Brief History of VW Beetle changes, chronologically.

This is a work in progress. If you find any mistakes or additions needed, let me know. I got the majority of this from the now defunct VWPlaypen.com. I've been told they got it mostly from an old Volkswagen of America brochure, What Year Is It?

1949 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 91,922 - 138 554
Changes:

• License plate indentation on rear deck dropped.
• Inside pull cable release for front hood; no lock on hood handle.
• Solex carburetor introduced as standard equipment.
• Starting crank hole dropped on Deluxe model.
• Hubcaps featured small "VW" logo.
• Grooved bumper with flared guards introduced.
• Deluxe interior features ivory dash panels and knobs, 8-day clock, two-spoke steering wheel, rear bolster pillows.

1950 VW
Chassis Numbers 138,555 - 220,471
Changes:

• Hydraulic brakes replace mechanical brakes on Deluxe model.
• Sunroof introduced.
• Noise mufflers for heating ducts added.
• Automatic air cooling by thermostatically controlled throttle ring.
• Fuel mixture heating device (heat riser) introduced.
• "T"-style heater knob with ninety-degree rotation to lock in place.
• Inside ventilation controlled by "cut out" pattern at top of windows.
• Front and rear ashtrays become standard equipment on Deluxe model.

1951 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 220,472 - 313,829
Changes:

• Chrome garnish molding added to windshield.
• Wolfsburg crest to front hood above hood handle.
• Vent flaps added to front-quarter body panels

1952 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 313,830 - 428,156
Changes:

• Glass vent windows added; formerly vent wings in front-quarter body panels.
• Heating control by rotary knob; formerly pull-knob.
• "T" type rear hood handle introduced; formerly loop-type.
• Twin brake and taillights replace single versions.
• Window crank makes 3 1/2 turns; formerly 10 1/2 turns.
• Glove compartment gets door; formerly open bin.
• Turn signal control moved to steering wheel from dashboard.
• Interior light moved to center pillar by driver's door.
• 5.50 x 15 inch tires replace 5.00 x 16 tires.
• Top three gears synchronized.
• Bumpers and guards strengthened and enlarged.
• Accelerator pump added to carburetor.
• New rear license plate light housing.
• self-canceling windshield wipers.

1953 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 428,157 - 575,414
Changes:

• Oval one-piece rear window replaces split window on March 10, 1953.
• Lock button added to vent window handles.
• Brake fluid reservoir relocated behind spare tire in October 1953; formerly at master cylinder.
• Exterior trim improved with anti-corrosive alloy.
• Handle added to dash ashtray.

1954-55 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers
• 575,415 - 722,934 (1954)
• 722,935 - 929,745 (1955)
Changes:

• Starter now incorporated with ignition switch; formerly separate button on dashboard.
• Horsepower increased from 30 to 36 and displacement enlarged to 1192 cc.
• Oil bath air cleaner replaces felt element filter.
• Break-in driving requirements for engine dropped.
• Automatic three-way interior light added.

1956-57 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers
• 929,746 - 1,246,618 (1956)
• 1,246,619 - 1,600,439 (1957)
Changes:

• Chromed dual tail pipes replace single pipe.
• Semaphores replaced with "bullet" signals at front, taillights at rear.
• Taillight housing moved two inches higher.
• Bumper overrider "bows" added.
• Sunroof made of plastic fabric; formerly cloth.
• Steering wheel spoke (horizontal) moved lower, off center.
• Heater knob moved forward.
• Adjustable front seat backs and wider seats.
• Redesigned gas tank yields larger luggage space.
• Tubeless tires added in July 1956.
• Front floor heater outlets moved rearward in January 1957.

1958-59 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers
• 1,600,440 - 2,007,615 (1958)
• 2,007,616 - 2,528,667 (1959)
Changes:

• Brake drums and shoes widened for faster, surer stops.
• Rear window and windshield enlarged.
• Front turn signal lights moved to tops of fenders.
• Radio grille moved left, in front of driver.
• Rear deck lid redesigned.
• Horizontal air inlets replace vertical inlets on convertible.
• Flat accelerator pedal replaces roller type.

1960 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 2,528,668 - 3,192,506
Changes:

• Steering wheel "dished."
• Pushbutton door handles replace pull-out lever type.
• Padded sunvisor; formerly transparent plastic.
• Steering damper added for improved handling.
• Wolfsburg crest on front hood less colorful.
• Change from worm and peg to worm and roller steering.

1961 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 3,192,507 - 4,010,994
Changes:

• Sunvisor and grab-handle provided for passenger's side.
• Horsepower increased from 36 to 40.
• Automatic choke introduced.
• Transmission synchronized in all forward gears.
• Flatter gas tank yields increased luggage space.
• "Quick-check" transparent brake fluid reservoir.
• Pump-type windshield washer.
• Non-repeat starter switch.

1962 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 4,010,995 - 4,846,835)
Changes:

• Spring-loaded front hood.
• Larger taillights added.
• Windshield washer use spare tire for air pressure.
• Gas gauge replaces reserve fuel tap.

1963 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 4,846,836 - 5,677,118
Changes:

• Leatherette headliner introduced.
• Wolfsburg hood crest dropped.
• Folding handle for sunroof.
• Foam insulated floor.
• Fresh air heating.
• Nylon window guides.

1964 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 5,677,119 - 6,502,399
Changes:

• Crank-operated sliding steel sunroof replaces the fabric sunroof.
• Horn actuated by two thumb buttons; formerly by half-ring.
• Larger license plate light.
• Aerated vinyl material replaces nonporous leatherette seat upholstery.
• Larger front turn signal lights on fenders.

1965 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 115 000 001 - 115 979 202
Changes:

• Windows enlarged; slimmer door and windshield posts.
• Heat control levers mounted on tunnel; heater efficiency improved.
• Rear seatback converts to platform.
• Push-button catch on engine lid.

1966 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 116 000 001 - 116 1021 298
Changes:

• Horsepower increased to 50 and displacement enlarged to 1300 cc; "1300" designation added to engine lid.
• Ventilating wheel slots; flat hub caps.
• Emergency blinker switch.
• Headlight dimmer switch mounted on turn signal.
• Center-dash defroster outlet.
• Semi-circular horn ring.
• Suspension improved with better torsion bars/shocks.

1967 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 117 000 001 - 117 844 892
Changes:

• Horsepower increased to 53 and displacement boosted to 1500 cc.
• Single-unit headlights with chrome rim; fender indented.
• Dual brake system; front/rear operate independently.
• Auxiliary rear spring added.
• Parking lights incorporated into front turn signals.
• Locking buttons on doors.
• 12-volt electrical system (36-amp battery).
• "Volkswagen" nameplate replaces "1300" designation on engine lid.
• Two-speed windshield wipers.
• Left outside mirror becomes standard.

1968 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 118 000 000 - 118 1016 098
Changes:

• One-piece bumpers; bows an overriders eliminated (bumper height raised)
• Head restraints added to front seat backrests.
• Automatic Stick Shift option introduced.
• External gas tank filler, spring-loaded flap.
• Front hood air intakes louver; push-button front hood catch.
• Fresh air ventilating system.
• Collapsible steering column.
• Exhaust emission control system.
• Flattened door handles with built-in trigger release.
• Back-up/brake lights and rear turn signals in single housing.
• Federal certification sticker added to door post.
• Tail lights changed.

1969 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 119 000 001 - 119 1093 704
Changes:

• Rear window defogger and defroster; electric heating wires on inner surface of glass.
• Double-jointed rear axle for improved ride and handling.
• Warning lights in speedometer identified by letters or symbols.
• Anti-theft ignition switch installed on steering column.
• Gas tank filler neck flap has lock which has a release under the right side of the dash panel.
• Front hood release relocated to glove compartment.
• Day/night rear-view mirror.
• Warm air outlets at base of doors moved rearward; remote control knobs on door columns.

1970 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 110 2000 001 - 110 3096 945
Changes:

• Air intake slots on engine lid
• Horsepower increased to 57, displacement enlarged to 1600 cc.
• Enlarged front turn signals (combined with side marker lights).
• Reflectors mounted on rear bumper.
• Side reflectors built into taillight housing.
• Tenths of mile indicator on odometer (also appears on late '69 modes).
• Head restraints reduced in size.
• Buzzer sounds when door is opened and key is left in igntion.
• Remote control knobs for warm air outlets discontinued.
• Lock in glove compartment door.
• Formula Vee Beetle introduced.

