The VW Beetle -
Changes Through the Years

1940 (1 Jan 40 to 31 Dec 40)
Chassis 1-00,001 - 1-01,000
Engine 1-00,001 - 1-01,000 22bhp 5.8:1 compression 985cc

1941 (1 Jan 41 to 31 Dec 41
Chassis 1-01,001 - 1-05,656
Engine 1-01,001 - 1-06,251

1942 (1 Jan 42 to 31 Dec 42)
Chassis 1-05,657 - 1-014,383
Engine 1-06,252 - 1,017,113

1943 (1 Jan 43 to 31 Dec 43)
Chassis 1-014,1-0032,302
Engine 1-017,114 - 1-045,707 25bhp 5.8:1 compression 1100cc

1944 (1 Jan 44 to 31 Dec 44)
Chassis 1-032,305 - 1-051,999
Engine 1-045,708 - 1-077,683

1945 (1 Jan 45 to 31 Dec 45)
Chassis 1-052,0001-053,814
Engine 1-077,683 - 1-079,093

1946 (1 Jan 46 to 31 Dec 46)
Chassis 1-053,815 - 1-063,796
Engine 1-079,094 - 1-090,732

Pushrod tubes get compressible corrugated ends, replacing springs.
Fuel tank raised.
Grease nipple introduced on brake cables.
Tyres increase from 4.5x16 to 5.0x16.

1947 (1 Jan 47 - 31 Dec 47)
Chassis 1-063,797 - 1-072,743
Engine 1-090,733 - 1-0100,788

Reinforced ball bearings on rear hubs.
Spare wheel secured with bracket for chain and lock.
Fan housing has manually adjusted flap which closes half of air-intake (summer/winter setting).
Chassis number punched on tunnel between gear lever and handbrake lever.

1948 (1 Jan 48 to 31 Dec 48)
Chassis 072,744 - 091,921
Engine 100,789 - 122,649

‘Pope's nose" licence plate light.
Steering column has longitudinal groove for steering lock.
Modified brake drums.

1949 (1 Jan 49 to 31 Dec 48)
Chassis 091,922 - 138,554
Engine 122,650 - 169,913

Solex carby standard.
Domed top on air filter.
Inlet manifold support.
Front torsion bars transposed - 5 in lower tube, 4 in upper tube.
Exhaust valves get case hardened stems.
Elektron gearbox casing replaces magnesium alloy.
Fusebox relocated to inner left hand front wing.
Pressing for number plate on engine lid dropped.
Fuel tank shape altered, no gauge strainer fitted.
Filler cap gets VW emblem.
Cylinders have higher phosphor content.
Brown rubber mats in front foot wells, sitting on rubber floorpan covering.
Brake cables get Mipolam sheeting.
Larger roller for accelerator pedal.
Two types of shock absorbers available - Boge or Hemscheidt.
Pull cable bonnet release.

1950 (1 Jan 50 to 31 Dec 50)
Chassis 138,655 - 220,133
Engine 169,913 - 265,999

Small emblem hubcap replaced big emblem.
5 torsion leaves in each tube.
Gaskets between cylinders and heads.
Bosch headlights replace VW item on saloon and cabriolet.
Tailpipe increased from 31 to 32mm.
Inlet manifold now made of light alloy.
Small cut-outs in tops of door windows.
Hydraulic brakes on export saloons and cabriolets.
Automatic engine cooling control by bellows.
Brake master cylinder reduced from 22.2mm to 19.5mm.
Rear brake cylinders reduced from 19.05mm to 15.9mm.
Carby fitted without hinged float from chassis 213301 to 213455.
Option cloth sunroof.
Hole for external crank handle discontinued on Cabriolet in late 50.
Heat riser added to intake manifold.
Offset wrist pin to reduce piston slap.
Stronger alloys for exhaust valves and inserts.

1951 (1 Jan 51 to 31 Dec 51)
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 (1 Jan 52 to 31 Dec 52)
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?) carby 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 (1 Jan 53 to 31 Dec 53)
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 (1 Jan 54 to 31 Dec 54)
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 carby.
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 (1 Jan 55 to 31 Dec 55)
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 (1 Jan 56 to 31 Dec 57)
Chassis 1,060,930 - 1,394,119
Engine 1,277,347 - 1,678,209

Optional sunroof changed from cloth to plastic (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 (1 Jan 57 to 31 Dec 57)
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 (1 Jan 58 - 31 Dec 58)
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 (1 Jan 59 to 31 Dec 59)
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 (1 Jan 60 to 31 Dec 60)
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 (1 Aug 60 to 31 July 62)
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 carby 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 (1 Aug 61 to 31 July 62)
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 (1 Aug 62 to 31 July 63)
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 (1 Aug 63 to 31 July 64)
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 carby in late 64.

1965 (1 Aug 64 to 31 July 65)
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 (1 Aug 65 to 31 July 66)
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 (1 Aug 66 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.
"Volkswagen" badge on engine lid.
12 volt electrics.
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.
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 (1 Aug 67 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 carby.
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 (1 Aug 68 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 (1 Aug 69 to 31 July 70)
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 carby 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 (1 Aug 70 to 31 July 71)
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 carby.
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 (1 Aug 71 to 31 July 72)
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 (1 Aug 72 to 31 July 73)
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 (1 Aug 73 to 31 July 74)
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 (1 Aug 74 to 31 July 75)
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 (1 Aug 75 to 31 July 76)
Chassis 116,2000,001 - 116,2200,000
Cabrio 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 (1 Aug 76 to 31 July 77)
Chassis 117,2000,001 - 117,2200,000
Cabrio 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 (1 Aug 77 to 31 July 78)
Chassis 118,2000,001 - 118,2100,001 (to 1 Jan 78)
Cabrio 158,2000,001 - 158,2100,000 (to 1 Jan 78)
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 (1 Aug 78 to 31 July 79)
Chassis 119,2100,001 - 119,2150,000
Cabrio 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.

1980 (1 Aug 79 to 31 July 80)
Chassis 11A,000,001 - 11A , 0020,000
Cabrio 159,2036,063 - 159,2043,534 (to 31 Dec 79)
Engine D 1,432,180 - D 1,432,811 34bhp(DIN)120
0 EngineA S 0,691,914 - AS 0,693,274 (to 31 Dec 80)50bhp(DIN)1600
Engine AJ 0,143,097 - AJ 0,149,567 (to 31 Dec 80)(L-Jet FI)

1981 (1 Aug 80 to 31 July 81)
Chassis 11B,000,001 - 11B,013,340
Engine D 1,432,812 - D 1,479,924 34bhp(DIN)1200

1982 (1 Aug 81 to 31 July 82)
Chassis 11C, 000,001 - 11C 009,836
Engine D 1,479,925 - D 1,489,780 34bhp(DIN)1200

1983 (1 Aug 82 to 31 July 83)
Chassis 11D,000,001 - 11D,017,323
Engine D 1,489,761 - D 1,507,088

1984 (1 Aug 83 to 31 July 84)
Chassis 11E,000,001 - 11E 020,000
Engine D 1,507,084 - D 1,523,896 34bhp(DIN)1200

1985 (1 Aug 84 to 31 July 85)
Chassis 11F,000,001 - 11F,020,000
Engine D 1,523,897 - .... 34bhp(DIN)1200