(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – At the MaiKäfer meeting on May 1st at the exhibition grounds in Hanover, Volkswagen Classic presents a comparison of two open Beetle variants that represent different development phases of the model. On display are a Hebmüller Cabriolet (Type 14A) from 1950 and the last-produced Beetle 1303 Cabriolet from 1980.
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The Hebmüller Cabriolet was created in an early phase of post-war production. The body was manufactured at the Hebmüller body factory in Wülfrath and is based on the Volkswagen Type 1 platform. It is characterized by the two-seater design with a gently tapering rear and a clearly reduced line design. The vehicle is powered by an air-cooled four-cylinder boxer engine with 1.1 liters displacement and 25 hp output. Power is transmitted via an unsynchronized four-speed gearbox, which increases the driving challenge compared to later models.
Technically, the vehicle largely corresponds to the standard Beetle of that time but has an exclusive character due to the elaborate bodywork and the low production volume. Production was severely limited after a fire at the factory in 1949 and ended after a total of 696 units. Today, preserved examples are among the rarest variants of the early Beetle.
The Beetle 1303 Cabriolet from 1980, on the other hand, marks the end of open Beetle production in Germany. It is based on the further developed 1303 series, which was produced from 1972. Unlike earlier versions, the 1303 features a curved panoramic windshield that enlarges the interior and improves visibility. Technically, the model differs by the introduction of a McPherson front axle, which allows for more precise handling compared to the previous torsion bar suspension.
In the late versions, engines with up to 50 hp from 1.6 liters displacement were used. Safety and comfort features such as front disc brakes, three-point seat belts, padded dashboards, and a heated rear window reflect the increased standards of the late 1970s. The production of the convertibles was carried out by Karmann in Osnabrück, a long-standing Volkswagen partner in body manufacturing.
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The comparison of both vehicles shows the continuous development of the basic concept. While the Hebmüller is considered a handcrafted small series with a strong focus on design and exclusivity, the 1303 Cabriolet represents the technical maturity and everyday suitability of the Beetle in its late phase.
Despite the identical basic layout with air-cooled rear engine and platform frame, both vehicles differ significantly in construction, safety level, and usage context. The presentation allows a direct comparison of these development stages and illustrates the transformation of the Beetle from a simple post-war vehicle to an established production model with broad social acceptance.
More about the VW Beetle:
The rarest Beetles in the world: 9 treasures from workhorse to luxury
Time travel: On the road in the 1958 VW Beetle
