In 1974 German car
manufacturer Volkswagen presents three special editions of the Beetle
for the European market: the Jeans Beetle, the City Beetle and the
Big Beetle. The three cars were introduced as “Käfer der Käufer”
at the 1973 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The first 1974
Jeans Beetle (S761) was based on the standard 1200cc Beetle. The car,
only available in “Tunisgelb” (Tunis yellow) with black trim (no
chrome work), was fitted with 4.5x15 Lemmerz GT sport wheels, black
side markings with the word “jeans” with matching lettering on
the engine cover, and denim “jeans” seat covers with yellow
coloured stitching. It was fitted with a rear window heating and a
“Ludwigshafen” or “Wolfsburg” radio. The 1975 Jeans II was
available in “Brilliantgelb” (Brilliant yellow) , “Marinogelb”
(Marino yellow) and “Phoenixrot” (Phoenix red).
 |
| Jeans Beetle (S761) |
 |
| Jeans Beetle (S761) |
The City Beetle
(S764) was based on the 1300cc 1303 “Super” Beetle and available
in “Ibizarot” (Ibiza Red), “Ontariametallic” (Ontario (blue)
Metallic) and “Ischiametallic” (Ischia (green) Metallic) with
“1303 City” side markings. The seats had broad woven stripes to
match body colour, loop pile carpet, inertial reel seat belts,
optional head restraints, “Emden” radio, vinyl padded Petri AG
steering wheel, 4.5x15 sport wheels, engine cover lock, heated rear
window, rubber bumper inserts, interior mirror, and reverse lights.
 |
| City Beetle (S764) in “Ibizarot” |
 |
| City Beetle (S764) interior |
The Big Beetle
(S763), based on the 1600cc 1303 S “Super” Beetle, was available
in “Moosmetallic” (Moss (green) Metallic), “Ontariametallic”
(Ontario (blue) Metallic) and “Hellasmetallic” (Hellas Metallic)
with “1303 Big” side markings. The car was fitted with 5½ x15
Lemmerz “GT” sport wheels, special velvet upholstery, loop pile
carpet, inertial reel seat belts, wood veneer dashboard, vinyl padded
steering wheel, special wooden gearshift knob, engine hood lock,
heated rear window, rubber bumper inserts, and reverse lights.
 |
| Big Beetle (S763) in Hellasmetallic |
 |
| Big Beetle (S763) in Hellasmetallic |
 |
| Big Beetle (S763) interior |
(note: S stands for
“Sondermodelle” (English: Special Edition))
 |
| Left to right: Jeans Beetle, City Beetle and Big Beetle |
 |
| Left to right: City Beetle, Big Beetle and Jeans Beetle |
