From: rgolen@UMASSD.EDU
Subject: [A] What year is it? (1949-64)
Reply-To: rgolen@UMASSD.EDU
Organization: UMASS DARTMOUTH, NO. DARTMOUTH, MA.
Date: Sun, 27 Dec 1992 16:20:56 GMT

The following is a list of serial numbers and changes for VW 
Beetles from 1949-64. This material comes from a pamphlet 
published by VWoA called "What Year Is It?". 
 
1949 
Chassis Numbers 91,822-138,554 
1. License plate indentation on rear deck dropped 
2. Inside pull cable release for front hood; formerly locking 
handle on hood 
3. Solex carburetor introduced as standard equipment 
4. Dashboard redesigned 
5. Starting crank-hole dropped 
 
1950 
Chassis Numbers 138,555-220,471 
1. Hydraulic brakes introduced 
2. Ash tray introduced on dashboard and on right rear quarter 
panel 
3. Noise mufflers for heating ducts added 
4. Automatic air cooling by thermostatically controlled throttle
ring 
5. Fuel mixture heating device introduced 
 
1951 
Chassis numbers 220,472-313,829 
1. Chrome garnish molding added to windshield 
2. Wolfsburg crest added to front hood above hood handle 
3. Vent flaps added to front-quarter body panels 
 
1952 
Chassis numbers 313,830-428,156 
1. Glass vent windows added, formerly vent wings in front-quarter
body panels 
2. Heating control by rotary knob; formerly pull-knob 
3. "T" type rear hood handle introduced 
4. Two brake and tail lights; formerly one brake and stoplight in
center of rear hood 
5. Window crank makes 3 1/2 turns 
6. Glove compartment gets door 
7. Turn signal control moved to steering wheel from dashboard 
8. 5.60 x 15 inch tires replace 5.00 x 16 tires 
9. 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears sychronized 
 
1953 
Chassis numbers 428,157-575,414 
1. Oval, one-piece rear window replaces split window 
2. Lock button added to vent window handles 
3. Brake fluid reservoir relocated behind spare tire 
 
 
1954 
Chassis numbers 575,415-722-934 
1. Starter now incorporated with ignition switch; formerly 
separate button on dashboard 
2. Bigger, more powerful engine, hp increased from 30 hp to 36 hp
3. Oil bath air cleaner introduced 
4. Break-in driving requirement dropped for engine 
5. Automatic three-way courtesy light added 
6. Top window in tail light housing dropped 
 
1955 
Chassis numbers 722,935-929,745 
1. Flashing directional indicators mounted on front fenders 
replace the semaphore turn indicators 
 
1956 
Chassis numbers 929,746-1,246,618 
1. Chromed dual tail pipes added; formerly single tail pipe 
2. Tail light housings moved 2" higher on fenders 
3. Bumper overrider "bows" added 
4. Sunroof made of plastic fabric; formerly cloth 
5. Steering wheel diameter spoke moved lower, off-center 
6. Heater knob moved forward; formerly located in back of front 
seats 
7. Front seat backs now adjustable 
8. Redesigned gas tank yields larger luggage space 
 
1957 
Chassis numbers 1,246,619-1,600,439 
1. Tubeless tires replace tube type tires 
2. Adjustable striker plates fitted to doors 
3. Front heater outlets moved back to within 12 inches of door 
for better heat distribution 
 
1958 
Chassis numbers 1,600,440-2,007,615 
1. Brake drums and shoes widened for faster, surer stops 
2. Rear window and windshield enlarged 
3. Front turn signal lights moved to top of fender 
4. Radio grill moved left, in front of driver 
5. Accelerator pedal introduced, formerly a roller 
 
1959 
Chassis numbers 2,007,616-2,528,667 
1. Stronger clutch springs 
2. Improved fan belt design 
3. Frame reinforced for greater strength 
 
1960 
Chassis numbers 2,528,668-3,192,506 
1. Steering wheel "dished" for safety 
2. Door handles become grab-handles with pushbuttons 
3. Padded sunvisor; formerly transparent plastic 
4. Generator output increased from 160 to 180 watts
5. Anti-sway bar added for improved handling
6. Steering damper added for improved handling
7. Foot rest added for front seat passenger
8. Seat back contoured for greater comfort, reduced driver
fatigue

1961
Chassis numbers 3,192,507-4,010,994
1. Sunvisor and grab handle provided for passenger's side
2. Increased horsepower; from 36 to 40 hp
3. Automatic choke and preheater introduced
4. Transmission sychronized in all forward speeds
5. Flatter gas tank yields increased luggage space
6. "Quick-check" transparent brake fluid reservoir
7. Push-on connectors fitted throughout electrical system
8. Pump-type windshield washer
9. Non-repeat starter switch
10. Key slot in doors changed from vertical to horizontal

1962
Chassis numbers 4,010,995-4,846,835
1. Spring-loaded hood
2. Large tail lights
3. Sliding covers on heat outlets
4. Compressed air windshield washer
5. Seat belt mounting points added
6. Gas gauge; formerly reserve fuel tap
7. Worm and roller steering improves handling
8. Permanently lubricated tie rod ends

1963
Chassis numbers 4,846,836-5,677,118
1. Leatherette headliner introduced
2. Wolfsburg hood crest dropped
3. Folding handle for sunroof added
4. Foam insulated floors
5. Fresh air heating
6. Nylon window guides

1964
Chassis numbers 5,677,119-6,502,399
1. Sliding steel sunroof replaces the fabric fold-back sunroof
2. Horn actuated by two thumb buttons, formerly by half-ring
3. Larger Karmann-Ghia-like licence plate light (January 1964)
4. Aerated vinyl material replaces leatherette seat upholstery 
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