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Volkswagen Beetle Convertible - Price, Specs and 360° Interactive

Volkswagen Beetle Convertible - 360° Interactive

Volkswagen Beetle Convertible - Key Specifications

Volkswagen Kever Cabriolet (Karmann) Specifications

Specification	Details
Type	Compact Convertible
Released At	1949 (First Model) / 1979 (Final Model)
Built At	Osnabrück, Germany (by Karmann)
Engine	1.6L Flat-4, Air-Cooled
Position	Rear-Engine, Longitudinal
Aspiration	Natural Aspiration
Block Material	Cast Aluminum Alloy
Valvetrain	OHV, 2 Valves per Cylinder
Fuel Feed	Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection
Displacement	1584 cc / 96.7 cu in
Power	48 hp / 36 kW @ 4000 rpm
Specific Output	30.3 hp per liter
Torque	98 Nm / 72 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Top Speed	135 km/h / 84 mph
0 – 60 mph	20+ seconds
0 – 100 km/h	21 seconds
Body / Frame	Steel Unibody with Reinforced Floorpan
Driven Wheels	RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive)
Wheel Type	Steel Wheels with Chrome Hubcaps
Front Tires	155 SR15
Rear Tires	155 SR15
Front Brakes	Disc Brakes
Rear Brakes	Drum Brakes
Front Wheels	15 x 4.5 in
Rear Wheels	15 x 4.5 in
Front Suspension	MacPherson Strut with Coil Springs
Rear Suspension	Semi-Trailing Arm with Torsion Bars
Curb Weight	910 kg / 2006 lbs
Weight Distribution	Front 40% / Rear 60%
Wheelbase	2400 mm / 94.5 in
Length	4060 mm / 159.8 in
Width	1585 mm / 62.4 in
Height	1500 mm / 59.1 in
Transmission	4-Speed Manual
Fuel Economy (Combined)	9.4 L/100 km / 25 mpg (US)
Fuel Capacity	40 liters / 10.6 gallons

Some Interesting Volkswagen Beetle Facts

Volkswagen Beetle convertible Price and Specifications

Built by Karmann, Not Volkswagen While Volkswagen designed the Beetle, the convertible versions were hand-built by Karmann in Osnabrück, Germany. Production began in 1949 and continued all the way to 1980.

Longer Production Than Most Convertibles The Beetle Cabrio was in production for over 30 years, making it one of the longest-running convertible models in automotive history.

Reinforced Body for Structural Strength Due to the removal of the hardtop roof, the Karmann Cabrio received extra chassis reinforcements in the floorpan, door sills, and rear panels to maintain rigidity and safety.

Heavier Than the Standard Beetle All the added reinforcements and the folding roof mechanism made the Cabrio heavier than the standard sedan, slightly affecting performance but increasing comfort.

One of the Best-Looking Beetles Ever Made The Cabrio is often considered the most stylish version of the classic Beetle, thanks to its flowing roofline, chrome accents, and charming profile with the roof up or down.

Full Convertible with a Lined, Insulated Roof Unlike many "semi-convertibles" of the time, the Karmann Cabrio featured a fully lined and insulated fabric roof, offering excellent protection from the elements.

Used the Same Mechanical Platform as the Sedan Most components, including air-cooled flat-four engines, suspension, and braking systems, were shared with the standard Beetle, making it easy to maintain and restore.

Popular with Celebrities and in Films The Beetle Cabrio gained popularity in pop culture, appearing in numerous movies, including several Herbie films, and was favored by celebrities for its cute and carefree image.

Final Model Year Was 1980 While production of the regular Beetle sedan continued in other countries, the last German-built Beetle Cabrio rolled off the line in January 1980, making it a collectible classic.

Highly Sought-After Collector's Car Today Thanks to its timeless design, open-air fun, and VW reliability, the Karmann Beetle Cabrio is now a beloved classic, with restored examples fetching premium prices among vintage car enthusiasts.

Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Price

Volkswagen Beetle convertible Specifications and Price

Volkswagen Beetle Karmann Cabriolet (1949–1980) – EU Price Guide (2024)

The VW Beetle Convertible (Karmann Cabrio) is a beloved classic, blending charm with practicality. Prices vary widely based on year, condition, and rarity. Here’s the latest EU market breakdown:

1. Price Ranges (EUR, Mid-2024)

By Era & Condition

Early Models (Pre-1967, Oval/Ragtop Windows)

Project Car (needs full restoration): €10,000 – €20,000

Good Driver (running, minor rust): €20,000 – €35,000

Show-Quality (fully restored): €35,000 – €60,000+

Late Models (1968–1980, Curved Windshield)

Project: €5,000 – €12,000

Driver-Quality: €12,000 – €25,000

Concours-Level: €25,000 – €40,000

Special Editions (LS, Silver Bug, etc.)

Add 20–30% for rare trims or factory quirks.

2. Key Factors Affecting Value

✅ Authenticity

Karmann-Built (VIN starts with "15"): Non-Karmann convertibles are replicas.

Matching-Numbers Engine: Less critical than body integrity but still valued.

✅ Rust & Structural Issues

Critical Areas: Heater channels, floor pans, spare tire well, and A-pillars.

Soft Top Condition: Original-style canvas tops cost €2k+ to replace.

✅ Provenance

Factory Documentation: Build sheets or Kardex records add 10–20%.

Celebrity/Historic Ties: Rare but can spike value (e.g., ex-movie cars).

3. Where to Buy in the EU?

Classifieds: Mobile.de, Classic Trader.

VW Specialists: Schneider Auto, VW Classic Parts dealers.

Clubs: Karmann Ghia & Beetle Cabrio Club Europe (private sales).

4. Market Trends

📈 Stable Demand:

Pre-1967 models up 5–10% yearly (nostalgia drives prices).

Late models (1970s) still affordable but rising slowly.

⚠️ Watch Out For

"Frankenstein" Cars: Mixed parts from sedans/other years.

Brazilian/Mexican Imports: Often lack Karmann tags (check VIN).

5. Beetle Cabrio vs. Sedan

Cabriolets cost 2–3x more than sedans in similar condition.

Karmann-built is key—aftermarket conversions are 50% cheaper.

Pro Tip: A magnet test helps spot filler in rust-prone areas (heater channels, fenders).