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There are thousands of pages out there dedicated to Volkswagen specifications, so I'm not going to repeat it all here! This is just a bit of information about my car, and its model year in its market; 1962 in the UK. I've tried to make the information readable for both the enthusiasts and novices viewing it.
Engine and Transmission
Exterior
Interior
Chassis
Costs
Engine and transmission:
For the 1962 model year only one engine option was available: the 34 bhp 1192cc. The "1200" was of course an air-cooled boxer mounted at the back and driving the rear wheels, like all proper engines! The transmission is a four speed syncromesh and, advanced for their time, both the engine and transmission have magnesium alloy cases. Drive is transferred via a cable operated single plate clutch. When I restored mine, the engine was basically standard, down to its 6V components. Not exactly high performance, but enough to let the car cruise with traffic. I use unleaded petrol with no problems in the car; the VW engine has hardened valve-seats anyway due to the alloy heads, and doesn't go much above 4000 rpm, which is where damage occurs. The 1200 engine that came with my car was not the original and the number signifies it was made some four or five years after the car. I converted the heating system to the later fresh-air system for the simple reason that I had the later parts available already and was working to a budget.
The Bug is currently running a stock single port 1500 from a late 60s Beetle. I have a Bosch blue coil and EMPI GT exhaust (chosen for its “merged” design but with a stock-style twin exit) on there.
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Exterior:
The body is a two-door saloon style. A cabriolet version was also available, but one of these is just a dream for now! Also available was a factory fitted sunroof. The folding-fabric Golde unit provides a large open area and my father is lucky enough to have one on his '63. My Beetle's body is finished in the original shade of Gulf Blue (L390) which was only available for a relatively short period. The appearance of this colour varies according to the light; sometimes appearing very blue, at other times featuring a green tint. "Outboard" wings and running boards add to the distinctive shape of the car, whilst the chrome bumpers, hubcaps and mouldings along the sides and bonnet add a bit of sparkle. Distinctive features of the era:
- recently enlarged rear lights, with the addition of indicators front and rear,
- semi-W engine lid with small registration plate lamp (enlarged for '64),
- Wolfsburg crest on the bonnet (deleted after '62),
- sloping headlights signifying pre-'67 6V electrics (as standard),
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Interior:
Spartan is the polite way of describing it. Minimalist is, I guess, another! Whatever, it serves its function adequately and without pretence. Even in 1962, seatbelts were an option, with front and rear anchors provided as standard. The vinyl covered front seats of course slide fore and aft, and adjust through three positions for angle. Space behind the rear seats compliments the luggage compartment under the front bonnet and a parcel shelf under the dash was a popular addition. Rubber mats were standard on the floors, with carpets in the rear luggage area and on the transmission tunnel etc. In the Deluxe the whole roof was lined in cloth for the final year; '63 introducing the perforated vinyl. A basic dashboard housed two gauges (speedo and new fuel level), two switches (lights and wipers), a glove box, ashtray and a radio if purchased. I guess the driving position takes some getting used to, with floor mounted pedals, the close proximity of the windscreen and a very high dashboard, and some may say you can never have too much (or enough?) sound deadening. All depends on your tastes I guess, but if you want something quiet, go buy a modern euro-box!
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Chassis:
The chassis is a backbone design. This means it has a substantial transmission tunnel, which provides most of the strength. The front axle bolts onto the end of the tunnel and the gearbox is suspended in forks at the rear. The engine does not have any direct fixing to the chassis or body, relying solely on the four bolts securing it to the bell housing. Floor pans are hung from either side of the tunnel to support the seats and provide stiffness and anchor points for the body sills. In standard condition the rear-weighted chassis will provide excellent traction but also tail-out moments on a wet roundabout if care is not taken. Hydraulic drum brakes all round mean a telegram is required in advance to slow the vehicle down from high speeds and need regular adjustment. However, if driven with due regard to speed limits and the car's classic status, there is no reason these should be inadequate. The steering is unassisted but due to the light front end, does not suffer. It is relatively quick geared with a little over two turns lock-to-lock. Torsion beam suspension is used front and rear - the Beetle being the first mass-produced car to feature Dr Porsche's revolutionary design.
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Costs:
According to published price guides, the 6V big window Beetle saloons (1957 to 1967) can be worth anything from £1500 for a roadworthy car to £7000 for a pristine example. Clearly then, what any one car is worth is solely reliant on what someone is prepared to pay for it. Running costs are minimal - an oil change costs a few pounds every couple of thousand miles, new plugs are about a pound each etc etc. On a recent weekend away consisting of a long motorway journey and some town driving at the destination, I achieved a fairly impressive average of 38 miles to a gallon of fuel. I use Firestone tyres on the standard front wheels, which cost me about £25 each in 1998 and the ones still on the front now are still not worn out after over twenty thousand miles. With tax-exempt status, insurance is the only stinger, as it is for all young drivers. All Beetles are group 4 and my first premium cost over £700 TPF&T with zero no-claims discount when I was 18. However, nine years on I now pay under £90 for a year’s fully comprehensive cover. You get the idea - you can run one on a budget, especially if you're prepared to get your hands dirty.
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