Volkswagen Beetle evolution

The earliest post-war Beetles are identified by their split, vertically divided rear window that earned them the "Pretzel" nickname.

On 10 March 1953 the split rear window was replaced by a single-piece oval rear window, in production until it was enlarged in August 1957.

From 1961 the Beetle adopted numerical designations tied to engine displacement (1200, later 1300) along with a fully synchronised four-speed gearbox.

The Super Beetle replaced the front torsion-bar suspension with MacPherson struts for more luggage space, the 1303 adding a curved panoramic windshield.