VW Beetle: Illustrated History Books & Guides (1/2)

VW Beetle Specification Guide 1968-1980

By the late 1960s the Beetle had enjoyed over twenty years of continuous production, dominated its home market and conquered export markets all around the world. Volkswagen's policy of constant improvement and refinement to a single model appeared to be vindicated.
The 1968 model introduced many significant changes to the car, and it became inevitable that a replacement for the venerable Beetle would have to be developed.

This book charts the closing years of the Beetle's production life in Germany; from the revamped 1968 model to the 1302, 1303, the Cabriolet, and the various Specials produced later.
Topics covered include a full history 1968-1980, a comprehensive production survey, specification and detail changes by model year [August 1967 to January 1980], engine options, factory fitted optional equipment, paint and trim colours, special and export editions plus the Karmann Cabriolet.

Product details

VW Beetle - The Golden Years 1949-1968

In this highly readable and informative book, VW expert Richard Copping tells the inside story of one of the world's most popular cars.

Drawing on his unique experience as an author of many VW books, the writer reveals the secrets of the VW Beetle's success. Not only was the concept of a cheap but reliable mass-produced car a sound one, but the fact that the car was subjected to continuous improvement rather than radical change meant the Beetle soon became an icon.

Richard Copping also analyses the successful marketing techniques that spread Beetle manufacture and popularity around the world, including countries as far afield as Brazil, South Africa and Australia.
Under the leadership of the ingenious Heinz Nordhoff, Volkswagen also ensured that manufacture of the Beetle was fast, efficient and profitable. In the United States in particular, the Beetle was the beneficiary of highly successful advertising campaigns that sealed its reputation as a must-have cult icon, alongside the popular VW Transporter.

Accompanied by contemporary colour illustrations, this book is a fascinating journey through the development of an automotive phenomenon.

Product details

VW Beetle Specification Guide 1949-1967

The VW Beetle is one of the best-loved of all classic cars, with many thousands preserved across the world, many in regular use. Over the years countless changes were introduced, together making a mid sixties Beetle, for instance, very different from one built in the mid-50s, or mid-70s, despite the obvious similarities.

With the aid of hundreds of full colour photographs this new edition in paperback documents all the Beetle's specification changes and model differences during the classic period 1949-67, making it possible to determine the original specification and fittings of any Beetle from this period.

Product details

Mexiko Käfer (Schrader Typen Chronik)

Volkswagen has been producing the so-called "Mexico Beetles" in Mexico since 1964. In 1981, the 20 millionth Beetle rolled off the production line in Mexico.
While the Beetle was continually given a visual makeover in Germany, the "Mexico Beetle" lagged behind the German versions in this respect. Until the end of the 1985 model year, it had the smaller rear window that had already been replaced by a larger one in Germany in 1971.

In July 2003, production in Mexico was stopped due to increasingly strict emissions regulations, high theft rates and constantly rising insurance premiums.

Pages of the book "Mexiko Käfer"

This German book from the Schrader Typen Chronik series is a good source of information regarding the development, production, evolution and many versions of this Mexican Volkswagen.

Product details

Der Käfer (I) - Eine Dokumentation : Die Modelle von 1945 bis heute mit allen technische Daten und Details

It runs. And runs. And runs: The most produced car in the world, the longest produced car in the world and perhaps the most iconic car in the world. In any case, the Beetle is immortal.

Pages of the book "Der Käfer (I) - Eine Dokumentation : Die Modelle von 1945 bis heute mit allen technische Daten und Details"

This series, which is finally available again, begins here with the technical development of the Beetle, including data, prices, registration and production figures of the Wolfsburg long-running car.

Reprint of the 8th edition from 1994.

Product details

Der Käfer (II) - Eine Dokumentation : Die Käfer-Entwicklung von 1934 bis heute: Vom Urmodell zum Weltmeister

It runs. And runs. And runs: The most produced car in the world, the longest produced car in the world and perhaps the most iconic car in the world. In any case, the Beetle is immortal.

Pages of the book "Der Käfer (II) - Eine Dokumentation : Die Käfer-Entwicklung von 1934 bis heute: Vom Urmodell zum Weltmeister"

The series, which is finally available again, covers the complete development history of the VW Beetle in this second volume - from the first drafts in 1934 to the end of production.

Reprint of the 3rd edition from 1986.

Product details

VW 1302 / 1303 - Die Evolution der Super-Käfer

From Porsche's dream to a reality built over 20 million times. From a propaganda object of the Nazi era to a metal symbol of the Federal Republic of Germany.
At the beginning of the 1970s, however, the appeal of the humpbacked crawler waned; the Super Beetles of the early 1970s were supposed to rescue the aged rear-engine concept into the modern era.

Pages of the book "VW 1302 / 1303 - Die Evolution der Super-Käfer"

Alexander Storz takes the reader on a journey through time to the high point and end point of German Beetle production. With a large number of historical photos, documents and brochures, the author creates a worthy monument to the Wolfsburg long-distance runner and brings the 1970s back to life alongside the technical history.

Product details

VW Käfer 1933-1953 (Schrader Typen Chronik)

The VW Beetle is a motor legend that has sold over 20 million units worldwide. Robust and reliable, suitable for everything and not afraid of anything, the Beetle became a symbol of the German economic miracle - and a vehicle whose success is unique in automotive history.
This car, according to VW General Nordhoff, "had more faults than a dog has fleas". The rear-engined pretzel Beetles built between 1933 and 1953 are still extremely popular today. This Schrader Typen Chronik volume is a monument to the early generations of Beetles.

