Volkswagen Kever Cabriolet 1303 LS 1975

History and background

The Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 1303 LS belongs to the last generation of open Beetle models. The 1303 version appeared in the early 1970s as a further development of the classic Beetle, with the main technical change being the use of MacPherson front suspension and a greatly modified front end. This gave the Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 1303 LS more modern handling and more interior space than earlier variants, while the basic construction remained recognizable as a derivative of the original post-war design.

The convertible version was produced at Karmann in Osnabrück, a name strongly associated with the open Beetle. Production of the Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet ended in 1980, well after the regular sedan had already been phased out. This places the convertible among the later and less common versions within the Beetle family. The 1303 LS is thereby a version from the last phase of the model, in which the Beetle was still delivered in a large number of markets, despite the emergence of more modern compact cars with water-cooled engines and self-supporting bodies.

In model history, the Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 1303 LS occupies a recognizable place as a combination of the classic Beetle concept and the last technical development step of the type. The car thus stands not only in the tradition of one of the longest-produced passenger cars in the world, but also in that of a body variant that has its own position within the collection of air-cooled Volkswagens due to its production at Karmann and its limited numbers compared to the closed version.

Characteristics and special features


The 1975 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 1303 LS features the large, curved windshield that is characteristic of the 1303 generation. Technically, this series is distinguished from earlier Beetles by the modified front axle design, while the air-cooled rear-mounted boxer engine and rear-wheel drive continued to define the traditional concept. It was precisely this combination of familiar technology and further development that made the 1303 series an intermediate step between the classic Beetle and the later, more modernized compact cars.

In this Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 1303 LS, the rear windows do not work and are loose. The soft top is in poor condition. The chrome shows rust. The tonneau cover does not fit properly. These peculiarities fit a convertible variant, in which hood construction, trim and trim parts are a distinct part of the overall design. In the case of the 1303 LS, such elements are emphatic due to the convertible construction and define the character of the model.

Summary

The 1975 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 1303 LS is a late open version within the Beetle series, with the technical characteristics of the 1303 generation and Karmann production history. The car has rear windows that do not work and are loose, a soft top in poor condition, chrome with rust and a tonneau cover that does not fit properly. To get a good idea of the lot we recommend coming to the viewing day.