A Short History Of The VW Beetle (cont.)

The 1967 Beetle was again one of the landmark cars, where a lot of things were set to change. Gone was the original sloping headlight shape which had changed little since the VW38 models, to be replaced by upright headlamps on new wings. The fuel filler had moved from under the bonnet, onto the front wing.

New rear lights with incorporated reverse lights, flanked a completely redesigned deck-lid, similar to that of the previous years VW 1500 with a larger number light lamp. New bigger and stronger bumpers were mounted higher, necessitating a shorter bonnet. A new dashboard had been introduced with fuel gauge, warning lights and indicator tell tales all incorporated within one dial.

Dual circuit hydraulic brakes were fitted on the 1300-1500cc, as well as 12 volt electrics.  The VW 1200 had now been dropped from the line-up, though the 1300A (with 34hp) could be specially ordered if required. Six months later the 1200 returned in the form of the Sparkafer (Economy Beetle) and continued in production until the end of German production. For the first time there was an automatic Beetle offered, only available on 1500’s the new model featured advanced new rear suspension. Production of Mexican Beetles at Puebla begins.