Euro_67 Wolfsburg Wizard
690 posts · joined Oct 2003 ·
what was the sticker price?
Number of 1976 Beetles produced?
Euro_67 Wolfsburg Wizard
690 posts · joined Oct 2003 ·
BTW, anyone recall "Fire Bug" or "Hot Jade"?
1303Steve Scirocco Rare
8,650 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·
Hi
I used to see firebug sitting in a carport near Kareela shops
A lot of later bugs that were built in the Nissan factory were poorly put together
Steve
I used to see firebug sitting in a carport near Kareela shops
A lot of later bugs that were built in the Nissan factory were poorly put together
Steve
landfall Officially Full-On Dubber
290 posts · joined Jun 2014 ·
Probably put together by Chinese workers and should have had Made in China stamped on them😂😂😂😂
The good news now is that looking at ours, they have been in enough bingles to have been put back together properly, almost🙅
The doors on ours close as good as any modern car, the gaps are all good, the exception is the odd mudguards with the RHR wheel protruding out of the guard by 15mm.
The good news now is that looking at ours, they have been in enough bingles to have been put back together properly, almost🙅
The doors on ours close as good as any modern car, the gaps are all good, the exception is the odd mudguards with the RHR wheel protruding out of the guard by 15mm.
Carl and Emily Officially Full-On Dubber
349 posts · joined Apr 2012 ·
Great read for my early morning cuppa,..
thanks for posting the articles.
thanks for posting the articles.
Phil74Camper Head in the Clouds
2,703 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·
In 1976 the 1600 Beetle was listed at $4,140. The Golf LS, which was also assembled by Nissan (and also badly), was $4,360 for the 3-door and $4,490 for the 5--door.
The Australian 1300 models were always swing-axle. Only the 1500 semi-auto, the Superbug (S and L) and the '76 1600 were double-joint. The Australan factory built its cars from CKD kits from Germany. As the 70s progressed, sales of Nissans increased greatly while VW sales slumped. The Datsun 1600, 120Y and 180B were all built in the Clayton factory alongside the VWs, and by 1974 VWs were less than 30% of the factory output. There would have been many crates full of excess unused VW parts to use up by 1976.
There is a Modern Motor road test of a Beetle from 1975 that mentions the many faults that that particular Nissan-built VW had - unbalanced brakes, loose wheel, poorly set idle and running on, misaligned headlights, loose trim - and a cigarette butt in the engine bay, neatly painted over.
The Golf, Passat and Kombi became fully imported in 1977, which fixed the Australian Nissan quality control problems - but bumped up the price to unrealistic levels and killed off sales. All VW car sales ended in 1981.
The Australian 1300 models were always swing-axle. Only the 1500 semi-auto, the Superbug (S and L) and the '76 1600 were double-joint. The Australan factory built its cars from CKD kits from Germany. As the 70s progressed, sales of Nissans increased greatly while VW sales slumped. The Datsun 1600, 120Y and 180B were all built in the Clayton factory alongside the VWs, and by 1974 VWs were less than 30% of the factory output. There would have been many crates full of excess unused VW parts to use up by 1976.
There is a Modern Motor road test of a Beetle from 1975 that mentions the many faults that that particular Nissan-built VW had - unbalanced brakes, loose wheel, poorly set idle and running on, misaligned headlights, loose trim - and a cigarette butt in the engine bay, neatly painted over.
The Golf, Passat and Kombi became fully imported in 1977, which fixed the Australian Nissan quality control problems - but bumped up the price to unrealistic levels and killed off sales. All VW car sales ended in 1981.
Sunset Garage Officially Full-On Dubber
213 posts · joined Feb 2010 ·
The 76 was always a great little daily driver. I've had a few of them over the years and they were always lithe and nimble, quick little buggers. The are a fair bit lighter that the super & L bugs, and accelerate faster. I would argue without that extra weight they handle better as well. Most VW hillclimb drivers seem to choose a 76 or the 68-70 semi auto which also has the 'IRS' as their VW of choice.
As far as I know, the Aussie 76 is the only Beetle sold anywhere in the world with the unique combination of front wheel discs, balljoint front end, double jointed axles and a manual gearbox. That makes it pretty unique for what was basically a model made up by VWofA to use up the remaining Beetle parts.
This is my 76. Genuine low miles, all original paint and very straight and rust free, just trying to track down a nice original straight bumper for it, then its going back into service as my daily 'beater'
As far as I know, the Aussie 76 is the only Beetle sold anywhere in the world with the unique combination of front wheel discs, balljoint front end, double jointed axles and a manual gearbox. That makes it pretty unique for what was basically a model made up by VWofA to use up the remaining Beetle parts.
This is my 76. Genuine low miles, all original paint and very straight and rust free, just trying to track down a nice original straight bumper for it, then its going back into service as my daily 'beater'
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Sunset Garage Officially Full-On Dubber
213 posts · joined Feb 2010 ·
Also had blinkers relocated to the bumpers which created "one year only' (for Australia) front guards.
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Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang
9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·
Theres a 76 Beetle around here that is a Jap import.DOKA Dave wrote:As far as I know, the Aussie 76 is the only Beetle sold anywhere in the world with the unique combination of front wheel discs, balljoint front end, double jointed axles and a manual gearbox. That makes it pretty unique for what was basically a model made up by VWofA to use up the remaining Beetle parts.
Its identical to an aussie one except its fuel injected, air conditioned and has the unique Japanese "overspeed" speedo typical of JDM cars in the 70s and 80s.
I think it *may* have been swing axle though, the guy who owned it in the 90s is a member on here and may chime in if he reads this but it was definitely disc brake.
BRUTUS Officially Full-On Dubber
255 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·
Last try (I can't see the attachments, if they are there).
Totally agree with DOKA - light, nimble, very quick little BUGger! Unless you're a Strutter, this is the one to make you Beam.
Totally agree with DOKA - light, nimble, very quick little BUGger! Unless you're a Strutter, this is the one to make you Beam.
ACE 30 & 40 oils: specifically engineered for your Air Cooled VW
delivered (free del.) throughout Yarra Valley / Ranges, & Gippsland areas. Also ACE 20, 50 & 90.
FOR SALE: ACE 30, 40 etc. Oil formulations & Trade-names.
delivered (free del.) throughout Yarra Valley / Ranges, & Gippsland areas. Also ACE 20, 50 & 90.
FOR SALE: ACE 30, 40 etc. Oil formulations & Trade-names.
adlbeetle66 Under the car.........again!
1,476 posts · joined Aug 2014 ·
I bought one - 1976 flat screen beetle...
It got a good paddock run!!
😂
It got a good paddock run!!
😂
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Euro_67 Wolfsburg Wizard
690 posts · joined Oct 2003 ·
Blinkers on the 'guards, not in the bumper?
Perhaps a late model 1300
Perhaps a late model 1300
adlbeetle66 Under the car.........again!
1,476 posts · joined Aug 2014 ·
Thats what i thought...
But the VIN plate says 5/76...
But the VIN plate says 5/76...
Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang
9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·
Its just been in a front ender and fixed with early parts.
You can see its got the FI apron, badgeless decklid and late rear bumper and mounts.
You can see its got the FI apron, badgeless decklid and late rear bumper and mounts.
Uber Kafer Wolfsburg Wizard
414 posts · joined Nov 2009 ·
the only model beetle without a VW or Volkswagen badge anywhere on the outside.
I have one for sale in WA if anyone is chasing one, registered and roadworthy. definitely a regrettable sale.
I have one for sale in WA if anyone is chasing one, registered and roadworthy. definitely a regrettable sale.
Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang
9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·
Excluding the hubcaps of course 😉Uber Kafer wrote:the only model beetle without a VW or Volkswagen badge anywhere on the outside
AA003 Custom Title Time!
1,189 posts · joined Oct 2011 ·
No it doesn't. That's the compliance plate and it means bugger all.adlbeetle66 wrote:Thats what i thought...
But the VIN plate says 5/76...
What is the VIN/chassis number?
I read it on samba, so it must be correct.
Sometimes Volkswagen dealers sell spare parts. Amazing isn't it!😂
Sometimes Volkswagen dealers sell spare parts. Amazing isn't it!😂
hulbyw Insano Dub Head
819 posts · joined Sep 2009 ·
Saw the Martini Olive "last 1976 to come off the production line" yesterday. Owned privately, never registered and now has 112 klms on the clock. Before anyone gets excited it is not for sale. Cool car
Cheers.......Wayne
Cheers.......Wayne
Willie Slammed & Awesome Dubber
77 posts · joined Jun 2009 ·
Not quite. The 1975 1303 L bug (curved windscreen) had the blinkers in the bumper, too. "Two years only" for Aussie models.DOKA Dave wrote:Also had blinkers relocated to the bumpers which created "one year only' (for Australia) front guards.
