Info für Besucher ohne Javascript

Premium

VW 1500 Automatic - innovation boost for the Beetle

This article was auto-translated. We apologize if some words are confusing or simply amusing. Would you like to help us improve?

Created on September 22, 2020

Text:

Bruno von Rotz

Photos:

Bruno von Rotz

31

Volkswagen / Werk

1

Archiv

6

Bruno von Rotz

31

Volkswagen / Werk

1

Archiv

6

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - a typical sixties Beetle

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - from the front, the most expensive Beetle was no different from its cheaper counterparts

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - one of the most popular classic cars ever, the VW Beetle

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - ready to go, e.g. on a skiing vacation (ski rack mounted)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - nothing of pontoon shape

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - the larger rear lights were also new for the 1968 model year

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - built almost unchanged since the 1930s

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - in the typical 1968 look with stronger bumpers and vertical headlights

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - impressed with good hill climbing abilities

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - the Beetle of the late sixties

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - View through the rear window

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - leatherette seats and a heavily cupped steering wheel

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - Speedometer, fuel gauge and a few warning lights

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - a round instrument must suffice

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - this owner did without a radio

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - Wolfsburg emblem on the center of the steering wheel

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - the gearshift diagram for the three-speed gearbox

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - only two pedals, clutch unnecessary

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - with pockets after all

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - the popular triangular windows, although they were not entirely theft-proof

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - Leatherette covers for the seats

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - reference to 12-volt system

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - the air-cooled 1.5-liter boxer engine with 44 hp

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - newly shaped headlights from model year 1968

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - newly shaped rear lights from model year 1968

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - VW sign and air intake for the cabin

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - VW sign on the front

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - from model year 1968 it was possible to refuel from the outside (from model year 1969 without recessed grip)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - Automatic did not mean automatic shifting in the Beetle, but assisted shifting

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1500 Automatic (1968) - the lettering on the rear indicates the special power transmission

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1300 (1968) - higher bumpers, vertical headlights, exterior mirrors with folding joint - the Beetle becomes safer - Geneva Motor Show 1968

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW Beetle (1968) - reinforced bumpers were available from August 1967

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW Beetle (1968)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1300 (1969) - Advertising - you know what you've got

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW 1300 (1967) - Drive train with automatic transmission - International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt 1967

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

VW Beetle 1300 (1969) - with the upholstered dashboard and largely complete equipment - Geneva Motor Show 1969

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Vw Beetle 1300 (1969) - with new dashboard with upholstery, also semi-automatic gearbox - Geneva Motor Show 1969

You have only

1 out of 38

images seen in high resolution

Summary

There was hardly a year in which the VW Beetle made such great progress as in the fall of 1967. 1500 Automatic not only introduced a torque converter-assisted semi-automatic transmission, but also a modern rear axle. And the fact that the 1968 model also looked more contemporary and the Beetle as a whole was safer in many respects made the 1500 Automatic a minor sensation. This driving report tells the story of the first automatic Beetle and shows it in current and historical photographs. A sound sample is also included.

This article contains the following chapters

Finally, after more than 30 years, real progress
Label fraud
Even more Kugel-Porsche
Faster around the Nürburgring
Modern and contemporary
Further improved
Relearning

Estimated reading time: 7min

Preview (beginning of the article)

Everything looks just like it always did in the Beetle, but wait, there's a pedal missing! The VW Beetle 1500 Automatic from 1968 was indeed a small revolution, because a lot had changed under the bodywork! Although the VW Beetle had been improved year after year since the start of production in the post-war years, little had changed in principle. The innovations for the 1968 model year, which was presented after the 1967 summer vacation, were also limited, although stronger bumpers, a safety steering column, the dual-circuit brake system, 12-volt electrics, seat belt fastening for all seats and a better windscreen wiper system were now part of the standard scope of delivery. However, the "new" Beetle could be recognized above all by its now vertical headlights, the thicker and higher bumpers and the external fuel filler neck on the right in front of the driver's door.

Welcome to Zwischengas!

Continue reading this article for free?

Images of this article

Source: