Volkswagen is counted among the top-tier automobile brands across the globe. Its model series secures a distinct position in the market because of its durability and performance-oriented features. Alongside, the brand is also credited for rolling off some of the most iconic vehicles of all time including the Beetle.
Volkswagen unveiled its model series Beetle in 1945 and it was an instant hit. The success of the Beetle can be gauged from the fact that it became the Volkswagen trademark model series.
Let’s dissect the century-old VW Beetle history in more detail.
Early Days of the ‘People’s Car’
The history of the Volkswagen Beetle started before WWII. In 1933, Adolf Hitler assigned the task of manufacturing a people-friendly vehicle to Ferdinand Porsche. The aim was to manufacture a vehicle suitable for two adults and two children with a top speed of 100km/h. Several attempts were made in this regard including different prototypes. These prototypes include V1 (Type 60), V3 and W30. All of these vehicles had a rounded exterior, air-cooled engine and comfortable interior.
However, the initiation of WWII affected commercial car production and the prototypes were off the market for a few years. Therefore, Volkswagen’s Beetle was officially introduced in the market after the war ended. It is one of the most interesting facts about the Volkswagen Beetle, that it was not officially named “Beetle’.
Rather, it was known as Volkswagen which means “People’s Car’ in the German language. Later, when the model series gained popularity, especially its rounded exterior, it was named Beetle and the nameplate of Volkswagen was reserved for the automobile brand.
Volkswagen Beetle Generations
Here are the details regarding different Volkswagen Beetle models and generations.
First Generation (1945 to 1953)
The Volkswagen Beetle’s first model was recognizable because of its unique shape. It was a twin-door round car with steel bumpers at the rear and front end. The headlights were mounted at the front and the turn signals were placed at the oversized fenders.
The front-row windows were divided into two halves for better ventilation and visibility. However, this signature split window was redesigned with a larger single window after the 1953 facelift.
The early models of this generation were equipped with cable brakes that were later replaced with drum brakes. Along with this, a 4-speed manual transmission system was also introduced in this generation.
Second Generation (1953 to 1957)
The second generation Beetle did not receive major changes. The large turn signals were removed and the old brake lights were replaced with smaller rounded ones. The interior received a facelift with the redesigned dashboard. Two large metres were replaced by one large speedometer positioned at the back of the steering. Moreover, a lever to operate the windshield wiper and a radio were also included.
Under the hood, engine displacement was increased from 1131 cc to 1192cc which also increased the horsepower from 30hp to 36hp. To control this acceleration, a dual-circuit braking system was also installed.
Third Generation (1958 to 1966)
The core design of the Beetle was similar to the old VW Beetles. However, a number of variations were added to cater to the shifting dynamics of the automobile industry. The early models of this generation featured a sunroof. Along with this, the rear tyres were covered with a protective outer layer.
The old-styled steel bumpers were also replaced with more sophisticated ones. A convertible Beetle was also launched in this generation. It was also the first generation of Beetle that featured tubeless tyres.
For the interior, the radio was positioned in the centre of the dashboard and the rest remains the same. The car’s engine was capable of producing 50hp. Carburetor fuel system, rear-wheel drive and 4-speed manual transmission system remain the same as in previous models.
Fourth Generation (1967 to 1974)
Some major changes were observed under the hood, in the fourth generation Beetle. For the first time. The car received a semi-automatic transmission system. It used an automatic stick shift system to frequently shift the gears while accelerating or decelerating. Furthermore, a vacuum-operated clutch system and torque convertors were also offered in this generation.
To increase the handling and comfort, double-jointed rear axles were installed accompanied by an advanced suspension system. The advanced suspension system also contributed to increasing the trunk space at the front. Models of this generation were commonly used to manufacture kit cars.
Fifth Generation (1974 to 1997)
In the fifth generation Beetle, the signature bumpers were replaced with energy-absorbing bumpers. The turn signals were present above the tyres and air intakes at the rear end were enlarged for better ventilation and engine cooling. The two-door signature design was retained along with a convertible version.
These versions were powered by a more efficient and powerful engine. The models of this generation were equipped with fuel injectors that significantly contributed to increasing the overall engine capacity.
Sixth Generation (1998 to 2010)
Volkswagen completely redesigned its Beetle in the sixth generation. The models released in 1998 and onward had nothing in common with their predecessors. The exterior was completely redesigned and the signature body style was changed from rounded to tear-drop.
The headlights were embedded into the car body and the steel bumpers were replaced with monochrome ones. At the rear end, the air intake grille was removed and round brake lights were installed. For the very first time, the engine was placed at the front of the Beetle rather than at the rear end.
The interior was facelifted, with a rounded instrument cluster, stereo system and AC units. The vehicle provides seating space for four with front foldable bucket seats.
The McPherson suspension system was installed at the front and trailing arms at the rear end. A wide engine range was offered including petrol and turbo-diesel engines. Moreover, an optional manual and automatic transmission system were also present.
Seventh Generation (2011 to 2019)
The last generation of Beetle was unveiled with a coupe body shape and a seating capacity of five. The body was elongated and lowered contrary to the previous model. New bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights were introduced. Alongside, keyless ignition systems, touchscreen infotainment systems, panoramic roofs and climate control systems were also featured in this generation.
A 1.2-litre and 2.0-litre engines were available accompanied by a 6-speed manual transmission system.
This was the complete Volkswagen Beetle history. After decades of success, Beetle was finally discounted in 2019. Despite being discontinued, it is popular among car enthusiasts. If you are also interested in driving this ionic car, browse through these used Volkswagen Beetles for sale in the UAE and purchase your own Beetle.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on VW Beetle models.
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