The least-valued beetle in VW history: the 1302 Super Beetle

[H2OSB]

Although I prefer the curved window Supers, I have no issue with the flat window variety. Oddly enough, I usually prefer the look of the 1302s in pictures, though I don't know why.

I like all years of Beetle (well, ok, not a fan of the watercooled Beetles, but that's just MY opinion). I started my journey into the VW world from the watercooled end, and I autocrossed the GTI I used to own, so when I was looking into what year(s) of Beetle to consider, the better handling cars were the natural choice for me. Like many of the unknowing (back then), I couldn't tell the difference betwixt a Standard or Super so I could never understand the disdain many Beetle fans have/had for the Supers. Knowing what I know now, I've grown to love the look of the curved window Supers and prefer them over any other year. I currently own 2 '74s and a '73 but the ultimate Super, to me, would be a '75 due to the rack & pinion steering.

johnL (aka H2OSB)
www.superbeetlesonly.com

[Tim Donahoe]

Is the steering easier on the rack and pinion. I've never owned a VW with other than worm and roller, so I wonder what the improvement is with r&p.

Tim
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Let's do the Time Warp again!

Richard O'Brien

[EVfun]

I think the rack and pinion steering simple steering setup knocked out about half of the shimmy. The steering is delightful light with road feel. I would seriously consider a '75 Super sedan without a sunroof (sorry, not a personal fan of holes in the roof, canvas or metal.)

For now I'll keep driving my '57 Bug -- oh, there is a riff there too, with the '55 down looked upon more favorably by some. I actually sought a later oval, cause I wanted an oval as a kid (could not afford it) and wanted the easier to get parts for type so I could drive it with less concern.
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[itskyle]

1st generation new beetle?

Going by depreciation alone, think that that is the clear winner for the "worst year" title.

What do you all think?
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--
69 or 72 Autostick Bug current
66 Bug (We both miss it)
74 SuperBeetle Auto Stick (I miss that car)
73 SquareBack, Straight Stick (Wife misses this one.)

[vamram]

[vamram]

[Gr8tfulEd]

[Globespotter]

[Globespotter]

[Meiang]

To me the 1302 is the ultimate development of the Beetle (at least in Australia). In Australia we never had padded dashboards on 1302 Beetles which were called "Volkswagen S".

Key reasons for it being ultimate are:
1) Flat windscreen.
2) Metal dashboard.
3) 1600cc Twin port motor.
4) Front disc brakes.
5) Macpherson strut front suspension with improved luggage capacity.
6) Double joint rear suspension.
7) Flow through ventilation.

What more could you want.

I had a 1972 Aqua Blue/Cream interior version back in the late 1970's.

[René R.]

[wcfvw69]

[Dwayne1m]

[mikewilkinson007]

I love them all...especially whichever one I currently own. Including this 72 Super.

[H2OSB]

[Tim Donahoe]

So, basically, r&p drives more like power steering; plus the wear is even, as opposed to spotty.

Thanks for the explanation.

Tim
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Let's do the Time Warp again!

Richard O'Brien

[Maddel]

Thank you folks for the great feedback and all the replys!
IMHO the thread perfectly illustrates the quite different meaning and usage of the term 'value'...

[Abscate]

My turbo 1.8 New Beetle ragtop kicks butt and makes me smile winter or summer. 2002, first year of Vert...bought it instead of MB or Volvo and am still banking the 40k I saved plus interest.
33 mpg, cool in summer, hot in winter, and top down otherwise...
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.ssS!

[ToughBug]

I found it a real challenge to find any bug that was in reasonably good condition at my price here in PA. An undervalued 73 SB got me into the project. The money I saved went into parts and therapy.
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1973 chassis + 1974 body = super beetle saved

[miller0358]

Here's my 71 and it handles much better than my 73 standard Jeff