1975 Volkswagen Käfer 1303 Cabrio – Exterior and Interior – Classic Expo Salzburg 2021

The Volkswagen Käfer 1303 Cabrio retained the unmistakable Beetle silhouette, but several design changes distinguished the 1975 model from earlier versions. The most noticeable update was the relocation of the front indicators into the box-style bumpers, a modification shared across the range and immediately visible from the outside.

Technical Details:

Introduced originally for the 1973 model year, the Volkswagen Käfer 1303 Cabrio shared its technical foundations with the 1303 sedan but incorporated several refinements that reflected changing safety regulations and customer expectations. One of the most significant engineering updates was the modified front axle geometry with a negative scrub radius. This adjustment improved directional stability, particularly under braking, and marked a clear step away from earlier Beetle steering characteristics.

By 1975, the Volkswagen Käfer 1303 Cabrio had also adopted rack-and-pinion steering, replacing the long-used worm-and-roller system. This change eliminated the need for a steering damper and delivered more precise, predictable steering input. Wider 4.5J x 15-inch wheels were fitted, contributing to improved road contact and stability. As with all Beetle-derived models of the era, the drivetrain remained rear-mounted and air-cooled, but the engines were adapted to comply with increasingly strict emissions regulations in both Europe and the United States.

Mechanically, the Volkswagen Käfer 1303 Cabrio emphasized continuity rather than reinvention. Volkswagen focused on refining proven components rather than introducing radical new systems. Cost pressures were evident across the Beetle range, but the Cabriolet retained a higher level of specification compared with entry-level sedans. In the 1975 model year, the list price had risen to DM 12,130, reflecting inflation, regulatory changes, and the car’s increasingly niche position within Volkswagen’s lineup.

• Manufacturer: Volkswagen
• Model name: Volkswagen Käfer 1303 Cabrio (Type 15)
• Year of manufacturing: 1975

Design:

Visually, the v retained the unmistakable Beetle silhouette, but several design changes distinguished the 1975 model from earlier versions. The most noticeable update was the relocation of the front indicators into the box-style bumpers, a modification shared across the range and immediately visible from the outside. This change aligned the car with contemporary safety standards and subtly modernized its appearance.

Another key design update was the enlarged rear window, which improved rearward visibility and slightly altered the proportions of the fabric roof. The Volkswagen Käfer 1303 Cabrio’s soft top remained manually operated and folded neatly behind the rear seats, preserving the car’s four-seat layout. Black fender beading replaced the earlier body-colored trim, adding visual contrast while simplifying production.

Inside, the Volkswagen Käfer 1303 Cabrio reflected the broader rationalization of the Beetle range. Changes to sun visors, door panels, and side trim were introduced, and some sound insulation materials were removed from areas such as the center tunnel, rear floor, and luggage compartment. Buyers seeking a more refined interior could opt for the L package, which added additional noise insulation, chrome window surrounds, and a lockable storage compartment.

Despite these cost-driven measures, the Volkswagen Käfer 1303 Cabrio maintained a distinct character. The upright seating position, familiar dashboard layout, and airy cabin with the roof down gave it a relaxed, open driving feel that set it apart from more modern compact cars entering the market.

Historical Significance:

By 1975, the Beetle’s long dominance was clearly coming to an end. On July 1, 1974, the last Beetle built in Wolfsburg rolled off the production line after more than 11.9 million units had been produced there since 1945. From then on, production for European markets was concentrated in other plants, while Wolfsburg transitioned to newer models such as the Golf and Audi 50.

Within this changing landscape, the Beetle range was streamlined. All models with the larger front end were now sold simply as the 1303, without additional trim or engine designations on the engine lid. The 1303 sedan was discontinued after the 1975 model year, but the Cabriolet continued in production until January 1980, primarily as special versions for the US market.

This extended lifespan gave the Volkswagen Käfer 1303 Cabrio a unique status as the last German-built Beetle variant to remain in production. While Volkswagen had already shifted its strategic focus to front-engine, water-cooled models, the Cabriolet served as a bridge between eras, maintaining continuity for loyal customers even as the company reinvented itself.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

The Beetle’s cultural presence was already firmly established by the mid-1970s, and the Volkswagen Käfer 1303 Cabrio benefited from this legacy. Its shape and open-top format reinforced the Beetle’s image as an approachable, characterful car rather than a purely utilitarian product. By the time the Volkswagen Käfer 1303 Cabrio reached the market, it had become less of a mass-transport solution and more of a lifestyle vehicle.

Rising prices over the years reflected this shift. What had once been an affordable convertible increasingly became a premium niche offering within Volkswagen’s range. The Cabriolet’s continued production after the sedan’s withdrawal further underlined its special status. Today, the Volkswagen Käfer 1303 Cabrio is often associated with the closing chapter of the Beetle story in Germany, a reminder of an era when incremental refinement kept a familiar design relevant for decades.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Classic Expo Salzburg in 2021. As one of Austria’s premier classic car events, the show has established itself as a central meeting point for collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts from across Central Europe. The 2021 edition took place at Messezentrum Salzburg and featured more than 250 exhibitors, along with a strong turnout of over 20,000 visitors. Attendees could explore a broad range of offerings—from historical vehicles and motorcycles to automobilia, spare parts, and literature.

Conclusion:

The 1975 Volkswagen Käfer 1303 Cabrio represents the final evolution of the Beetle-based convertible. Technically refined with updated steering geometry, rack-and-pinion steering, and regulatory-driven changes, it combined familiar air-cooled engineering with selective modernization. Its design balanced classic Beetle cues with visible late-era updates, while its historical role as the last long-running Beetle variant built in Germany gives it lasting significance. More than just a convertible, the Volkswagen Käfer 1303 Cabrio stands as a symbol of Volkswagen’s transition from its past to a very different future.