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Beetle (Käfer) 1200 Cabriolet
(1954–1965)

Käfer 1200 Cabriolet (1954–1965)
Archive

Open Ovali

Factory code: Type 15.1 Cabriolet

After the end of the Hebmüller company, Karmann is the only manufacturer of Beetle convertibles. The Osnabrück-based company also builds an open-top version of the "Ovali" based on the export model, selling around 26,000 units. The engineers have to solve seemingly minor problems. For example, the side indicator – there are no flashing lights yet – is located in the B-pillar of the VW Beetle, which is missing in the convertible. The indicator is therefore moved to the height of the door lock.

Beetle (Käfer) 1200 Cabriolet profile

Vehicle data

Käfer 1200 Cabriolet (1954–1965)

Engine versions

Käfer 1200 Cabriolet (1954–1965)

Beetle (Käfer) 1200 Cabriolet variants & highlights

Beetle (Käfer) 1200 Cabriolet model update

1954–1965

Total production period: Improvements

Over the years, the Cabriolet undergoes the same model improvements as the Beetle 1200 saloon.

1954

Synthetic resin and wrinkle-free

Important for restorers: This year, the paint finish is changed from nitro to synthetic resin. The convertible roof can now be folded away in a wrinkle-free cover.

1957

Better view

The windscreen is enlarged by 8 percent and the rear window by 45 percent. The slots on the bonnet are now arranged horizontally.

1960

It flashes

A striking external change: instead of side indicators, a change in direction of travel is now indicated by indicators on the front wings. As in the Beetle saloon, the engine is upgraded to 34 PS.

Beetle (Käfer) 1200 Cabriolet advertisements

Käfer 1200 Cabriolet (1954–1965)
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The specified fuel consumption and emission data does not refer to a single vehicle and is not part of the offer but is only intended for comparison between different types of vehicles. Additional equipment and accessories (additional components, tyre formats, etc.) can alter relevant vehicle parameters such as weight, rolling resistance and aerodynamics, affecting the vehicle's fuel consumption, power consumption, CO₂ emissions and driving performance values in addition to weather and traffic conditions and individual driving behavior.

Further information on official fuel consumption data and official specific CO₂ emissions for new passenger cars can be found in the "Guide to fuel economy, CO₂ emissions and power consumption for new passenger car models", which is available free of charge from all sales dealerships and from DAT Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH, Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, D-73760 Ostfildern, Germany and at www.dat.de/co2.