Meaning M344 on the certificate?

[ams69hrs]

Good morning, I do own a 1961 Beetle, type 113, build for export to Sweden. This car is currently under restoration, the goal is a 100% original car as it left the factory destined for Sweden. I acquired a certificate and there it shows M344 "Equipment for Sweden,cannot be identified".

Has anyone out there any idea what that encompasses - what kind of modifcation/change has been made for Sweden? Could that be f.e. the Albert style Swan neck mirrors which had been mounted?

Many thanks for your response!

Kind regards from The Netherlands

[Rome]

I just checked the M-codes in the Technical tab for all types. M344 only shows for Type 1 but there is no description of its contents. I'm guessing: in 1961 Sweden still had left-hand drive traffic but used LHD cars. Maybe the glass headlamp lenses had certain fluting to prevent blinding oncoming cars on the right side of the road? There is a separate option code 187 for this, but only for later cars. Maybe it was a bundled option code that also included a gas heater in the trunk?

Maybe the BC is wrong? We've seen many BCs on 1960's Beetles on which some of the option codes are plain wrong, should not have been included, or are poorly worded so that the owners easily misinterpret them.

Note also that your BC heading lists your Beetle as a 1962. That would be the model year, since it was built after the 8/61 production start for a '62. Many European countries refer to the car for the calendar year it was built, or date of first registration. So go with what is typical for your country, as per your first sentence.

[ams69hrs]

Many thanks Rome, I can't check the Bosch headlights anymore since they had been sold and will be replaced by new Bosch ones.

[NavyGeneral]

From “Parts Vehicle data” manual M 344 is listed as an Industrial engine in two versions 50 bhp and 75 bhp. The 50 bhp based on the 1.1 Golf/Scirocco engine and the 75 bhp based on the Passat 1.6 engine. No connection other than the M 344 code!

[KTPhil]

Sweden likely required seat belts, optional in other markets.

[Rome]

Possibly also could be mandatory mudflaps, due to the many gravel roads; so that gravel flung up by your car's rear wheels would not hit and crack a headlight of the car behind. Though I have not checked the M-code list in the Technical tab to see if there is a separate # for mudflaps.

[AlteWagen]

Most swedish beetles have 2 rear reflector requirement, and the swedish only rear tail light lens (plastic with large diamond reflector). Not sure if the large gravel guards and gas heater were part of that package
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