Hi All,
I recently aqquired a '61 (or told it was) beetle and the chassis number doesn't match up with the '61 models. It's.....4771-999. If any-one could shed some light on this for me it'll be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Allan

[Edited on 15-4-2003 by obeone]

Alan,

Could be a '62, look here http://www.geocities.com/aussiebug1970/years.html 

Thanks Grahame

Assuming these parts are still original...

There are some other places to look. Pull off your hubcaps and check the wheel centres - wipe off the dirt with a rag. VW wheels have a tiny date stamp in a circle, about 5mm across. It will show month and year - like 6/61 or similar.

Same with the back of the speedo. Move the cardboard wiring cover to one side, and look at the rear of the speedo for a similar date stamp.

The other place for date stamps (sometimes) is on the underside of the chrome front blinker covers. Undo the philips screw, lift off the chrome cover and look underneath. This only applies to Beetles that HAVE front blilnkers, of course.