Beetle (Käfer) 1300 (1965–1967/
1967–1973)

The 1300 gets a boot lid with a redesigned edge, a compensating spring on the rear axle, and a wider track. The VW 1300 A is now also available with 40 PS.

The Beetle 1300, with virtually no changes to its original design, is discontinued. It is replaced by the modernised 1300 with large rear lights ("iron") and box-shaped bumpers.

Hazard warning lights, heated rear window, reversing lights, and remote locking of the fuel filler flap are now standard features. The semi-automatic transmission, which has been available with the 1.5-litre engine for a year, is available on request. It consists of a three-speed gearbox and a torque converter. The car can be started in any gear, and the trade press enthusiastically compares the different acceleration figures from 0 to 50 km/h in the three gears. The semi-automatic transmission is linked to a modified rear axle design with semi-trailing arms. This significantly reduces sensitivity to load changes and oversteering. As a result of this additional equipment, the Saxomat, which had previously been available, is finally discontinued.

The equipment is improved with an optional L package featuring a two-stage fan, padded dashboard, and lockable glove compartment. A heated rear window is available for the first time. The "Economy Beetle" is now available with the 1.3-litre engine and also with semi-automatic transmission, while the VW 1300 is also available with the 1.2-litre engine.

The Beetle series is divided into two lines: one with the short platform and body described here, with a crank-arm front axle and trailing arm rear axle, and the other with the newly developed VW 1302 series.

The VW 1300 is equipped with a 1,300cc engine with 44 PS and dual-channel intake air ducts. However, the 1,200cc and 34PS version is still available on request. The engine is additionally ventilated via ten air vents in two packages. Like the 1302, the bodywork in the C-pillars is fitted with slits ("gills") for forced ventilation of the interior. The new Clementine colour is particularly striking.

The rear window is raised by 40 millimetres and the storage space behind the back seat is covered. Twenty-six cooling air vents in four packages in the engine cover ensure better cooling. Another new feature is the four-spoke safety steering wheel. The vehicle control system makes it easier to operate all windscreen wiper functions thanks to an ergonomically designed steering column lever – now, for the first time, a tap-wipe function is also available. Maintenance is simplified by a diagnostic connector in the engine compartment – from today's perspective, an interesting measuring instrument for a vehicle whose functions are still largely controlled mechanically.

The adjustment range of the new three-leg seats is increased. The gear lever and handbrake are moved back and thus ergonomically better positioned. In addition, a 1.6-litre boxer engine is offered as an alternative in the 1300 S model.

Production of the Beetle 1300 is discontinued.