Prices, Specifications & 360° Interactive
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
- 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 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).
(Fun Fact: The Karmann Cabrio outsold the Porsche 356 in the 1950s!)
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