Quote:
Originally Posted by ajay99  changes in beetles from 1955 to 1960
1955 (1 Jan 55 to 31 Dec 55) Chassis: 781,885 - 1,060,929* Engine: 945,527 - 1,277,347
chnages:Flashing blinkers replace semaphores. Top window in tail light housing dropped. Gear lever moved forward. Dished steering wheel. |
I assume this list of changes is for the American market. While the American cars gained "bullet" flashing indicators under the headlights, the euro models continued with semaphores upto 1960. My friends original single owner untouched 1960 model originally from Africa is proof of this. My 56 from Africa curiously has no semaphores or bullet indicators, but top mounted tear drop type, which only appeared in 58 elsewhere. I dont see any evidence of the semaphores being closed, so it is a curio.
Also, a 'dished' steering wheel was not offered till 1960. (By dished I assume he means depressed in the centre). Initially it debuted with a 3 spoke plain wheel very similar to what was offered on the Matador in India earlier, and shared with many german cars of the era. The standard version of the Beetle continued with this wheel well into the 60s (alongwith no fuel guage and a non synchro gearbox!) while the deluxe/export versions gained the "batwing" wheel, offered till 55, named as the spokes resembled a bats outstretched wings. In 56 came the off centre spokes, and in 60 came the recessed wheel with half horn ring.