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Torsion bars to Struts question?

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DubbyFan Wolfsburg Wizard

518 posts · joined Nov 2010 ·

#848820
Hope some kind sole out there maybe able to answer my question. When did Beetles in Australia change from torsion
bar front ends to strut front ends, as in what year model?

Thank you.

Craig S Wolfsburg Wizard

635 posts · joined May 2008 ·

#848823
I think you'll find both were available simultaneously. This is one that confuses a lot of people because they were called different things in different countries, and also because some updated parts were used on both types.

There were two different model beetles that had struts, one that had a flattish windscreen and dash, and the later one with a very curved windscreen and dash.

The model names/designations are (roughly) as follows:

Europe / Australia / USA
1302 / S Bug / Superbeetle
1303 / L Bug / Superbeetle

In Australia, I believe that we started getting the S Bug in 1971, with a change to the L Bug sometime in 1973 (several people will jump in to correct my dates). The last strut beetles sold here were in 1975 (although stock might not have all been sold by then).

At the same time, a traditional beam front suspension Beetle continued to be sold, and sales of these continued until 1976.

Therefore if anyone is talking about a Beetle from the 1970s, it's always best to clarify what sort they are talking about. Whilst there are numerous ways of telling the difference, probably the easiest relates to whether the spare tyre lies flat in the luggage compartment, or sits in a more upright fashion.

Hope that helps.

Craig
1969 Beetle - June
1974 L Bug - Gwendolyn
2002 Bora V6 4Motion - Anita

DubbyFan Wolfsburg Wizard

518 posts · joined Nov 2010 ·

#848955
Thought I put this here yesterday, must have pushed the wrong button, age aye!

Hope one of you kind and knowledgeable people maybe
able to answer my question.

Which year was the last that torsion bar front ends were
made on Australian made Beetles, as in when did the torsion bar models stop and the strut versions start?

Thank you.

Special Air Service Chief "Gunna"

1,769 posts · joined Oct 2004 ·

#849099
Aussie Dubbin wrote:Are you looking to buy or just curious.
I think he's buy-curious 😂😂😂
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