Production
Wilhelm Karmann in Osnabrück built the four-seat Beetle Cabriolet from 1949 to 10 January 1980: 331,847 cars in total, from the split-window Type 15 to the 1302 (1971–72) and 1303 (1973–80). The per-year figures below are approximate (they sum to about 3,150 fewer than the official total) and follow the chassis-number blocks, so model years run August to July.
Reading the chassis number
- Until July 1964: a plain 6–7 digit Type 1 number shared with the saloon, with no type prefix. The cabriolet's numbers sit anywhere in each year's range.
- August 1964 – July 1969 (9 digits): 15 = Karmann Cabriolet, third digit = model year. 155 = 1965 … 159 = 1969, then a six-digit serial.
- August 1969 – 1980 (10 digits): 150 = 1970 … 159 = 1979, serial from 2 000 001. So 159 760 385 is a 1969 car and 159 2 044 140 a 1979/80 car.
- A car built between August and December carries the next model year's digit – that is why auction listings and prefixes often disagree by one year.
Where to find it
Stamped on the frame tunnel under the rear seat and in the front luggage compartment next to the bonnet lock; from 1965 also on the VIN plate. The production plate sits on the front apron by the bonnet lock.
Scope and sources
This registry covers the full run of Karmann-built Beetle Cabriolets. Hebmüller two-seaters (Type 14A) have their own registry, and the earliest 1949–53 cars are documented in depth at karmann1952.de. Sources: Volkswagen Newsroom, Just Kampers model history, TheSamba chassis dating tables, Cool Air VW, Bonhams, RM Sotheby's and Iconic Auctioneers catalogues.