Can somebody telll me what year the first IRS beetles (not Super Beetles) were sold/imported into Australia?

'68 > stick-shift was the start of the irs in the beetle in oz

i second that notion

Never, irs stick-shift, irs sbug, the rest were swing axle including the basic beetle

Thanks mate, I was looking for something that doesn't exist. I no longer have to waste my time. Thank you

if u got a couple hundred, u can do a manual conversion professionally. I would imagine it would be easier and cheaper to do that then it is to do an IRS conversion to a swinger pan. COR can do the manual conversion for ya (if you got athe appropriate manual IRS box and manual pedals with ya).

1976

Hi all.

According to an article I just read, in 1976 the Superbug and 1300 were discontinued - and replaced with a single model - a standard (not Superbug) shaped Beetle with 1600 engine, IRS rear suspension, manual gearbox, front disc brakes, blinkers in the front bumpers, elephant's foot tail lights and rubber inserts in the bumper bars.

Leaving the motor alone as it had extra pollution controls, on the surface this sounds like the ideal model to make into a Baja.

Can anyone shed some further light on this particular model? Some more history perhaps?

For example, why would VW Australia 'recreate' a 'standard' beetle in its final year in Australia? Was it just to use up all the left over parts, or was there another reason?

And is this model any good as a custom platform?

Cheers

Challenger.

[ Edited on 6-5-2007 by challenger ]

Easy. From Jan. to 15th July 1976 they were busy assembling 'the best beetle ever', the unique and 'unknown' 1976 model.
I've had two, and think they may be "better" than an S or L (unless you really prefer an S or L, as I know many do). They are just like a late type 3 in braking & suspension set-up.

Thanks for helping my understanding. Another query please regarding the 1976 'best beetle ever'?

Are panels interchangeable with earlier, non superbug beetles? If I buy a 1976 beetle, can I fit a standard 1969 baja kit, or am I going to have problems?

And do you know anyone with a '76 for sale?

Cheers, Challenger.

The '76 is indeed the PURISTS beetle. The final incarnation and evolution of the breed without too much departure from the original design. Beam front suspension, Independant rear suspension and manual gear box. Not a Machperson strut or bulging bonnet to be seen.
Finding a good one is not easy these days, they suffered badly from rust in the rear pllars due to sound proofing foam absorbing moisture. They almost rusted from the inside out. I rekon probably rarer than an oval. Definately one of my favourite VWs though.

Thanks for the update Euro_67. Now to try and find one!

Help anyone?