Page 1 of 1
1960 Beetle question
Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 9:27 am
by theqs
Hey guys,
Spotted a yellowish beetle for sale yesterday, late 50s or 1960 beetle.
My question is that this bug has semiphores, what years did they stop those and had the indicators on the fender?
Everything seems wrong on it, it had tombstone type rear lights, wider front indicators, and a KPH speedo in it, gentleman I spoke to says that its one owner 1960 1200 beetle with 6v and genny. Body work in ok condition, will need work, obviously being +-50yrs old!
One thing I can say is that the interior looked good but I assume that its not original, would 13k be a bargin.
Anybody interested, pm me for the guys details, I wish I had that money to buy it!
Anybody want to buy a Polo classic?

Just kidding!
Neil
Re: 1960 Beetle question
Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 1:23 pm
by GavinHuart
As far as I know, semaphores were put out of production for the 1960 model year. In other words a '59 would be the last model to have had them. I do know that the cars destined for the states that fell into (and were sold as) the model year 1959 had already had the slender front fender indicators and the oval rear light cluster with flashing indicators. If this car has tomb-stone rear lights together with the wider front fender indicators, I'd presume it to be nearer a 1968 as that was the first year the tomb-stones were introduced. Should it be stock and still have the original one, the engine lid would give a slightly more accurate sign of the year as on the '68, there were no vent holes. Also, it was the square bottomed lid. 1969 had the two horizontal sets of vents and from 1970 four sets of vents were introduced.
From the description it certainly sounds far from an early '60's bug.
Hope this helps.
Re: 1960 Beetle question
Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 3:13 pm
by Rudi02
If this car has semaphores, it will for sure be a late 50's model even early 1960. They probably fitted the tail lights and fender indicator lights later on to make the car safer. Many people with semaphore car's did that in the early 70's.
The main body is a good indication of model year. The fenders and bumpers and even the bonnet and bootlid can be replaced with later model items.
I think that R13 000-00 is not to much depending on the body condition and the original engine being there.
What engine is in the car at the moment??
Re: 1960 Beetle question
Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 9:09 pm
by karmakoma
Agreed with Rudi.
Probably a 58 or 59 with later lights and other fittings, but as always, where are the pics?! No excuses

Re: 1960 Beetle question
Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 9:57 pm
by theqs
Guys, pics are on my phone and until I can get to a PC, that's where it will be, but will post ASAP, it is most defenitly a late 50 early 60, has a tap next to the gear shift, rounded decklid and small windows, but thanks for the info! Who can I mail the pics to to post them here then!
Neil
Re: 1960 Beetle question
Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 10:02 pm
by karmakoma
send here and I will post.
mms me and I will make a plan as well

Re: 1960 Beetle question
Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 10:36 pm
by karmakoma
Ok. time for some pics
looks like a late 50's bug to me.

Re: 1960 Beetle question
Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 10:38 pm
by karmakoma
early bonnet with wolfsburg badge! - check
Looks like a early porsche fluted headlight lense on the right ?
All beading there.
If you are looking for a nice early beetle project, this is looking better and better !
Re: 1960 Beetle question
Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 7:51 am
by Chris
Maybe a 58?
Re: 1960 Beetle question
Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 7:54 am
by 1972
Theqs what does the owner want for it?
Re: 1960 Beetle question
Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 8:16 am
by theqs
Looking at R13000.00 with roadworthy.
Re: 1960 Beetle question
Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 9:03 pm
by Farhaad
in which area of jhb is the beetle? a friend might be interested
Re: 1960 Beetle question
Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 9:24 pm
by theqs
Hi there,
Area is Boksburg, near the East rand mall.
Re: 1960 Beetle question
Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:07 pm
by Dutch_Diver
This is a bargain......I love the fact that loads of people talk a lot about wanting a solid project for nothing and when they come along.....they find something wrong, and excuse or don't want to spend any money / time to make is nice.....
Makes me laugh!