A comprehensive illustrated history  (published 1994)

The unthinkable happened in 1978 when, on 19th January, the very last Beetle saloon to be built on German soil rolled off the line at Emden. This marked the end of an era which had begun almost 40 years earlier when the original VW38 prototypes gained the approval of the world's motoring press. These last German saloons were often supplied in Metallic Diamond Silver, like this example which has less than 1,000km (600 miles) on the odometer. In many ways, these last-of-the-line Beetles shared more with their earliest forebears than any other: they were basically equipped, mechanically simple and offered reasonable - but not exceptional - value for money.

Specifications

Engine: Horizontally opposed, air-cooled tour cylinder. Construction: Two-piece cast magnesium-alloy crankcase split vertically with separate cast-iron cylinders and cast aluminium alloy pistons. Four main bearings. Cast aluminium cylinder heads with siamesed inlet ports. Bore and stroke: 77mm x 69mm. Capacity: 1192cc (72ci). Valves: Pushrod operated overhead. Compression ratio: 7.0:1. Fuel system: Mechanical fuel pump; single Solex 30PICT carburettor. Maximum power: 34bhp (40 US hp) at 3,600rpm. Maximum torque:6 lb ft at 2,000rpm.

Transmission: Fully-synchromesh four-speed manual transaxle with integral final drive unit. One-piece casing. Gear ratios: First - 3-80; second - 2.06; Third - 1.32; fourth - 0.89; reverse - 3.88. Final drive ratio: 4.375:1.

Brakes: Hydraulically-operated drums on all four wheels Steering: Worm and roller Suspension: Front: Fully independent with transverse, multi-leaf torsion bars and telescopic shock absorbers. Ball-joint design with hydraulic steering damper. Rear: Fully independent swing-axle with twin solid torsion bars, rear stabilizer bar and telescopic shock absorbers.

Wheels and tyres: 4J x 15in pressed steel wheels. 5.60 x 15 cross-ply tyres.

Dimensions: Length: 4028mm (13ft 2.6in) Width: 1540mm (5ft 0.6in). Height 1500mm (4ft 11in). Wheelbase: 2400mm (7ft 10.5in). Dry weight: 862kg (1900lb).

Performance: Maximum speed- 127km/h (79mph). Acceleration: 0-96km/h (60mph): 22sec. Fuel consumption 8.3 lits/100km (34mpg)

Number built: (1978) 271,673

Owner: John Lamb

The Beetle - Illustrated History, The metallic silver paintwork was typical of the German-built cars and suited the lines of the Beetle well. The Beetle - Illustrated History, The dashboard retained the black plastic padding first introduced on the American market in 1968. The Beetle - Illustrated History, The 1192 engine remained unaltered – there was little point in making any major changes as the end of the line was in sight. The Beetle - Illustrated History, The rear licence plate light housing was now made of plastic and featured styling ribs in the top surface. The Beetle - Illustrated History, Blue trim almost looks out of place in a Beetle, but contrasts well with the silver paintwork. The Beetle - Illustrated History, The front luggage area was identical to that of previous models. Note the rubber trim fitted to the bumpers. The Beetle - Illustrated History, Cord material was used for seating, giving the interior a slightly more luxurious feel. The Beetle - Illustrated History, This door-mounted mirror was first seen in 1968 and remained in use to the end. Only one mirror was fitted to the driver’s side.

VW Beetle published 1994

A comprehensive illustrated history

Item on the 1978 Type 1 Saloon from a book by Keith Seume