Beetle (Käfer) 1200/1200L
(1954–1973/1973–1985)

The rear lights are now single pieces and the boot is enlarged. Anyone overtaken by the current VW Beetle will see the new twin exhaust pipes.

No model update, but a production anniversary: on 5 August 1955, the one millionth VW Beetle rolls off the production line. It is celebrated with gold-coloured paintwork and glass bead-trimmed bumpers.

The VW 1200 is lowered by two centimetres, not least because of improved roads in Germany.

A radical change is made: this year, the standard and export models are given a rectangular rear window and a larger windscreen – these enlargements mean 17 percent more window area. At the rear, new number plate lights mark the new model year. Exclusive to the export version are improved interior fittings (dashboard, steering wheel, rubber mats, tread plate instead of gas pedal roller), an enlarged brake system, and a revised swing rear axle.

The passenger footwell is fitted with a footboard.

Increased performance (to 34 PS, engine from the VW Transporter), speedometer now up to 140 km/h, automatic starter, larger front boot, new colours. The gearbox is now fully synchronised for export and the steering is equipped with a hydraulic damper. From August 1960, indicator lights replace the side indicators.

Crucial for driving safety and steering feel: new roller steering (replacing the spindle), anchorages for seat belts (however, reduction screws are still necessary), warm air vents in the rear footwell. A historic moment: in the export model, the fuel tap used up to now is replaced by a fuel gauge. The Saxomat is now an available option, a special development that enables the standard four-speed gearbox to be operated without a clutch – an important innovation for many drivers with war-related disabilities.

A fresh air heating system with heat exchangers makes the Beetle less susceptible to engine odours. The new control lever for the rear heating is designed to eliminate unequal treatment of passengers

While models in America were changing every year at this time, Wolfsburg remained cautious with its changes to the Beetle: a steel sunroof for the export saloon and wider front indicator and rear number plate lights.

After 1957, the window areas are enlarged for the second time – this time on all windows. There is a new heating control: two levers with short travel replace the previous control with its countless turns, the "Ferdinand Porsche memorial stirrer". The toggle lock on the tailgate is dropped, along with the option of conveniently propping up the bonnet with a V-belt – a feature popular with dynamic drivers wanting to extend the engine life in high outside temperatures and at continuous speeds above 4,000 rpm. The standard model (now officially known as the Type 1200 A) is also equipped with a fully synchronised gearbox, but the 30 PS boxer engine remains unchanged.

Soon after the export model reaches 1,300 cc and 40 PS the standard Beetle is upgraded to 34 PS. It is also equipped with an automatic starter. In addition, it is given the more manoeuvrable roller steering and the revised, low-maintenance front axle (lubrication every 10,000 kilometres) of the recently launched Beetle 1300.

A compensating spring on the rear axle serves to reduce changes in wheel camber.

Production of the standard Beetle had actually been discontinued. The post-war economic downturn leads to a significant demand for inexpensive cars. The factory responds with the "Economy Beetle", which continues the line of simple models. The body is now largely identical to the Beetle 1300/1500, the transmission is fully synchronised, but the compensating spring on the swing axle is omitted. External distinguishing features are the simple bumpers from the previous production year.

The "Economy Beetle" can now also be ordered with a 1.3-litre engine and semi-automatic transmission – which also includes the double-joint rear axle from the larger model.

The Beetle 1200 now joins the 1300 in the old line, with the 1302 ushering in the new line. The 1200 is also available with a 1,300cc and 44PS engine (twin-channel engine like the VW 1302). The forced ventilation through gills in the C-pillar, which is characteristic of this Beetle model year, is not available in the 1200.

The rear window is raised by 40 millimetres, and the storage space behind the back seat remains uncovered in the 1200. The steering wheel is new – a safety steering wheel with four spokes. Vehicle operation is made easier by an ergonomically designed steering column lever for all windscreen wiper functions. Maintenance is simplified by a diagnostic plug in the engine compartment.

During the economic crisis, the 1200 experiences a renaissance as an affordable first or second car due to petrol shortages. Although a new era is dawning at Volkswagen, there are still many people interested in the familiar technology that has been perfected over decades.

The "Economy Beetle" is given rear mudguards and taillights ("elephant feet") from the 1303, while the bumpers are box-shaped, similar to those on the 1303, and now painted black. A new version is the 1200 L with chrome bumpers, a parcel shelf, forced ventilation ("gills"), two-stage gearbox, and automatic windscreen wiper reset. From now on, the Beetle is available with either a 1,200cc engine and 34 PS or a 1,300cc engine and 44 PS.

In order to appeal to the younger generation, the Jeans Beetle is launched in autumn 1973 in a first series (Tunis Yellow). The second series (Brilliant Yellow and Phoenix Red) follow in March 1974, and finally the third series (Nepal Orange) in October 1974. A key feature of all three series is the seats covered in denim with jeans details such as rivets, coloured stitching, and side pockets. Black trim elements, decorative strips with jeans lettering on the doors, and jeans lettering on the rear characterise the special model. Sport rims, a 12-volt system with heated rear window, and H4 halogen headlights further enhance its appeal. Finally, carpeted flooring and a fuel gauge complete the package, which is available for a modest additional charge of DM 400. The equipment varies depending on the model year; the Jeans Beetle is produced in three editions from autumn 1973 to January 1975.

The 1200 is put on a diet this year: first it has to give up its hubcaps, then its glove compartment lid. Those who find these losses too much have to opt for the L model, which is now also available in the new colour black. A striking external feature is that the indicators have been moved from the front wings to the bumper.

It's finally happened: the VW 1200 and the VW 1303 LS Cabriolet from Karmann are – together with the Transporter models – the last survivors of the air-cooled era. To sweeten the 1200's final years, it is given an optional top-of-the-range engine, the 1,600cc engine with 50 PS. The 44 PS engine is discontinued. The L version with chrome bumpers remains in production. In addition, the 1200 now also gets the air filter with paper insert.

The Beetle 1200 moves to Emden for a month – albeit without the 50 PS engine – before finding a new home in Mexico, where it is only built in the L version.

On 15 May, the 20 millionth Beetle rolls off the production line in Mexico. Volkswagen marks the occasion by launching a special "Silver Bug" series. The gear lever knob bears the anniversary badge. This year, the Beetle loses its slits in the bonnet. Its dual-circuit warning light is moved to the speedometer.

After decades of air pressure-operated washer pumps, the Beetle in Mexican exile finally gets an electrically controlled pump. Volkswagen accelerates sales with two more special editions. In the spring of 1982, the "Jeans Bug" arrives with decorative stripes, black frame, door handles, hubcaps and tailpipes, seat covers in denim, and the "Salzgitter" radio. In early autumn, the “Special Bug" appears, enticing buyers with golden decorative stripes, tartan seat covers, leather combination, and the “Wolfsburg” radio.

The Velvet Red Special Beetle is a promotional model offered in 1984. In addition to its striking velvet red paintwork, the special model is recognisable by the blue side stripes that intertwine above the rear running boards to form a leaf or flower design. The interior features red velour seats with blue stripes and blue imitation leather trim, which is also found on the side panels. Like the Jeans Beetle, the special edition Velvet Red Beetle was designed by Volkswagen designer Gunhild Liljequist.

On 12 August 1985, the last shipment from Mexico arrives in Emden with 3,000 VW Beetles on board.