Bruce

I agree with Mark, the horizontal spare wheel is a definitive marker for the 1302/3 series.

Of possible interest - One of the important reasons it was positioned there is crash resistance.  With the longer 'bonnet', and the structure between the MacPherson struts, the Beetle acquired a crumple zone needed by VW to sell a 'new' car in certain markets.

Also check out your chassis number (under the rear seat, stamped in the raised tunnel) against the lists other people have so studiously put on the web

http://www.bug-bits.freeserve.co.uk/bugbits/data.htm#Chassis

for example.

Mike

-----Original Message-----
From: bruce hotson [mailto:grnphrog@...]
Sent: 26 October 2003 08:46
To: 1302@...
Subject: Re: [1302 eGroup] superbeetle with upright spare?

actually, mark, i'm kind of glad to hear that. i'm very partial to
the standard bug. if i understand your question i think your asking
for the "production plate" number located in the front trunk, i
looked on the engine lid and didnt see anything but found
the "production plate" next to the front apron latch... and that
is "64 (color code: shangtung yellow) 11-1-0724". if i understand
the meaning correctly it was made in the 11th week of 1971 on the
first production day, which was comes out to be march 8th.
thank you for reply so quickly and your insight! :)
bruce
--- In 1302@..., "Mark Walters" <markwalters@t...>
wrote:
> Hi Bruce,
> Sorry to be the bearer of bas news but you have got a standard
1200 or 1300
> Beetle. It definitely isn't a Super Beetle. The 12 and 1300 was
still
> available at the same time as the Super. I think if you look
closed at the
> "struts without springs" you will also have two horizontal torsion
tubes as
> well - This will definitely be a Standard bug
>
> What does the badge on the engine lid have on it??
>
> Hope this helps
>
> Mark
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: bruce hotson [mailto:grnphrog@y...]
> Sent: 26 October 2003 06:50
> To: 1302@...
> Subject: [1302 eGroup] superbeetle with upright spare?
>
>
> hi all... i posted this message on another website, but didnt get a
> clear answer. so i thought i would repost it here and see what came
> of it.
>
> thanks to all who read this...
>
> i just bought a 1971 bug, and got into an argument with my friend
> over whether it was a superbeetle or not. if you go by the "born on
> date" then yes it is... but dig this, the spare tire is upright,
not
> flat.... and i have struts without springs. hmmmmm.... i concide
> that it is a superbeetle, but with pride as i think it is one of
the
> very first. it was "born" on March 8, 1971, someone set me correct
> if i am wrong.
> thanks
>
>
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