Info für Besucher ohne Javascript

Premium

Savings club - VW Beetle in (historical) test

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

Created on January 12, 1974

Text:

Paul Simsa

Photos:

Volkswagen

2

Archiv

26

Volkswagen

2

Archiv

26

VW Beetle (1974) - The 1200 L (left) differs from the basic 1200 model by its chrome-plated bumpers with rubber strip. The 1303 (right) has the chassis of the 1303 series

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

VW Beetle (1975) - the 1303 model had chrome-plated bumpers and chrome-plated hubcaps from August 1975 onwards

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

The last Beetle rolled off the production line in Wolfsburg in 1974. From then on, the Golf was the new success model from Lower Saxony.

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

VW Beetle (1974) - After 11,916,519 Beetles, a production era came to an end in Wolfsburg

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

VW Beetle (1974) - the 1303, with self-stabilizing steering

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

VW Beetle (1974) - from August 1974 the front indicators were integrated into the bumpers

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

VW Beetle (1975) - the black painted bumpers characterized the 1200 model

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

VW Beetle (1974) - the 1500 was the fastest way to drive the Beetle

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

VW Beetle (1973) - A round thing, the 1303

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

VW Beetle (1973) - The rear lighting of the 1303 cannot be overlooked. Large, slightly oval rear lights provide an almost 100% larger signal area

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

VW Beetle (1973) - The 1303 is even heavier than its predecessors. It weighs 20 kg more, but still has a load capacity of 400 kg

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

VW 1303 (1973) - Mid-range cockpit, safe, practical, elegant: black upholstery, anti-glare fittings, flat rocker switches

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

VW Beetle (1973) - The innovations under the body include retracted gearshift and handbrake levers

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

VW Beetle (1973) - With its 50 hp engine, the 1303 maintains its top speed of 130 km/h for hours on end

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

VW Beetle (1973) - 1303 with numerous detail improvements

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

VW Beetle (1973) - Friends of the Beetle have every reason to be happy about the 1303

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

VW Beetle (1973) - Curved windshield on the 1303

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

VW Beetle (1973) - Large rear light with three chambers on the 1303

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

VW Beetle (1973) - The 1300 is a new car in the old form

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

VW Beetle (1974) - From model year 74, the 1303 is available with a negative steering roll radius, an even more effective fresh air system and a 50 Ah three-phase alternator

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

VW Beetle (1974) - 1300 in winter

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

VW Beetle (1974) - All Beetles of the 1303 series from August 1973 onwards have a front axle with a negative steering roll radius

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

VW Beetle (1974) - 1200, the basic model

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

VW Beetle (1974) - The 1303 is recognizable by the air vents

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

VW Beetle (1974) - 1303, the perfect everyday car?

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

VW Beetle (1975) - 1200 with black painted bumper

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

VW Beetle (1975) - The 1200 L is available as standard with 1.2 liters and 34 hp

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

VW Beetle (1977) - 1200 L with 34 or 50 hp

You have only

1 out of 28

images seen in high resolution

Summary

The petrol and money crisis gave the standard Beetle a boost. Three models offered a lot of VW for the money - and from August 1973, they were visually more attractive. But the choice between versions and extras was more of a headache than ever, as the comprehensive test report from that time shows.

This article contains the following chapters

VW 1200 - base price 5650 DM
VW 1200 L base price 5950 DM
VW 1303 A base price 6640 DM
Road holding
Passive safety
Engines
General information
Plus points
Minus points
mot overall verdict
Technical data

Estimated reading time: 14min

Preview (beginning of the article)

The time of petrol and money worries gives the standard Beetle a boost. Three models offered a lot of VW for the money, with a more attractive appearance since August 1973. But the choice between versions and extras is more of a headache than ever, and the basic prices are not enough. You even have to pay extra for the gas gauge. It is apparently quite simple: the VW 1303 Progress Beetle is available for DM 6990 and three economy Beetles from DM 5650, as well as seasonal offers such as the current Winter Beetle. But if you want to buy your Beetle made to measure, i.e. according to uncompromising ideas of safety and complete equipment, you might need a computer.

Welcome to Zwischengas!

Continue reading this article for free?

Images of this article

Source: