 7/56), 1-1 246 619 to 1-1 600 439 (1957
model, 8/56 to 9/57)
Changes:
* Chromed dual tailpipes added, replaced single tailpipe. * Tail light housings moved two-inches higher. * Bumper
overrider “bow” added. * Sunroof made of plastic fabric; formerly cloth. * Steering wheel spoke (horizontal) moved
lower, off-center. * Heater knob moved forward.* Wider front seats with adjustable backs. * Redesigned gas tank yielded
larger luggage space. * Tubeless tires added July 1956. * Front floor heater outlet moved rearward (January 1956).
* Doors fitted with adjustable striker plates. * Front heater outlets moved rearward to within five inches of the door.
1958 to 1959
U.S. Sales:
1958 Sedan: 52,221, 1959 Sedan: 84,677, 1958 Convertible: 3,261, 1959 Convertible: 4,180
Original Price:
Sedan: $1,545
Convertible: $2,045
Chassis Numbers: 1-600 440 to 2-007 615 (1958), 2-007 616 to 2-528 667 (1959)
Changes:
* Brake drums and shoes widened. * Rear window and front windshield enlarged. * Front turn signal lights moved to top
of fenders. * Radio grille moved to far left, in front of driver. * Decklid redesigned.* Horizontal air inlets replaced
vertical inlets on convertibles. * Flat accelerator pedal replaced the roller-type. * Stronger clutch springs added (1959).
* Improved fan belt (1959). * Frame reinforced for greater strength (1959).
1960
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 112,027, Convertible: 5,841
Original Price:
Sedan: $1,565
Convertible: $2,055
Chassis Numbers: 2 528 668 to 3 192 506
Changes:
* Steering wheel “dished”. * Push-button door handles replaced lever-type. * Padded sun visors replace transparent
plastic. *Steering damper added. * Wolfsburg crest on front hood changed to less colorful version. * Worm-and-peg
steering changed to worm-and-roller steering. * Generator output increased from 160 to 180 watts. * Seatback
contoured for greater comfort. * Foot rest for front passenger. * Front anti-sway bar fitted.
1961
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 148,144, Convertible: 6,219
Original Price:
Sedan: $1,595
Convertible: $2,095
Chassis Numbers: 3 192 507 to 4 010 994
Changes:
* Sun visor and grab-handle provided for passenger side, * Horsepower increased from 36 to 40. * Automatic choke
introduced. * Transmission fully synchronized. * Flatter fuel tank yields greater luggage space. * “Quick-check” transparent brake fluid reservoir. * Pump-type windshield washer. * Non-repeat starter switch. * Redesigned engine case and cylinder heads. * Key slot in doors now vertical; formerly horizontal. * Push-on electrical connectors.
1962
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 174,960, Convertible: 7,169
Original Price:
Sedan: $1,595
Convertible: $2,095
Chassis Numbers: 4 010 995 to 4 846 835
Changes:
* Spring-loaded front hood. * Larger tail lights added. * Windshield washer added, uses spare tire air for pressurization.
* Gas gauge on dash replaces reserve fuel tap. * Seatbelt mounting points added. * Sliding covers for front floor heater
vents. * Permanently lubricated tie rod ends added.
1963
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 209,747, Convertible: 7,377
Original Price:
Sedan: $1,595
Convertible: $2,095
Chassis Numbers: 4 846 836 to 5 677 118
Changes:
* Leatherette headliner introduced. * Wolfsburg hood crest dropped. * Folding handle for sunroof introduced. * Foaminsulated floor. * Fresh-air heating. * Nylon window guides.
1964
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 251,806, Convertible: 7,606
Original Price:
Sedan: $1,595
Convertible: $2,095
Chassis Numbers: 5 677 119 to 6 502 399
Changes:
* Crank operated sliding steel sunroof replaces fabric roll-back style sunroof. * Horn activated by two horn buttons;
formerly a half-ring. * Aerated vinyl material replaces non-porous leatherette seat upholstery. * Wider license plate light.
1965
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 288,583, Convertible: 7,848
Original Price:
Sedan: $1,563
Convertible: $2,053
Chassis Numbers: 115 000 001 to 115 979 200
Changes:
* Windows enlarged; slimmer window and door posts. * Heat control levers mounted on tunnel; increased heater
efficiency. * Rear seatback folds down into platform. * Thinner more deeply-contoured front seats, increased rear knee
room. * Swivel-mounted sun visors. * Push-button engine lid release. * V.I.N. System Changed.
1966
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 296,624, Convertible: 5,799
Original Price:
Sedan: $1,574
Convertible: $2,061
Chassis Numbers: 116 000 001 to 116 1021 298
Changes:
* Horsepower increased from 40 to 50. * Displacement increased from 1200cc to 1300 cc; “1300” emblem added to engine lid.
* Ventilating slots added to wheels. * Flat hubcaps. * Four-way emergency flasher system added. * Headlight dimmer switch added to turn signal switch. * Center defroster outlet added to dash. * Semi-circular horn ring added. *Suspension improved with better torsion bars and shocks. * Front seats equipped with safety locks. * Ball joint front suspension introduced.
1967
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 314,343, Convertible: 6,349
Original Price:
Sedan: $1,639
Convertible: $2, 075
Chassis Numbers: 117 000 001 to 117 844 892
Changes:
* Horsepower increased from 50 to 53. * Displacement increased from 1300cc to 1500cc. * “Volkswagen” emblem added to engine lid. * Sealed-beam headlights with chrome trim rings set into fenders. * Dual-circuit brake system;front/rear operate independently. * Auxiliary rear spring added. * Back up lights added. * Parking lights incorporated into front turn signals.
* Locking buttons added to doors. * 12-volt electrical system replaces 6-volt system (36-amp battery). * Two-speed
windshield wiper motor added. * Left outside rear-view mirror was standard. * Narrow exterior trim moulding added.
* Redesigned engine lid and rear apron. * Rear bumper overriders redesigned for engine lid clearance. * Front retractable seatbelts added. * Armrest for driver added. * Fuses increased from 8 to 10. * More powerful starter motor.
1968
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 390,079. Convertible: 9,595
Original Price:
Sedan: $1,699
Convertible: $2,099
Chassis Numbers: 118 000 001 to 118 1016 098
Changes:
* One-piece bumpers; guards and overriders eliminated; height raised. * Head restraints added to front seats.
*Automatic Stickshift option introduced. * External gas tank filler with spring-loaded flap added. * Hood fresh-air
intake louvers added. * Push-button front hood release. * Fresh-air ventilation system. * Exhaust emissions control system.
* Back-up/brake lights and rear turn signals integrated into single housing. * Federal certification sticker added to door
post. * Extensive padding added to front compartment. * Padded dash added. * 4-bolt wheel lug nut pattern introduced.
* Rear seatbelts standard. * Collapsible steering column added. * Anti-theft ignition switch installed on steering column.
1969
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 367,307, Convertible 10,025
Original Price:
Sedan: $1,799
Convertible: $2,209
Chassis Numbers: 119 000 001 to 119 1093 704
Changes:
* Rear window defogger and defroster electric heating wires on the inner surface of the glass. * Double-jointed rear axle
(IRS) introduced. * Warning lights in speedometer identified by letters or symbols. * Hood release relocated to glove
compartment. * Day/night rear-view mirror. * Warm-air outlet at base of the doors moved rearward; remote control
knobs installed in kick panels.
1970
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 366,790, Convertible: 11,432
Original Price:
Sedan: $1,839
Convertible: $2,249
Chassis Numbers: 110 000 0001 to 110 3096 945
Changes:
* Horsepower increased from 53 to 57. * Displacement increased from 1500cc to 1600cc. * Air intake slots added to
engine lid. * Enlarged front turn signal/side marker lights added. * Side reflectors added to tail light housings. *Tenthsof- mile indicator on odometer. * Front seat head restraints reduced in size. * Key-in-ignition buzzer added. *Remote control knobs for warm air outlets discontinued. * Lock on glove box door added. * “Formula Vee” Beetle introduced.
* California vapor emissions control system.
1971
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 318,990, Convertible: 12,201
Original Price:
Sedan: $1,845
Convertible: $2,399
Chassis Numbers: 111 2000 002 to 111 3143 118
Changes:
* Super Beetle introduced with MacPherson-strut front suspension, three-inches longer than standard Beetle, increased
luggage space, larger gas tank, rear side ventilation slots, larger tail lights. * Increased horsepower from 57 to 60. *Dualport intake system introduced on Sedan. * Flow-through ventilation system. * Headlights automatically turn off and park lights remain on when ignition is switched off. * Towing eyes added front and rear. * Relocated oil cooler with its own cooling air supply.
1972
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 335,646, Convertible: 8,471
Original Price:
Sedan: $1,966
Convertible: $2,599
Chassis Numbers: 112 2000 001 to 112 2961 362
Changes:
* Beetles received larger rear window, collapsible steering wheel hub, column-mounted lever for windshield wiper
and washer, cover over luggage area behind seat, new easier to read speedometer. * VW computer analysis socket added * Automatic electronic dual brake system warning light. * Special “Baja Bug” introduced. * Air intake slot groups on engine lid increased from two to four.