Pages of the book "VW Käfer 1933-1953"

Product details

Der erste Käfer: Wiedergeburt des VW 30

NEW

This book tells the story of the early development of the Volkswagen Beetle. For many years, it was believed that all prototypes had been destroyed. However, a major discovery was made at a scrapyard in Austria: original parts from a "VW 30" prototype were found.
Built between 1936 and 1938, these cars covered about two million test kilometres and played a key role in the later success of the Beetle, of which over 21 million units were produced between 1938 and 2003.

Collector and expert Christian Grundmann began the complex reconstruction of the prototype using parts from the discovery. He researched archives at Porsche, Volkswagen, and Mercedes, gathered private photos worldwide, and even found original technical drawings.
VW designer Andreas Mindt helped by interpreting the photos and creating new design drawings to restore the bodywork.

The book documents every stage of the restoration, from the people involved to the finished car, which accurately reflects its original form. It also recounts the remarkable history of the VW 30 prototype up to its rediscovery. Author Thorsten Elbrigmann, a Volkswagen specialist with over 30 years of experience, provides expert insight.
This illustrated volume is a valuable resource for Beetle enthusiasts.

Product details

Der Käfer (III) - Eine Dokumentation : Die Vielfalt des Käfers

It runs. And runs. And runs: The most produced car in the world, the longest produced car in the world and perhaps the most iconic car in the world. In any case, the Beetle is immortal.

Pages of the book "Der Käfer (III) - Eine Dokumentation : Die Vielfalt des Käfers"

In Volume III of this series, which is finally available again, Hans-Rüdiger Etzold presents the fastest, most beautiful and most original Beetle variations.

Reprint of the 4th edition from 1992.

Product details

Der Käfer (IV) - Eine Dokumentation : Sonderkarosserien, Cabriolet, Karmann Ghia, Buggy, Auslandsproduktion

It runs. And runs. And runs: The most produced car in the world, the longest produced car in the world and perhaps the most iconic car in the world. In any case, the Beetle is immortal.

Pages of the book "Der Käfer (IV) - Eine Dokumentation : Sonderkarosserien, Cabriolet, Karmann Ghia, Buggy, Auslandsproduktion"

The series, which is finally available again, ends with this fourth volume, which deals extensively and in detail with the special bodies of the Wolfsburg success car.

Reprint of the 2nd edition from 1998.

Product details

Die Käfer-Legende - Von tollen Käfern und Erfolgswagen

From Ferdinand Porsche's dream to a reality built over 20 million times on all roads around the world, from a National Socialist propaganda coup to a metal symbol of the democratic Federal Republic.

Pages of the book "Die Käfer-Legende - Von tollen Käfern und Erfolgswagen"

In this illustrated chronicle, Alexander F. Storz describes the period from the first prototype designs in the 1930s through the various further developments after the war to the last Beetle models that left the factory halls in Mexico in 2003.
Illustrated with private photos, he also revives the period colour of those decades in Germany.

Product details

Volkswagen Käfer Limousinen 1938-2003

The legendary VW Beetle was sold over 20 million times worldwide. Robust, reliable and capable of everything, the Beetle became a symbol of the German economic miracle - and a vehicle whose success is unique in automotive history.

Pages of the book "Volkswagen Käfer Limousinen 1938-2003"

The rear-engined crawlers, built until 2003, won over a loyal fan base - this excellent book by Nicolas Rosenow, which explains the individual sedan series in detail on 144 extensively illustrated pages, is aimed at them, just in time for the 80th anniversary of the Beetle from Wolfsburg.

Product details

Volkswagen Käfer: läuft und läuft ... seit 75 Jahren

A proud age: 75 years ago, the oldest Beetle still in existence was built. It is a prototype for the Volkswagen, which was to make automotive history after the Second World War. For 3
0 years, the Beetle held the world record for the most-built car in the world, with more than 20 million units produced. From the symbol of the "economic miracle" to the status as a truly classless car to the highly sought-after classic car - the Beetle has played a leading role when it comes to cars for decades.

Pages of the book "Volkswagen Käfer: läuft und läuft ... seit 75 Jahren"

In this book, the stage belongs entirely to the likeable world conqueror. Read all about its history, its versatility - the Beetle was a family car, racing car, police car, film star and fun car and much more -, about the legendary advertising (it keeps going...) and about the technical development up to its current descendants today and revel in historical and current photos.

Product details

VW Käfer (Bewegte Zeiten)

The Beetle was an amazing car. But those were amazing times! Ruined landscapes became vibrant cities within just a few years. The economy grew rapidly, along with road traffic. Always in the middle of it all: the Beetle with its round shapes and the air-cooled boxer engine in the rear.

It was a vehicle for everyone, which many could afford, and it ran and ran and ran: the VW Beetle was a familiar sight on German streets for decades and a worldwide bestseller.
Take a seat behind the large steering wheel with author Peter Kurze, adjust the rear-view mirror and look back at turbulent times through the pretzel window of the VW Beetle!

This lovingly designed book takes you on a journey through the history of the Beetle - from the first successes during the years of reconstruction of the Federal Republic of Germany to the final cessation of production at the VW plant in Mexico in the summer of 2003:
- The success story of the VW Beetle and the attitude to life of a generation
- Pretzel Beetle, Ovali, Beetle convertible: Interesting facts about design, development, technology
- Memories of the post-war period: Original documents and contemporary photos
- "With the Beetle to Italy" and other stories from the 50s and 60s.

Product details