VW Beetle 1973 1303LS. Last RHD UK Superbeetle made in the original Wolfsburg factory.

Here is "Rambo", my 1973 VW Beetle (1303LS) Superbeetle. I have owned it since 1986 when I purchased it from the original owner. Its exceptionally rare today, as not many "1303LS" sedans (saloons) were ever made. Ive not seen another driving in the UK, in all the years I've owned Beetles. (since mid 1980's). The 1303LS was usually a Beetle convertible, so why is it a saloon ?
Read on to understand why its rare..

Rambo was one of the very last "Superbeetles" made in the original Wolfsburg factory in Germany, in January 1973. Its quite possibly the very last RHD Superbeetle from the original factory.
Finished in original Sumatra Green, original Beige interior. It is now over 51 years old, and has 200,000 documented miles on its original engine.
The original owner purchased in 1973, and had it shipped overseas to his RAF base in Cyprus. They drive on the left (similar to UK) , so RHD, UK spec headlights / speedo etc. After a few years in Cyprus it was shipped to the UK in 70s, when the original owner returned.

What is a Superbeetle ?
All Superbeetles have two main differences to the standard Beetle.
A Superbeetle has a wider front bonnet (giving more luggage space), and factory McPherson struts (which gave a much improved suspension and ride over the standard Beetle). This also enabled the spare wheel to be stored flat/ horizontally below the front luggage area , rather than vertical. This gave much more room for luggage at the front. All 1302 / 1303 superbeetles therefore had a slightly wider front bonnet (front trunk) which is most noticeable when seen head on.
A Superbeetle (made for Europe) is easily identified with either a 1302 or 1303 badge (with optional "S" or "LS" ) on the rear engine lid. European Superbeetles had the option of a 1300cc or 1600cc air-cooled engine, with front disc brakes. The higher spec 1600cc had an "S" designation after the 1302/1303 badge (eg 1302S / 1302LS / 1303S / 1303LS ) .
There were exceptions for USA, as they had a "Fuel Injection" badge on the rear, and all round drum brakes. In Italy some superbeetles had a simple "Volkswagen" badge.

The Superbeetle sedan (hard top) was only made from 1971 - 1975 , and was made as a soft top / convertible by Karmann from 1971 - 1979. Karmann were the highly respected German coachbuilders commissioned by VW to build the VW Beetle convertible from VW factory parts. They made the high quality hood, and special strengthened doors and panels. They also made the Karmann Ghia. and other VW Convertibles inc. the VW Golf.

Last of the Wolfsburg Superbeetles...
In January 1973, Superbeetle production gradually moved from Wolfsburg (Germany) to Emden (Germany) , and Brussels (Belgium), to make way for the new VW Passat and VW Golf.
Very few Superbeetles were made in Wolfsburg after January 1973 . A few trickled through, but LHD / special editions only , including the GSR Beetle (Yellow / Black racer) Special Edition. All the RHD production had moved to VW D'leteren plant, Brussels by January 1973. (1973 VW Motoring magazine confirms this).

VW Beetle (Superbeetle) Convertible.
The VW Beetle Convertible was made by Karmann, Osnabruch, Germany from 1949 - 1979.
The very last Superbeetle ever was a USA spec. convertible beetle. Official production ended on Jan 10th 1980. All cabriolets from 1971 - 1979 were Superbeetles.

1302 v 1303 Superbeetle. What is the difference in the models ?
The badge refers to the model (body shape), and NOT the engine size.
The 1302 superbeetle (1971 -1972 only) had a flat windscreen, whereas the 1303 (1972-1979) had a larger curved windscreen. The curved screen 1303 had improved visibility / safety, with increased front space. The 1303 Superbeetle also had a large padded vinyl dashboard, and larger rear light cluster ; both were big safety improvements. (note: Standard Beetles had 1200 / 1300 and 1500 badges).

"1303LS" model. (what does my badge mean ?) .
It's a 1303 (curved screen model with large padded dash). European Beetles had the "S" designation with the more powerful 1600cc engine, and front disc brakes.
The "L" (Luxe) meant factory upgrades, (usually convertible or sun roof), or export sedan with full carpet, clock, vanity mirror, rear ashtrays, locking petrol cap, locking engine lid, map pockets, etc.
From1976 all Superbeetle convertibles were simply badged 1303 in Europe, with 1600cc standard.

What about the standard VW Beetles - Are they still made ?
The standard Beetle was made in Wolfsburg, until 1st July 1974, and finished in Germany, in Emden (19th Jan 1978). Production then moved to Brazil (-1985), and Mexico (-2003). Sadly no longer produced.
The last of the original air-cooled Beetles was an "Ultima Edition" from Mexico. The last ever VW Beetle is kept in the VW museum.

Thank you for watching, and hopefully now, you can appreciate a Superbeetle, and you can see why it gives me a smile every time I drive it.