History and evolution of the model
The genesis of the Beetle began in the 1930s when Hitler entrusted Dr. Ferdinand Porsche with the study of a project for a people’s car (Volkswagen). Inspired by the Czechoslovak Tatra by its rear engine and its rounded lines, 3,000,000 marks will even be paid to Tatra to compensate them for having been so inspired by their models. The Beetle is presented to the public on May 26, 1938. The war will delay its production on an industrial scale and it begins in 1948 in the Wolfsburg factory. Most of the production is for export. The Volkswagen Beetle was particularly successful in the United States, where it became the ideal second car.
The very first models are characterized by their rear window in two parts. Over the years, the rear window surface will continue to grow. The engines will also evolve, going from the 1100 to the 1600. The latter having even been equipped with injection fuel system on certain markets. The power thus goes from 25 horsepower for the 1100 to 50 horsepower for the 1600. Air cooling will nevertheless be retained until the end of production (in 2003 in Brazil!). Nevertheless, between a post-war Beetle and those of the 70s, many modifications will be made. Among the most notable, we can mention the adoption of disc brakes at the front, the improvement of the front axle to optimize road holding or the switch to the 12-volt electrical system. During its career, the Beetle will experience more than 78,000 modifications! In terms of aesthetics, the oval rear window was abandoned in 1958, while the curved windscreen was adopted on the 1303 from 1973.
The first two-seater convertibles were produced by the Joseph Hebmüller bodywork before a factory fire put an end to production (696 units produced). In 1949, another coachbuilder, Wilhelm Karmann, took over with the construction of the 4-seater convertible. Benefiting from a reinforced chassis to improve its rigidity, the Beetle Convertible will follow the technical and stylistic evolutions of sedans over the years. Its prominent folded hood only adds sympathy to its timeless design. Production will end on January 10, 1980 after 331,847 units produced.
The history of our Beetle Convertible
Our beautiful blue 1500 Beetle Convertible from 1968 was completely restored in the early 2010s by a Dutch enthusiast. Indeed, the Volkswagen has very many followers among the Oranges. It comes in an entirely original configuration, which is rare for these models that are often customized with more or less taste. It even has its original Blaupunkt car radio with its special Volkswagen buttons. This is the last version still equipped with the adorable dashboard painted in body color and the bakelite steering wheel with ring-horn. It also has the flat windshield of the first versions
The Paris Balade team imported it from the Netherlands in 2022 and is happy to offer you a tour of Paris with your hair in the wind!
Technical Caracteristics Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
Cylinder (cm3) : 1 493
Alimentation : Carburateur
Power (ch) : 44
Max speed (km/h) : 125
Number of seats : 4