1971 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 111 2000 001 - 111 3143 118
Changes:

• Super Beetle introduced, features MacPherson strut front suspension, increased luggage space in front compartment, larger gas tank, rear side ventilation exit slots, larger taillights.
• Increased horsepower, from 57 to 60.
• Flow-through ventilation with exhaust ports behind rear side windows.
• Headlights automatically go off and parking lights stay on when ignition is turned off.
• Larger taillights.

1972 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 112 2000 001 - 112 2961 362
Changes:

• Super Beetle receives larger rear window, collapsible steering wheel hub, increased air slots on rear deck, column mounted lever for windshield wiper and washer, cover over rear luggage area behind seat and new easier-to-read speedometer.
• VW Computer Analysis socket added.
• Special Baja Bug introduced.

1973 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers
• Sedan: 113 2000 001 - 113 3021 954
• Super Beetle: 133 2000 001 - 133 3021 860
Changes:

• Super Beetle receives new curved windshield.
• Large, circular taillight complex combines stop light, turn signal, tail and backup lights.
• Stronger bumper add an inch to overall length.
• Front seats adjustable to any of 77 different positions.
• More durable, easier-to-operate clutch; softer transmission mounting.
• Improved intake air pre-heating for faster cold weather starts.
• Windshield wiper arms have black finish.
• Inertia-reel safety belts.
• 6.00 x 15L tires with 4-1/2 inch wide wheels.
• Horsepower decreased to 46.
• Sport Bug introduced.

1974 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers
• Sedan:114 2000 001 - 114 2818 456
• Super Beetle: 134 2000 001 - 134 2798 165
Changes:

• Self-restoring energy-absorbing front and rear bumpers.
• Seat belt ignition interlock added.
• New cylinder head alloy for better heat dissipation.
• Additional Computer Analysis sensor reads ignition timing and top dead center.
• Front seat headrests redesigned and made slightly smaller.
• Steering wheel made more elastic to "give" more in the event of an accident.
• "Park" position for Automatic Stick Shift.
• Warning light for hand brake.
• Love Bug and Sun Bug introduced.

1975 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers
• Sedan: 115 2000 001 - 115 2267 815
• Super Beetle: 135 2000 001 - 135 2267 815
Changes:

• Electronic fuel injection introduced, with "fuel injection" insignia on rear deck lid.
• Single tailpipe.
• Increased horsepower; 48 hp, up from 46 (SAE net).
• Clutch pedal pressure eased.
• Larger exhaust valve stems for better heat transfer.
• New heat exchangers for greater heat output.
• Installation of battery ground cable with diagnosis contact for more accurate Computer Analysis readings.
• Odometer triggers red warning light "EGR" in speedometer to notify drivers of service requirements.
• California models with catalytic converter require lead-free gasoline; filler neck has smaller opening for nozzle.
• Maintenance intervals extended to 15,000 miles.
• "La Grande Bug" introduced.

1976 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers
• Sedan: 116 2000 001 - 116 2176 287
• Convertible: 156 2000 001 - 156 2175 675
Changes:

• Standard Beetle sedan re-introduced, Super Beetle discontinued.
• Beetle has plush appearance with many luxury "extras" as standard equipment: Two-coat metallic paint (Silver Metallic, Lime Green, Topaz Metallic); full carpeting; sports-style wheel rims; rear window defogger.
• New speedometer with outer scale in miles per hour and inner scale in kilometers per hour (on most '76 models).
• Redesigned front seats with improved back adjustments, for added comfort and body support.
• Two-speed fresh air blower.
• All trim components chrome-plated.
• Automatic Stick Shift option discontinued..

1977 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers
• Sedan: 117 2000 001 - 117 2101
• Convertible: 157 2000 001 - 157 2101 292
Changes:

• Last year for Beetle Sedan.
• Adjustable headrest replaces integrated headrest.
• Plush velour upholstery replaces houndstooth check.
• Electrically-heated rear window (Beetle convertible).
• Bahama Blue Metallic paint replaces Topaz Metallic.
• Convertible features "Champagne Edition" with white exterior, sand colored top.

1978 VW
Chassis Numbers 158 2000 001 - 158 2028 542
Changes:

• Champagne Edition II available in red or ancona blue metallic.

1979 VW
Chassis Numbers 159 2000 001 - 159 2043 634
Changes:

• Cigarette lighter becomes standard.
• German-built Beetles discontinued.