@ autobanda
Yes that was excellent info especially about the bug being ahead of its time. I hope many people read it and 'convert' into VW fans!!
One thing.....I think we must mention the source of the info or any info (a copy paste) at the end of the post. I feel it imperative to give credit to the author of the particular article. Plus people would have the option of revisiting the site for details if they wanr to.
@ autobanda
Thanks for your faith in us! Youve come to the right place!!
The 1303 did come as 1300cc from the factory. Im quite sure that the ones having the S factor ie the 1303S came with 1600cc engines. But I may be wrong and there may be exceptions. There are many wierd variations depending on where the bug was originally marketed, the original customer's specifications to the factory etc etc.
If you come across any bug just take down the engine and chassis numbers (if possible ie) and we can find out if the engine is original for it or not.
It is always possible that a 1303S bug had a 1300 engine put in later to replace the 1600 (or vice versa). The 1600cc ones are seen as notorious gas guzzlers by all but the rare owner who doesnt mind his growing fuel bill.
Now about the dashboard. You must notice that the 1303 Super beetles have a curved windshield unlike the earlier bugs. Just for the record here, I will mention that bugs from 1965 onwards, except for the 1303, have a VERY slightly curved windshield. It looks flat but if you take it off the car and lay it on a flat surface, you can note the difference.
So Ill say the 1303 has a grossly curved windshield. This allowed a conventional dashboard to be fit into place. This is similar to other cars and is a full dash unlike the padded dashboard seen on post 1967 bugs (except 1303) which were destined for the American market.
The padded dash was fit to cater for the strict American safety laws. That can be fit to any standard non 1303 beetle. Its simply a stick on type of thing. A 1303 dash cannot be possibly fit into a non 1303 bug.
Warm regards.
Autobanda,
We've already seen the conventional 'full' dash in this post. Here is the padded type of dash in some bug pics I have. (My 59 bug has one stuck in there by the previous owner).