Super Beetle Ads & Literature
More Than Just Cars: The Story in Print
The opening page of the Volkswagen 1302?S Super Beetle dealer brochure featuring a green 1302?S photographed from an elevated angle on a cobblestone surface. The headline introduces the model as the most powerful, most exciting, and most comfortable Beetle to date. The layout sets the tone for the brochure by highlighting the upgraded engineering and premium positioning of the 1302?S within the Beetle lineup.
Page two of the Volkswagen 1302?S Super Beetle dealer brochure featuring three visuals: a close-up of the 1600?cc engine, a speedometer, and a photo of a green 1302?S driving on a banked test track. The accompanying text highlights the model’s upgraded 1600?cc, 60?bhp engine, improved acceleration, and the continuation of Volkswagen’s traditional rear-mounted, air-cooled design. The layout emphasizes performance gains while reinforcing the Beetle’s engineering heritage.
Page three of the Volkswagen 1302?S Super Beetle dealer brochure featuring a full-chassis photograph of the Beetle without its body, displayed on a cobblestone surface. The layout highlights the new suspension and axle design, including a transverse-link front axle with struts and a semi-trailing arm rear axle. Two supporting images show a close-up of the front wheel and suspension of a green Beetle, along with a technical illustration of the front axle. The accompanying text emphasizes improved roadholding, stability, turning circle, and the sports-car-inspired engineering shared with the Porsche 911.
Page four of the Volkswagen 1302?S Super Beetle dealer brochure featuring three images: the enlarged front luggage compartment of a green Beetle with suitcases beside it, a close-up of the dashboard ventilation controls, and a blue airflow diagram illustrating the new ventilation system. The accompanying text highlights the redesigned fresh-air and heating system, improved flow-through ventilation, and the significantly expanded luggage capacity made possible by the new front axle layout. The page emphasizes practicality, comfort, and increased storage versatility.
Page five of the Volkswagen 1302?S Super Beetle dealer brochure featuring a minimalist layout with the headline “How about a test drive?” centered at the top. A rectangular placeholder sits beneath the text, intended for a dealer-specific photo or promotional insert. The Volkswagen roundel appears near the bottom of the page, along with small-print production information along the right edge. The page serves as the brochure’s closing invitation, encouraging readers to experience the 1302?S firsthand.
A vintage Volkswagen advertisement featuring three Beetle models. VW 1200, VW 1300, and VW 1302S parked on a cobblestone surface in a staggered layout. The right side includes detailed text describing engineering updates, model differences, and the Beetle’s continued evolution.
A vintage advertisement from Strong Motor Co. promoting the 1974 Volkswagen Beetle and Super Beetle. The ad features a black-and-white photo of a Beetle with bold headline text reading “Happiness is… A Volkswagen from Strong’s.” It highlights pricing, immediate availability, and Volkswagen’s reputation for quality, dependability, and economy. The layout captures the nostalgic charm of 1970s automotive marketing and dealership advertising.
A vintage Volkswagen Beetle advertisement featuring a red Beetle parked on a coastal road with the sea and rocky hills in the background. The text highlights the Beetle’s history and cultural significance, describing its origins in 1938, its role as “the people’s car,” and its enduring popularity through decades of design evolution. The layout combines scenic photography with historical context, emphasizing the Beetle’s timeless appeal.
1972 sales brochure for the Volkswagen 1302 LS Convertible, showcases its features and design. Features a 60 bhp (SAE) engine capable of a top cruising speed of 81 mph. The body is produced by Karmann and includes a weatherproof, handmade convertible top. The luggage capacity up front has nearly doubled compared to previous models, utilizing the same chassis as the VW 1302.
A restored Volkswagen Super Beetle advertisement showcasing both the redesigned dashboard and the sleek exterior profile. This combined layout highlights the engineering updates and classic styling that defined the Super Beetle era — from the curved windshield to the refined interior details that made it stand out among vintage VW models.
