How do I tell a classic Beetle's year?
Quick Answer
Classic air-cooled Beetle years are read from a few tells: split rear window (1949-1953), oval window (1953-1957), small rear window (1958-1964), bigger glass and flat windshield change points, the 1968 switch to bigger bumpers and 12-volt electrics, and the 1971 Super Beetle's curved windshield and longer nose.
The Beetle changed slowly, so a handful of details pin the era.
Quick visual tells
- Split window: 1949-1953, the most collectible.
- Oval window: 1953-1957.
- Small rear window: 1958-1964.
- 1968+: larger bumpers, 12-volt electrics.
- Super Beetle (1971+): curved windshield, longer front, MacPherson-strut nose.
Buyer's note
Earlier split- and oval-window cars carry big premiums, so confirm the year against the VIN, not just the glass, since windows get swapped.
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1970 Volkswagen Beetle
$21,500
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