1975 L-Bug
hulbyw Insano Dub Head
819 posts · joined Sep 2009 ·
Are flat screen front guards and curved screen front guards the same?
Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang
9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·
No L bug guards are different to standard bug.Willie wrote:Not quite. The 1975 1303 L bug (curved windscreen) had the blinkers in the bumper, too. "Two years only" for Aussie models.DOKA Dave wrote:Also had blinkers relocated to the bumpers which created "one year only' (for Australia) front guards.
the 75 Lbug guards are a 1 year only part as was 76 standard bug but only in Aus,
Overseas Lbugs in had those guards from 75 to 79 and standard bugs from 75 to 2003 excluding North America.
Deadpan Seriously Crusin Dubber
109 posts · joined Apr 2014 ·
So Lbugs discontinued in 75,I have bug with a curved screen, strut front,indicators in bumper and this chassis number,136031XXXX,checked a online a few sites and it dated as 6/76
Shaun,Part-time secret snake relocator,full time reptile keeper and small collector of ugly projects bugs ...🤪
Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang
9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·
That is not the chassis number you found, its the model number.
136031 is Aus spec RHD 1303.
Heres the same number on mine and it's mid 74 😉
136031 is Aus spec RHD 1303.
Heres the same number on mine and it's mid 74 😉
Phil74Camper Head in the Clouds
2,703 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·
This is a clipping from WHEELS magazine, April 1976. It's announcing the end of the Superbug, replaced by the '76 model.
Interesting as local assembly of the Superbug ended at the end of 1975; there must have been many hundreds of unsold Superbugs in dealer lots at that time. As Joel has said earlier, VW buyers were getting the Golf and Passat instead.
Interesting as local assembly of the Superbug ended at the end of 1975; there must have been many hundreds of unsold Superbugs in dealer lots at that time. As Joel has said earlier, VW buyers were getting the Golf and Passat instead.
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Phil74Camper Head in the Clouds
2,703 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·
And this is part of the 'new car' model listing at the back of the same issue, April 1976. As you can see, the 1300 Beetle is already gone but it still lists the 1600 Superbug. In reality, the Superbug was already gone too and it was only old stock in dealers by that stage. WHEELS magazine was just a few months behind the news; not surprising I suppose as by 1976 air-cooled VWs were unwanted.
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Lateral Wolfsburg Wizard
480 posts · joined Sep 2011 ·
Can anybody tell the the following regarding the thermostatically controlled vent flap in the rear engine lid?:
1. Was this in any US or European models?
2. Does anybody know where I can lay my hands on a complete working setup?
1. Was this in any US or European models?
2. Does anybody know where I can lay my hands on a complete working setup?
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Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang
9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·
You'll be hard pressed finding a new one unless you have a NOS score.
They were only on Aussie 75-76 Beetles and for some wierd reason only Bugs sold in California got them after 74 in US, all other states there didnt get them.
They were only on Aussie 75-76 Beetles and for some wierd reason only Bugs sold in California got them after 74 in US, all other states there didnt get them.
Lateral Wolfsburg Wizard
480 posts · joined Sep 2011 ·
Thanks Joel,
I wonder if they were made specifically for VW or are from some other car??
I wonder if they were made specifically for VW or are from some other car??
Willie Slammed & Awesome Dubber
77 posts · joined Jun 2009 ·
Yes - the front guards are different; however I was referring to the indicators in the bumper.. Both '75 & '76 models got the indicators in the bumpers, not just the '76 as originally indicated.Joel wrote:No L bug guards are different to standard bug.Willie wrote:Not quite. The 1975 1303 L bug (curved windscreen) had the blinkers in the bumper, too. "Two years only" for Aussie models.DOKA Dave wrote:Also had blinkers relocated to the bumpers which created "one year only' (for Australia) front guards.
the 75 Lbug guards are a 1 year only part as was 76 standard bug but only in Aus,
Overseas Lbugs in had those guards from 75 to 79 and standard bugs from 75 to 2003 excluding North America.
I'd love a '76 in the garage to keep my '75 company........
1975 L-Bug
Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang
9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·
They are bug specific, one of US strict emissions laws only for California, guess they figured a hot climate like Aus they would be beneficial to fit them as well.Lateral wrote:Thanks Joel,
I wonder if they were made specifically for VW or are from some other car??