Do I have a true '66 Bug? Need help gurus

[Russ Smith]

My bug has all the features of a '66, but it has a 117 VIN and an HO 1500 engine. The lid emblem says "VW-1500". I have every reason to believe that it is all original. Is this possibly a US Military purchase while over seas? Can anyone help me out here?
Thanks, Russ

[jmartini]

Hi Russ: The 117 vin numbers started in August of 1966, making them a 1967 model year. In addition 67's did have HO 1500 engines in them from the factory (among others). Hope this helps.

[Russ Smith]

John,
That's where I get a bit confused with this bug. I pulled some information previously and saw that according to the VIN and engine serial it was manufactured in August 1966. The odd thing is that it doesn't have any of the '67 features within the body and style. Another oddity is that I believe the badge for '67 when the 1500 was introduced was "Volkswagen". I'm having trouble with the "VW-1500" badge on my lid. It's a 6 volt system. My VINs match from under the front lid and on the frame under the back seat, so nothing has been switched around. Still, it's like I have a '66 body and body features on a '67 chasis and drive chain features. I love my bug regardless, but it would be nice to know.
Thanks, Russ

[h~moto]

I think what you have is a 1967 Beetle that was not built for the US market. If you go to thesamba.com, you will find 4 owners manuals listed as 1967 for type 1. You will find the owners manuals in the "Technical" tab. I believe that the first two manuals listed are for European or elsewhere. They are listed as 6 volt and the cover photo shows them with the old style headlights. The last two I believe are US models. If you click on the third manual, it states at the top that it is 6 volt. I think this is an error because if you click on page 49 the specs list it as 12 volt. I had no idea that some 1967 models were 6 volt and had the older body style.

[Russ Smith]

Thanks! I didn't realize so much information was on The Samba.