Changes to the Volkswagen Beetle through the years (often affecting next model year).
1946: Heater control moved into car from engine compartment.
1948: “Export” model introduced. Owners who achieve 100,000 kilometers (62,000 miles) get commemorative watch and dashboard plaque.
1949: Fuse box moved from beside gas tank! Colored steering wheel introduced. Karmann-built convertible first offered.
1950: Cylinder head gaskets introduced. Hydraulic brakes on export model.
1951: Cold air vents introduced. Wolfsburg crest added to hood.
1952: Vent windows replace cold air vents (passengers complained of freezing). Dashboard redesigned; speedometer now goes clockwise. First right-hand- drive Bug is built. Top three gears gain synchromesh.
1953: Split rear window replaced by oval. 25-horsepower 1,131-cc engine replaced by 30-h.p., 1,192-cc engine.
1954: Heater vent larger.
1955: Taillights bigger, higher. Seats wider, door trim, steering wheel improved. Jack stronger. Flashing turn signals introduced in U.S.
1956: Tubeless tires standard. Clutch improved.
1957: Front and rear windows enlarged, dashboard redesigned. Accelerator pedal replaces original roller.
1958: Engine gets magnetic drain plug.
1959: Safety door handles. Padded sun visors. New steering wheel. Heater improved. Front sway bar added.
1960: Running boards color-matched, locking ignition fitted, synchromesh on all four gears, steering damper added. Engine power up to 34 h.p.
1961: Fuel gauge replaces reserve tap. Spring struts support hood. Seat belt anchors fitted.
1962: Heater improved. Standard model finally gets hydraulic brakes. Vinyl replaces wool headliner. Crest on hood discontinued.
1963: Steel sunroof offered. Vinyl upholstery replaces wool.
1964: All windows bigger, windshield curved. Back seat backrest now folds flat.
1965: 40 h.p., 1,300-cc engine introduced. Door safety latches added.
1966: 44 h.p., 1,500-cc engine introduced. Front disc brakes, rear suspension improved.
1967: New upright headlights. Electrics go to 12 volts from 6 volts. Bigger bumpers, black running-board rubbers. Gas filler moved outside hood. Dual circuit brakes. Unloved automatic transmission introduced. Ignition moved to column.
1968: Gas cap lockable. Hazard lights fitted.
1969: Luxury package introduced.
1970: McPherson strut front suspension replaces torsion bars. Trunk space increased 85 percent. Twin-port engine boosts power to 50 h.p.
1971: Production tops 15 million, passing Model T. Safety steering wheel introduced. Rear window taller; wiper switch moved to column.
1972: Curved windshield on Super Beetle. Padded dash introduced. VW bonnet badges discontinued.
1973: Front suspension modified for negative roll. Inexpensive special editions.
1974: Wolfsburg plant closes. Rack-and-pinion steering introduced. Fuel injection on U.S. Beetles.
1975: Super Beetle sedan production ceases.
1976-’80: Beetle production ends in 1978. Super Beetle convertibles cease in 1980.
