Volkswagen - Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle was produced in Germany up to the beginning of 1978, after the new line of Golf and Polo had been introduced. After 1978 Beetle production moved to Brazil and Mexico.
In the 1950's the Beetle split rear window was replaced with a single oval plate of glass, hydraulic brakes while the Beetle increased in capacity from 1100cc to 1200cc. In the 1960's synchromesh on all gears became standard with a larger 1300 engine option, while for 1967 there was another engine capacity increase to 1500cc, along with 12volt replacing the 6volt electrical system. For the 1970's the standard car was the VW1300 , and with the new 1600 engine the Beetle became the VW1300 S so as not to be confused with the Type 3 VW1600 ! The new larger Beetle was sold as the 1302 S and later 1303 as windows and lamps got bigger.
VW Beetle tyre sizes: Apart from the earliest VW's made before 1952 which had 16" wheels, the correct tyre fitment for the VW Beetle 1200 , 1300 and Beetle 1500 models was a bias ply (cross ply) 5.60x15, so the original tyre size equivalent in a radial ply tyre is 155R15 fitted to the 4 1/2J wheel. This was also the same for the VW Karmann Ghia. Blockley produces the perfect 155HR15 tyre, which we produce in an alternative whitewall 155HR15 as well, all with period correct tread pattern, with high quality steel belt carcass construction. Many VW Beetle owners like to fit the slightly larger 165R15 tyre size, which is bigger looking and fills the wheel arches more, and Blockley also produces an exceptional example of, so we show this 165R15 size as well. We also supply many other tyre sizes in 15" for anyone wanting something non standard. See full details of these perfect VW Beetle tyres at the links below:
