London was in full swing, hemlines were rising and morals falling. More importantly, all manner of groundbreaking modifications were made to the people’s car – not least a whole host of technical changes that would take the Beetle into next decade… Here’s how that infamous year, and the milestone changes to the Bug, unfolded…
Ken Dodd’s Christmas show is the most watched programme on the box, The Beatles release Sergeant Pepper in a haze of drug fuelled genius, Che Guevara is shot and a man is given a new heart for the first time. The Dartford Tunnel is opened, plans for the creation of a new town called Milton Keynes are revealed and Spurs beat Chelsea 2-1 in the FA Cup Final.
1967 was one hell of a year, and August in particular brought huge change for the humble Beetle, with the launch of the ’68 model.
Of course the biggest visual change included the introduction of strengthened and raised ‘Europa’ bumpers, along with a shortening of the engine lid – which now has a new handle and lock – and bonnet and raised valances.
![photo[5]small](/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo5small.jpg)
The front wings are redesigned to house vertical headlamps, there’s new, larger rear lamps with reversing lights, the bonnet has louvers to let in fresh air and modified door handles feature a trigger, making it impossible to lock yourself out!
![photo[2]small](/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo2small.jpg)
For the first time owners were given the opportunity to fuel up via an external filler flap rather than having to lift the bonnet and the larger door mirrors were now made to swivel in all directions.
Even more changes went on under the skin….
Collapsible steering and securing points for three-point seat belts are added and dual circuit brakes (below) with bigger rear drums on the 1300/1500 make the bug safer. As does the switch from 6 to 12V on those models.
A new semi-auto Beetle is added to the range with 1500cc engine and a completely new, complex double jointed rear axle.
Inside, the petrol gauge is incorporated into the speedo, three air outlets are added to the dash and the ignition lock is encased n the steering column shroud. Getting down to the smaller details, the charismatic chrome quarter light catches are replaced by deformable rubber twist knobs. Increased safety extends to the rear view mirror which is now cased in plastic and has a quick release mechanism if struck. Meanwhile, the handbrake is shortened and moved back, the 1500 gets a new carb with modified oil bath and pre-heating pipe to help cold starts.
![photo[4]small](/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo4small.jpg)
So there you have it. While hippies were camped out in Hyde Park, The Stones were being banged up for drugs charges and the people of Sweden decided to drive on the right, VW were busy doing something a lot more useful. Making its ubiquitous Bug just a little bit better…
1967 was certainly a significant year and the Beetle undoubtedly became a ‘better’ car – but when those soulful sloping headlamps and delicate chrome bumpers went, part of its character was lost. It had to happen, but some see it as a shame. What do you think, what’s your Bug preference – are you pre- or post-’67?
Ian
Must agree, although my 67 convertible has those soulful sloping headlight six volt, disc brakes, old bumper style and a whopping 1500 cc engine. This car is sold new in early 1967 in Sweden. In 68 a new era is entered…..
Best regards
Christer
Personally I think the upright headlamp Beetles feel more solid. I had a ’68 semi-auto 1500 that felt like it was hewn from granite compared to my ’64 cabrio. Having said that, sadly all my pre-’67 Beetles were incredibly rusty! I think you really need one of each!
Must agree, although my 67 convertible has those soulful sloping headlight six volt, disc brakes, old bumper style and a whopping 1500 cc engine. This car is sold new in early 1967 in Sweden. In 68 a new era is entered…..
Best regards
Christer
Personally I think the upright headlamp Beetles feel more solid. I had a ’68 semi-auto 1500 that felt like it was hewn from granite compared to my ’64 cabrio. Having said that, sadly all my pre-’67 Beetles were incredibly rusty! I think you really need one of each!
My first car was a ’67 1500. And I love that year the best. It looked like an older model, but had the newer bigger engine and wonder-of-wonders disc-brakes too! It made sense to upgrade to 12v electrics though.
I wish I still owned that one.
My first car was a ’67 1500. And I love that year the best. It looked like an older model, but had the newer bigger engine and wonder-of-wonders disc-brakes too! It made sense to upgrade to 12v electrics though.
I wish I still owned that one.
I always loved the idea of a pre 67 Bug, which I have now…. But it all feels a little too precious. I had a bit of a rough, fast, slammed 71 about 10 years ago, and I never thought twice about driving it rain or shine, I just loved driving it….. either that, or I’m growing up!? Surely not.
I always loved the idea of a pre 67 Bug, which I have now…. But it all feels a little too precious. I had a bit of a rough, fast, slammed 71 about 10 years ago, and I never thought twice about driving it rain or shine, I just loved driving it….. either that, or I’m growing up!? Surely not.
Dave, I reckon you should drive like that in the one you have now. Enjoy it!
Dave, I reckon you should drive like that in the one you have now. Enjoy it!
i have a 67 beetle but i do not have quarter light either side im trying to buy new seals etc but im not sure what to get as doors on web are all with quarter light ????
Hi Dave,
You will need one of these kits. It sounds like a previous owner has fitted a one piece window conversion kit to the car.
https://www.vwheritage.com/shop/AC8379773/snap-in-seal-kit-t1-65/
Or
https://www.vwheritage.com/shop/AC837600052/scrapers-clip-in-65-for-1pce-windows-bugpack/
The first kit, made by Empi has curved ends, so offers a better seal, but is trickier to fit – the second kit made by Bugpack only has straight seals, so is a more simple installation.
i have a 67 beetle but i do not have quarter light either side im trying to buy new seals etc but im not sure what to get as doors on web are all with quarter light ????
Hi Dave,
You will need one of these kits. It sounds like a previous owner has fitted a one piece window conversion kit to the car.
https://www.vwheritage.com/shop/AC8379773/snap-in-seal-kit-t1-65/
Or
https://www.vwheritage.com/shop/AC837600052/scrapers-clip-in-65-for-1pce-windows-bugpack/
The first kit, made by Empi has curved ends, so offers a better seal, but is trickier to fit – the second kit made by Bugpack only has straight seals, so is a more simple installation.
Lovely article, I just buyed my 67(Iuly) Beetle. I am looking for some kind of manual that helps me to find out what is original and what is not. I love that old look of my Beetle, before of 67 changes.