Which Beetle?

Ok you Type 1 nutters - my daughter is keen on a Beetle for her first car. Not knowing much about Beetles, which model/models should I be looking at? I didnt want to go too early or too late, thinking something around 67 -71 vintage. Thoughts?

cheers
Dave

i bought my daughter a 69 semi-auto ,it has disc brakes on the front as standard and its semi automatic ,where-as you put it in one range and drive and only have to change up gears at higher speeds😎but spares for the auto are harder to come by now🥲

Most people will tell you 69 on. I think that means disc brake front end and IRS rear and macpherson strut front so better stopping and handling.

Others will probably know better than me.

Cheers goodluck with the seach. Lucky daughter!

Probably super bug for a standard car. 1971 onward. They have strut front with more luggage space, 1600tp motor, larger tank, km/h speedo, IRS rear (better on tyres & handling), etc,etc. Basically they are newer, safer, better features and slightly easier to get parts for too depending on where you are.

as above

They are cheaper for parts and cheaper to buy.
You will get more car for your $$$

eg you will get a very nice example of a registered driver for $4k if you buy say a 1972 super

or

you will get a rust free shell of a 1955 oval

True - rust can be an issue, but shop carefully and you will get a good one.

Thanks for the info fellas. Much appreciated. Is a Superbug called an S bug and is this the same as an L bug?

Cheers
Dave

Now your outta me league - someone, someone!

Not sure,

but I do know I have a neighbour who was trying to sell their Super a few weeks back. Its even Pink.
Want me to ask for you? I know they did a bit of work to get the brakes up to speed, but they wanted to sell it unregistered from what I remember. They had it roadworthy and running etc, but didn't want to go for another certificate for selling it.

Supers define anything with struts

Basically there are 2 types

The 1971 - 1973 (a 1302 model) commonly called an S bug.
Major identifying items are
* smaller "church" tail lights
* flat windscreen
* no dash
* 3 bolt struts

the 1973 - 1975 ( a 1303 model ) is commonly called an L bug
Major identifying items are
* curved windscreen
* large "elephants foot" tail lights
* early have 3 bolt struts and late (from 1974 onwards) have a better 2 bolt set up
* 1975 had rack and pinion steering
* a dash

for more info check out these 2 sites

http://www.superbeetles.com/welcome.htm

http://www.superbeetlesonly.com/

regards

Barry

[ Edited on 16-9-2007 by Bizarre ]

As a girl ...... I have found the later ones are far nicer to drive. I have a 1974 1300 (engine upgraded to a 1600 ish) and it is much nicer to handle then my hubbys oval .....

Thanks people. Now i have an idea on what to look at. Still 12 mths away from getting her licence, so there is a fair chance i will look at plenty.

HappyTrails

Dave