At the MaiKäfer (May Beetle) meeting on May 1st at the Hanover Fairgrounds, Volkswagen Classic presented a comparison of two open-top versions of the Beetle, representing different stages of development of the model. On display were the Hebmüller convertible (type 14A) from 1950 and the last Beetle convertible produced, the Beetle 1303 from 1980.
The Hebmüller convertible was created in the early post-war period. The body was built in the Hebmüller body factory in Wülfrath and is based on the Volkswagen Type 1 platform. It is characterized by a two-seater design with a flat-topped rear end and extremely simple lines. The vehicle is powered by an air-cooled, four-cylinder boxer engine with a displacement of 1,1 liters and an output of 25 hp. The power is transmitted via an unsynchronized four-speed gearbox, which makes driving more demanding compared to later models.
Technically, the vehicle is largely identical to the production Beetle of the time, but its sophisticated bodywork and small number of examples produced give it an exclusive character. Production was severely curtailed after a factory fire in 1949, ending after a total of 696 examples were built. Today, the surviving examples are among the rarest versions of the early Beetle.
The Beetle 1303 Cabriolet from 1980 marks the end of Beetle convertible production in Germany. It is based on the upgraded 1303 series, which had been in production since 1972. In contrast to the previous versions, the 1303 has a curved panoramic windscreen, which increases interior space and improves visibility. Technically, the model differs by the introduction of a McPherson front axle, which allows for a more precise ride compared to the previous torsion-spring suspension.
Later versions were fitted with engines with a displacement of 1,6 litres and an output of up to 50 hp. Safety and comfort features such as disc brakes at the front, three-point seat belts, a padded dashboard and a heated rear window reflect the higher demands of the late 70s. The convertibles were manufactured by Karmann in Osnabrück, Volkswagen's long-standing partner in bodywork.
A comparison of the two vehicles shows the continuous refinement of the basic concept. While the Hebmüller is a hand-built, small-series vehicle with a focus on design and exclusivity, the 1303 Cabriolet represents the technical maturity and everyday usability of the Beetle in its later phase.
Despite the same basic design with an air-cooled rear engine and a platform frame, the two vehicles differ significantly in construction, safety level and context of use. The exhibition allows for a direct comparison of these developmental stages and illustrates the transformation of the Hobbit from a simple post-war vehicle to an established production model with wide social acceptance.
