The following Volkswagen Beetle information is targeted mainly towards the export models that Volkswagen produced. In some cases this may only apply to models shipped to the United States. Sorry if this information only or mostly applies to models exported to the U.S.

1950 Chassis #138555 to 220471. Cloth Sunroof introduced as an option. Cable Brakes changed to Hydraulic on export models. Starting crankhole discontinued on Cabriolet in late 1950. Sound muffler put in heater ducts. Heat riser added to intake manifold. Automatic engine cooling temperature control with the thermostat. Offset piston wrist pin to reduce piston slap. Tougher alloys for exhaust valves and inserts.

1951 Chassis #220472 to 313829. Chrome garnish molding added to windshield. Wolfsburg crest added to front hood above handle. Vent flaps added to front quarter panels on export models. Double-acting telescopic shocks replace rear lever shocks. Glove box door now standard on convertibles. One heavy valve spring replaces the two used before.

1952 Chassis #313830 to 428156. Crankshaft end play adjustment with three shims. Tire size changed from 5.00x16 to 5.6x15. Six leaved torsion bars added for increased suspension travel. New instrument panel. late 1952 26 PCI carburetor with accelerator pump replaced the old 28 VFIS. "A" transmission with three synchronized gears replaced the old crash box. Number of turns made by the window crank changed from 10-1/2 to 3-1/4. Vent windows added. Vent flaps in front quarter body panels discontinued. Pull-type heating control knob replaced by rotary control knob. "T" type rear hood handle replaces loop type handle. Twin brake and taillights replace center-mounted single version. Single glove box gets a door and replaces the two open bins. Turn signal control moved to steering wheel from dashboard. Interior light moved to center pillar by driver's door. Bumpers and guards strengthened and enlarged. New rear license plate light housing. Self-cancelling windshield wipers. Starting crankhole discontinued on all models.

1953 Chassis #428157 to 575414. One rear window glass instead of two. Lock button added to vent window handles. Brake fluid reservoir moved from master cylinder to behind spare tire. Exterior trim improved with anti-corrosive alloy. Handle added to dash ashtray. Changed third and fourth gear ratios. Changed valve setting to .004". Late 1953 Combination vacuum and mechanical advance distributor added. Increased generator output to 160 watts. Break-in driving requirement for engine dropped.

1954 Chassis #575415 to 722934. 1200 engine, 30hp, 6.1 to 1 compression ratio. Larger intake valves. Cylinder heads redesigned to provide better cooling for the valves and plugs. 28 PCI carburetor. Starter switch taken off dash and incorporated with ignition switch. Three-way interior light. Late 1954 6.6 to 1 compression ratio.

1955 Chassis #722935 to 929745. From 1955 the model changes always came in August, Meaning that model 1956 started in 8.4.55. This is very confusing, when speaking about model year and the year the car was made are two different things. Model years normally follow all the major changes (but there are exceptions as when the new larger taillights with separate chamber for turnsignal was introduced in 5/2/61). Flashing turn signals mounted low on front fenders replace semaphores. Top window in rear taillight housing dropped. Dished steering wheel. New gearshift lever moved forward.

1956 Chassis #929746 to 1246618. Optional sunroof now made of plastic instead of cloth. Optional sunroof is a little smaller than previous year. Gear shift handle now is curved instead of straight. Taillight housing moved 2 inches higher & redesigned with one window only. Bumper overriders added to bumper. Chromed dual tail pipes replace single tail pipe on export models. Black Enamel dual tail pipes are installed on standard models. Steering wheel spoke moved lower off center. Adjustable, wider front seats. Heater knob moved forward. Redesigned gas tank yields larger luggage space. Larger oil pump mounting shaft. Number four main bearing clearance modified. Copper-plated fulcrum plates in universals. Starter motor horsepower increased. Fuel filter tap removed. Late 1956 front floor heater outlet moved rearward. Tubeless tires introduced.

1957 Chassis #1246619 to 1600439. Optional sunroof is again a little smaller than previous year. Oil gallery sizes increased. Metal camshaft gear. Ring and pinion ratio changed. Brake pedal leverage increased. Adjustable striker plates in doors.

1958 Chassis #1600440 to 2007615. New instrument panel. Larger Windshield. Larger rear window. Frame head reinforced. Front turn signals moved to top of fenders. Rear deck lid redesigned. Flat type accelerator replaces roller type. Horizontal air inlets replaced vertical inlets on convertibles. A new dished steering wheel. Radio grille moved left in front of driver. Wider brake drums and shoes. New clutch release assembly with stronger clutch springs. Third and fourth gear ratio changed.

1959 Chassis #2007616 to 2528667. Outer front suspension control arm bushings changed to needle roller bearings. Frame reinforced for greater strength. Anti-sway bar added. Improved fan belt. Stronger clutch springs added.