Confused - Help me distinguish the bugs!

The more I read, the more confused I get, haha...

Basically, i'm hoping to enter the VW community soon, BUT i'm confused as to what beetle i should be getting.

I want a ratrod/rat beetle. I want wide 5's and swing axels (this gives the broken axel look i believe?) and torsion bars/beam frint end (so I can have a 4" narrowed beam).

Does this mean I want anything pre 67 (including 67?)

Thanks for your help! Please excuse my inexperience.
John

In a word, yes, it does mean that you want a 1967 or earlier. It does sound a bit like you're trying to tick off the checklist of 'rat-look scene points' though. Maybe buy the car first and drive it around a bit to think about what modifications you actually want.

Note also that the early-model bugs have different front and rear end sheet-metal and fenders, and come with 6 volt electrics and drum brakes. The 1968-onwards bugs have a wider, squarer bonnet and engine lid, round vertical headlights, squarer bumpers, disc brakes and 12 volt electrics. A lot of the 6 volt cars have been converted to 12 volt.

pre-1968


1968-onwards