Information overload
Here's the specification of the Last Edition Beetle model in exhaustive detail - weights, measures, descriptions and all the rest. Much of the information here was taken straight from Volkswagen's original Owner's Manual for the Last Edition Beetle.
Cosmetic
The Last Edition Beetles were all finished in L97A Diamond Silver Metallic paint. This colour
is still available, so a good match is possible for resprays and repairs.
Seats were trimmed in Marine Blue velour. As far as we know, this fabric is no longer produced, and
despite looking long and hard, we've been unable to find a really close substitute.
Engine
4 cylinder, 4 stroke, horizontally-opposed engine at rear. Air-cooled by fan. Pressure oil feed by gear-type pump, with oil cooler, cleaned by strainer. Separate fuel filter below tank. Mechanical fuel pump. Downdraft carburetor with automatic choke and accelerator pump. Dry air cleaner with paper element.
| Engine data | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Bore | 64 mm | 2.52 in |
| Stroke | 64 mm | 2.52 in |
| Capacity | 1192 cc | 72.7 cu in |
| Compression | 7.3 | |
| Maximum output (DIN 70 020) | 25 kW at 3800 rpm | 34 bhp at 3800 rpm |
| Maximum torque (DIN) | 76 Nm at 1700 rpm | 55 lb ft at 1700 rpm |
| Fuel consumption (DIN 70 030) | 7.5 litre / 100 km | 37.7 mpg |
| Fuel Rating (RON) | 87 | |
| Oil consumption (max) | 1.0 litre / 1000 km | |
Body and chassis
All-steel body bolted to chassis frame. Centre tube frame with front frame head and frame fork at rear.
Front axle, steering
Front axle beam bolted to frame head. Independent suspension with twin cranked trailing links. Two transverse torsion bars. Telescopic shock absorbers. Stabilizer. Worm and Roller steering.
Rear axle
Independent suspension with swing axle and trailing links.
Springs: Torsion bars. Telescopic shock absorbers.
Brakes
Drum brakes
Footbrake: Hydraulic dual-circuit system.
Handbrake: Mechanical, effective on rear wheels.
| Chassis data | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 2400 mm | 94.5 in |
| Front track | 1308 mm | 51.5 in |
| Rear track | 1349 mm | 53.1 in |
| Turning circle (approx) | 11 m | 36 ft |
Wheels and tyres
Wheels: Steel, perforated disc. Drop centre rims with double hump. Size 4½ J x 15
| Tyres - Radial ply | Metric | Imperial | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 155 SR 15 | |||
| Pressures - Radial ply | front | rear | front | rear |
| With 1 or 2 occupants | 1.3 bar | 1.9 bar | 18 psi | 27 psi |
| With 3 to 5 occupants | 1.3 bar | 1.9 bar | 18 psi | 27 psi |
| Tyres - Cross ply | Metric | Imperial | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 5.60-15 4 PR or 6.00-15 L 4 PR | |||
| Pressures - Cross ply | front | rear | front | rear |
| With 1 or 2 occupants | 1.1 bar | 1.9 bar | 16 psi | 27 psi |
| With 3 to 5 occupants | 1.3 bar | 1.9 bar | 18 psi | 27 psi |
Tyre pressures should be increased by 0.2bar (3 psi)
- When using winter tyres (cross and radial ply)
- For prolonged high-speed driving (cross ply tyres only)
Electrical system
12 Volt system. AC generator with voltage regulator.
| Electrical system data | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery | 36 Ah |
| Generator output | 700 W (1.1 hp) |
| Battery | 36 Ah |
| Spark plug thread | 14 mm |
| Spark plug electrode gap | 0.6 mm |
| V belt tension (new) | Deflection 9-11 mm ¹ |
| V belt tension (used) | Deflection 11-14 mm ¹ |
¹ With a pressure of about 7.5 kp / 16.5 lb (firm thumb pressure) in the centre between the two pulleys.
| Spark plugs | Description | Part number |
|---|---|---|
| For normal running | Bosch W 145 T 1.1 | N 17 801 13 |
| Beru 145/14 | N 17 802 13 | |
| Champion L 88 A | N 17 803 9 | |
| For severe loading above 25°C | N 17 801 1 | |
| N 17 802 1 |
| V belts | Part number |
|---|---|
| Bosch W 145 T 1.1 | N 17 801 13 |
Dimensions and weights
Permissible weights are subject to local regulations which may differ
| Description | Metric | Imperial | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4060 mm | 159.8 in | |
| Width | 1550 mm | 61.0 in | |
| Height, unladen | 1500 mm | 59.1 in | |
| Ground clearance | 150 mm | 5.9 in | |
| Kerb weight | 760 kg | 1675 lb | |
| Permissible load | 380 kg | 838 lb | |
| Permissible total weight | 1140 kg | 2513 lb | |
| Permissible front axle load | 490 kg | 1080 lb | |
| Permissible rear axle load | 710 kg | 1565 lb | |
| Permissible roof load | 50 kg | 110 lb | Use only roof racks supported in rain channel. Racks from the VW accessory programme are of this type. Distribute load evenly |
| Permissible trailer weight (with brakes) | 800 kg | 1763 lb | On gradients up to 12% |
| Permissible trailer weight (without brakes) | 400 kg | 882 lb | |
| Maximum nose weight | 50 kg | 110 lb |
Performance
| Description | Performance |
|---|---|
| Maximum and cruising speed | 115 km/h (72 mph) |
| Hill climbing ability in 1st gear | 38.5% |
| Hill climbing ability in 2nd gear | 20% |
| Hill climbing ability in 3rd gear | 11% |
| Hill climbing ability in 4th gear | 7% |
Capacities
| Description | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel tank (approx) | 40 litres | 8.8 gallons |
| Engine oil | 2.5 litres | 4.4 pints |
| Windscreen washer liquid | 1.6 litres | 3.0 pints |
| Windscreen washer air pressure | 3 bar | 42 psi |
