1964 Volkswagen Beetle 1200

For 1964, the Volkswagen 1200 Deluxe Beetle ranged from $1,600 - $2,100. Power was from a horizontally opposed overhead-valve four-cylinder engine offering 40 horsepower. They had a four-speed manual transmission and hydraulic drum brakes. The Nonporous leatherette material was replaced with perforated vinyl upholstery, and the fold-back fabric unit was replaced with a sliding steel sunroof with a crank. Colors for 1964 included Ruby Red, Pearl White, Java Green, Black, Sea Blue, Bahama Blue, and Panama Beige. In the back, the license-plate light became larger

The Volkswagen Beetle was part of the Volkswagen lineup beginning immediately after World War II up to the end of the 1970s. It became the most successful European imported model brought to the United States and gained great sales success in many other parts of the world. Part of its charm was its simplicity, with its air-cooled engine backed by a four-speed transaxle that could carry a driver and three passengers with relative comfort. Its simple mechanical components meant that most owners could perform basic maintenance and repair procedures with common tools. The origins of the Beetle design had come from the thinking of Dr. Ferdinand Porsche and would also serve as the basis for his first Type 356 Porsche sports cars. Subtle differences and modifications were applied throughout the years, with major changes involving the rear window, going from a two-piece 'split' window design to a small oval to ever-increasing openings. Engine size and output increased, and other changes were made to the engine compartment lids, bumpers and taillights. Minor updates for 1964 included horns that were now operable with a thumb button replacing the horn ring, a more integral, metal sunroof replacing the troublesome cloth top on early models, and new more breathable vinyl coverings were used for the seats.

The Volkswagen Beetle, within the company, was known simply as the 'Type 1', with the sedan body style sometimes referred to as a 'Limousine.' The Model 113 designation was applied to the 1200 Deluxe Sedan, while the arrival of the factory-installed sunroof brought about a new designation, the model 117. During the 1964 model year, Volkswagen produced a total of 1,034,797 Type 1 Volskwagens.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2013