1973
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 342,790, Convertible: 7,567
Original Price:
Sedan: $2,299
Convertible: $3,450
Chassis Numbers: 113 2000 001 to 113 3021 954
Changes:
* Horsepower decreased from 60 to 46. * Super Beetle received a curved windshield. * Large, circular tail lights complex combined stop light, turn signals, tail and backup lights. * Stronger bumpers add an inch to overall length. * Front seat adjusted to any of 77 different positions. * More durable, easier to operate clutch, softer transmission mounts. *Improved intake pre-heating for faster cold weather starts. * Windshield wiper arms receive black finish. * Inertial-reel safety belts added. * 6:00 x 15L tires and 4-1/2-inch wide wheels. * “Sport Bug” introduced.
1974
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 220,368, Convertible: 5,730
Original Price:
Sedan: $2,625, Convertible: $3,475
Chassis Numbers: 114 2000 001 to 114 2818 456
Changes:
* Self-restoring, energy-absorbing front and rear bumpers. * Seatbelt/ignition interlock added. * New cylinder head alloy for better head dissipation. * Additional computer analysis sensor for ignition timing and top-dead-center recognition. * Front seat head restraints redesigned and made smaller. * Steering wheel made more forgiving in the event of an accident. * “Park” position for Automatic Stickshift. * Warning light for emergency brake. * “Love Bug” and “Sun Bug” introduced.
1975
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 78,412, Convertible: 3,618
Original Price:
Sedan: $2,999
Convertible: $4,195
Chassis Numbers: 115 2000 001 to 115 2267 815
Changes:
* Electronic fuel injection introduced. * “Fuel Injection” emblem on engine lid. * Single tail pipe. * Increased
horsepower from 46 to 48. * Clutch pedal pressure eased. * Larger exhaust valve stems (9mm) for better heat transfer.
* New heat exchangers for greater output. * Installation of battery ground cables with diagnosis contact for more
accurate computer analysis. * Odometer triggered “EGR” light in speedometer. * Catalytic converter equipped cars for
California require lead-free fuel; fuel filler neck has smaller inlet for compliance enforcement. * Maintenance intervals
extended to 15,000 miles. * “LeGrande Bug” introduced.

1976
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 23,213, Convertible: 3,581
Original Price:
Sedan: $3,449, Convertible: $4,545
Chassis Numbers:
Sedan: 116 2000 001 to 116 2176 287
Convertible: 156 2000 001 to 156 2175 675
Changes:
*Beetle had plush appearance with luxury “extras” as standard equipment * Two-stage metallic paint, full carpeting, sportstyle wheels, rear window defogger. * New speedometer with MPH and Km scales. * Redesigned front seats with improved back adjustments. * Two-speed fresh-air blower motor. * All trim components chrome plated. * Automatic Stickshift option discontinued.
1977
U.S. Sales:
Sedan: 12,090, Convertible: 7,155
Original Price:
Sedan: $3,699, Convertible: $4799
Chassis Numbers:
Sedan: 117 2000 001 to 117 2101 292 Convertible: N/A
Changes:
* Last year for Beetle Sedan manufacture in Germany. * “Champagne Edition” convertible introduced. * Full carpeting
for Sedan. * New front seats have separate adjustable headrest. * Redesigned door panels * Redesigned pedal pads. *Plastic headlight rings replace chromed metal units.
1978
U.S. Sales:
Convertible: 9,932
Original Price:
Convertible: $5,700
Chassis Numbers:
Sedan: 118 2000 001 to 118 2034 030 Convertible: 158 2000 001 to 158 2028 542
Changes:
* Last VW Beetle Sedan built in Germany on January 19, 1978. * “Champagne II Edition” convertible released.
1979
U.S. Sales:
Convertible: 10,681
Original Price:
Convertible: $6,170
Chassis Numbers: 159 2000 001 to 159 2043 634
Changes:
* “Epilog” special edition released. * Intermittent windshield wiper system standard equipment.
1980
U.S. Sales:
Convertible: 4,572
Original Price:
Convertible: N/A
Chassis Numbers: 159 2043 635 to 159 2043 705
* (built after 12/31/79); remaining cars built after 12/31/79 carry 1979 serial numbers for emissions reasons * Most of the 1980 model cars were produced during the 1979 production year.