VW Beetle Cabriolet Bumpers

VW Cabriolet bumpers and bumper parts from VW Heritage

Here at VW Heritage, we stock a wide selection of Beetle Cabriolet bumpers for both early and late Cabrio cars. Our bumpers include primered, chromed and stainless steel options and the available styles are Blade, Europa and similar US spec bumpers. In addition to this, we also offer a wide range of styling parts, such as T-bars, trim, overriders, and ‘cages’ for Baja bugs and buggies.

To view all our styles and ranges, please browse the links below. Alternatively, read on for further information on the different types of VW Cabriolet bumper.

Blade Bumpers	Europa Bumper 1975 - 1979	US Spec Blade Bumpers
Europa Bumper 1968 - 1974	Flat 4 Bumper Accessories	US Spec Europa Bumpers

Front Beetle Cabriolet Bumpers

Up until 1967 a simple, rounded-profile front bumper was used, known as the ‘blade bumper’. The US spec version of this early bumper was more intricate, with a narrow, round bar running above and parallel to the main bumper, connected by two upright ‘overriders’ – this bumper is often referred to as the 'towel rail bumper'.

From 1968 onward, the ‘Europa bumper’ was fitted. This is wider and more angular in profile with an indented strip along the centre.

In 1974 the front indicators were removed from the wing tops and placed in the front bumper - as such, late Europa bumpers have a rectangular hole at each end. These late US spec Europa bumpers also fit differently as they are mounted on shock absorbers.

Rear Beetle Cabriolet Bumpers

The Beetle’s rear bumper has also changed over time. European spec ‘blade bumpers’ looked much like the pre-67 front bumper however, the US spec rear blade has two separate ‘towel rails’ – one at each end of the main bumper.

The rear Europa bumper – fitted in 1968 – changed little from then on. Although they look visually similar, differences in fit mean a different bumper is required for 1974 onwards models.

PLEASE NOTE: Some VW Cabriolet bumpers are available in differing qualities of chrome, dependent upon their place of manufacture. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us on 0845 873 8328 or via on the ‘live chat’ button and we would be happy to help.

A Short History Of The VW Beetle (cont.)

Following on from the major changes of 1967, the 1968 Beetle underwent minor changes, the exterior petrol flap was now operable from inside the car, the cable for unlocking the bonnet was located in the glovebox. The air vents in the front footwell moved further back in the cabin, allowing more air to the windscreen. The 1300 was now available with an automatic ‘box. Following a short period of illness Prof. Dr. Nordhoff dies at aged 69, 2 weeks later Dr. L C Kurt Lotz takes on the roll of VW CEO. 3 months later VW release the Type 4 range of vehicles with the 411, available as either a 2 or 4 door.

February 1969 saw Auto Union and NSU merge, and due to the rise of NSU stocks VW decided to amalgamate the two companies (VW and NSU). NSU had been about to launch their new car the K70 and rumors abounded about the aforementioned take over, the car allegedly being pulled off the NSU stand at the Geneva Motor Show the night before the show opened. Obviously these rumors were true, and the K70 was later launched as a VW, signaling the end of the NSU brand, leaving VW to concentrate on promoting Audi (formerly Auto Union).

Understandably with all of this going on, changes to the ’69 Beetle were relatively sparse. The 1500 engine cover now has 10 horizontal vents, this is in preparation for the extra cooling that the US export model needs with its 1600cc 47bhp Type motor. A higher specification version of the base car (1300/1500) is made available, the “L” comes with; 2 reverse lights, bumpers with moulding strips, padded dashboard, anti-dazzle mirror, vanity mirror in passenger sun visor, lockable glove compartment, door pocket in passenger door, rear ashtray and loop pile carpet. The Sparkafer was available as a 1300 with an automatic gearbox.

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