Cover of a 1972 Volkswagen Beetle sales brochure.
Page 1 of this 1972 Volkswagen sales brochure highlights the Volkswagen Beetle, emphasizing its practical design improvements and reliable performance. The ad features the "Super Beetle" (1302) alongside the 1200 and 1300 models. Focuses on increased space, comfort, and practical improvements rather than yearly appearance changes. Offers options for hardtop or convertible styles, standard or automatic gears, and various colors. Promotes the car as inexpensive to buy, thrifty to run, and supported by a global service network.
Page 2 of this sales brochure for the Volkswagen Beetle highlights its classic design and recent improvements. The Super Beetle maintains the iconic prototype look, styled to be a timeless model unchanged by fashion trends. The rear window was raised by 1.5 inches to improve driver visibility and safety when backing up. The hood now features 26 air vents arranged in four groups, doubling the airflow for the air-cooled engine.
Page 3 of this 1972 Volkswagen sales brochure details interior improvements for the Volkswagen Beetle, emphasizing both comfort and safety features. The ventilation system slits have been integrated into the upholstery, improving aesthetics and reducing draughts. Features include a rear parcel shelf for storage and security, a new collapsible safety steering wheel, and a steering column lever for operating wash and wipe functions.
Page 4 of this 1972 Volkswagen sales brochure details the engineering advancements of the Volkswagen Beetle, specifically the Super Beetle. It highlights a dual-circuit brake system for safety and a semi-trailing arm rear axle for improved cornering. The Super Beetle featured a new front axle configuration that increased luggage space and reduced the turning circle. Engineering improvements reduced road noise through better engine suspension insulation and gearbox mounting.
Page 5 of this 1972 sales brochure, highlights safety features, comfort, and economy for families. The car features a dual-circuit brake system, a collapsing safety steering column, and reinforced door locks. It includes independent wheel suspension and suspension struts to maintain stability on uneven roads and sharp curves. The ad markets the Beetle as an affordable option that offers a high level of comfort and security for family use.
Page 6 of this 1972 Volkswagen sales brochure promotes the Volkswagen Super Beetle, emphasizing its combination of economy and luxury-level comfort features. The car features independently sprung wheels, a flow-through ventilation system, soft upholstery, and reduced interior noise. The Super Beetle offers 85% more front luggage space than previous models, along with a hidden luggage shelf. The vehicle is equipped with an enlarged rear window for improved visibility.
Page 7 of this 1972 Volkswagen sales brochure for the Volkswagen 1302 and 1302 S models, highlights improvements in performance and storage capacity. The VW 1302 S model features a 60 bhp engine, allowing it to reach a top cruising speed of 81 mph. Luggage space was increased to 9.2 cubic feet by relocating the spare wheel under the floor. A new front axle design reduced the turning circle from 37.3 ft to 31.5 ft, improving handling.
Page 8 of this 1972 sales brochure for the Volkswagen 1302 LS Convertible, showcases its features and design. Features a 60 bhp (SAE) engine capable of a top cruising speed of 81 mph. The body is produced by Karmann and includes a weatherproof, handmade convertible top. The luggage capacity up front has nearly doubled compared to previous models, utilizing the same chassis as the VW 1302.
Page 10 of this 1972 Volkswagen sales brochure showcases the Volkswagen Beetle and its advanced diagnostic system for quality assurance. The ad highlights the VW Beetle, boasting that over 14 million units have been built over 25 years. It emphasizes "VW quality" through rigorous workmanship and an inspection process involving 8,655 inspectors before a car leaves the factory.
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Explore More Super Beetle Archives
- Super Beetle Model History Learn the evolution of the 1302 and 1303 with detailed historical reference and identification guides.
- Factory Photo Archive Step inside the assembly line with rare production photos showing how Super Beetles were built.
- Monthly Features & Articles Explore this month's spotlight feature along with restoration stories, technical insights, and community highlights.
- Events Calendar Find upcoming Volkswagen shows, meets, and community events.