Aircooled VW South Africa

Yes, I know I have said 'not soon again' as HW2 is nearing full completion, but a few months ago I went to go and have a look at this 1969 Beetle in Pretoria. It is complete, except for the fact that the rear valance was cut off in an uncompleted Baja project a few previous owners back. The idea was for a solid base for a Baja project but upon closer inspection I realised that this car was just too original not to save (I suppose that is actually SO NOT Pine, but what the heck, we all get older...) It has been dry stored the past few years, and is absolutely solid and original, except for a bit of surface rust.

I have managed to close the deal the weekend (thanks Andries!! ) and Dirk from FIM Motors in Pretoria kindly offered to help me tow it to my storage facility in Johannesburg where it will remain untouched for the next few months. A few pics:

Us airheads never stop ! Congrats !

Nice save, well done Dude, another one hits the road..

Congrats !!!

What is that nice rev counter ? its awesome - is it original vdo product? (noob I am - I know I know )

Sweet, looking good, sure you can make her look real pretty again, good on you Pine.

we does needzz moar peekchaas

Bushpig wrote:Nice save, well done Dude, another one hits the road..

agreed

Golfmad wrote:Congrats !!!

What is that nice rev counter ? its awesome - is it original vdo product? (noob I am - I know I know )

Thanks! Don't worry - I was puzzled by the tach myself, it looks like a period aftermarket accessory - but I like it and it will probably stay in the car. These 1500 Beetles are really growing on me - just look at this sweet example I saw at the Cars on the Plot Show in Pretoria last weekend...









What are the obvious differences between the '69, '70 and '71 Beetles?

Pine wrote:What are the obvious differences between the '69, '70 and '71 Beetles?

Looks good!

69 and 70 are almost identical. The only difference I can think of is 70s have kph speedos while 69s still have mph (but I may be wrong on that one).

71 was the first year of the twin-port engine and four rows of vents on the engine cover.

...

Whatever, Blitz....

Blitzkrieg wrote:'71 had the super cool 2-slot engine cover, the 4 slot started from '72.

You may be right. I don't have all the Beetle changes in my head; I'll check my references tonight. However, I suspect the extra vents coincided with the twin-port engine, which had a bigger fan.

1969 Afrikaans Beetle brochure, German-spec car pictured

LOL! They include the additional safety of double-jointed rear axles and dual brake circuits, but then in the fine print say these are not available in SA.

fig wrote:

Blitzkrieg wrote:'71 had the super cool 2-slot engine cover, the 4 slot started from '72.

You may be right. I don't have all the Beetle changes in my head; I'll check my references tonight. However, I suspect the extra vents coincided with the twin-port engine, which had a bigger fan.

Blitz is correct. Four sets of vents in the engine hatch first appeared in August 1971, which was the start of the 72 model year.