You need a part but aren't sure which Beetle is sitting in your garage? Three quick looks at the car will tell you. And if you're still in doubt afterwards: call us and give us your chassis number or first registration date and we'll identify your car in two minutes: 05771 9187088.
The 3-question check
Question 1: Is your windshield curved or flat?
- Curved (panoramic windshield, rounded against the wind) → You drive a 1303 (built from model year 1973, i.e. from 08/72). Jump to the model card below.
- Flat → continue to question 2.
Question 2: How does your spare wheel sit in the trunk?
- It lies flat under the trunk floor → long front end with strut front axle: combined with a flat windshield, that's a 1302 (built 08/70–07/72).
- It sits at an angle/upright at the front of the trunk → short front end: a standard Beetle (e.g. 1200, 1300, 1500).
As a cross-check, look at the first registration date in your papers: 08/70–07/72 points to the 1302, earlier to the standard Beetle. Note: the standard Beetle was also built in parallel with the 1302/1303; when in doubt, the spare wheel test wins.
Question 3: Do you drive open-top (convertible)?
- Yes, convertible → From 1971 onwards, the Beetle convertible is based on the 1302, from model year 1973 on the 1303 (built until 1980). We have a dedicated selection for these convertibles.
- No, sedan → Your answer is already in questions 1 and 2.
Your model card
Beetle 1303 (from 08/72)
- Curved panoramic windshield, short trunk lid
- Strut front axle, semi-trailing arm rear axle
- Spare wheel lies flat under the trunk floor
Beetle 1302 (08/70–07/72)
- Flat windshield, but curved trunk lid pulled down at the front
- Strut front axle, semi-trailing arm rear axle
- Spare wheel lies flat under the trunk floor
Standard Beetle (e.g. 1200, 1300, 1500)
- Flat windshield, long flat trunk lid, narrow front end
- Ball joint front axle (from 08/65; king and link pin before that), usually swing axle at the rear
- Spare wheel sits at an angle/upright in the trunk
Beetle convertible (1302/1303 basis from 1971 onwards)
- From 1971 based on the 1302, from model year 1973 on the 1303 (until 1980)
- The windshield rule applies as on the sedan: curved = 1303, flat = 1302
Still not sure?
No problem, that's exactly what we're here for. Call us and give us your chassis number or first registration date: 05771 9187088
Mon–Fri 9 am–6 pm · Over 30 years of Beetle experience
Note: the model selections above only show parts explicitly labeled in the product name: precision over completeness. Didn't find it? Browse the parts catalog by assembly or give us a call.