1963 Volkswagen Beetle Edition

VW Beetle "50th Anniversary Edition"

The 1999 VW New Beetle – often referred to simply as the "Beetle" internally – is considered a modern reinterpretation of the legendary Volkswagen Beetle. With its retro design, intentionally reminiscent of the VW Type 1, Volkswagen has been able to combine tradition and modernity in a unique way. The special edition presented here, " 50th Anniversary Edition ", also has a special historical value: it was presented in 1998 by Volkswagen AG to André Losch, on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the import contract between Volkswagen and Luxembourg.

Origin and design concept

From concept car to series production

• The idea for the New Beetle was born with the VW Concept One study, presented in 1994 at the Detroit Motor Show, where it aroused great interest.

• Its design took up the rounded and sympathetic shapes of the classic Beetle, but in a modern and emotional interpretation.

• The positive reception quickly led to the decision to start series production. 1.2 Production and commercial launch

• Start of production: 1997, at the Volkswagen plant in Puebla (Mexico).

• European launch: from 1999, especially in Germany.

• Target audience: young buyers, retro enthusiasts and enthusiasts looking for a car with an authentic character and a lot of history.

Technical basis

  1. Platform

    Modern technology under a retro body

  2. Mechanical Architecture

    Front Engine, Front Wheel Drive; Independent front and rear suspension for added comfort

Engines and transmission

Petrol engines

• 1.4 liters – 75 hp

• 1.6 liter – 101 hp

• 2.0 liters – 115 hp

• 1.8-litre Turbo – 150 hp (for sporty versions such as the Turbo S) Diesel engines (TDI)

• 1.9 liter TDI – 90 hp

• 1.9 liter TDI – 110 hp Gearboxes

• 5-speed manual gearbox

• 4-speed automatic transmission

• Later: 6-speed gearbox for more powerful versions

Equipment, interior and special features

  1. Design

    Retro meets modernity

  2. Special Features

    Unique element: small flower vase on dashboard, a charming nod to old Beetles accessories

  3. Variants & Editions

    Dune Edition: Rugged off-road-inspired styling

  4. Cabriolet Variants

    Cabriolet (from 2002): strong aesthetic resemblance to classic convertible Beetle

History of the model and evolution

Restyling 2005

• New headlights

• Modified bumpers

• Improved interior materials Production period & volumes

• Production of the New Beetle: 1997–2010

• Total produced (coupé, convertible and special editions): approximately 1.7 million units worldwide The New Beetle was later replaced by the VW Beetle (A5), with a sportier design and lower lines, continuing the retro theme in a more modern way.

Importance today

  1. Iconic Design

    The New Beetle is now considered an icon of retro design from the late 1990s and early 2000s.

  2. Collectible Models

    Special models, well-preserved first series and convertible versions are particularly sought after.

  3. Reliability and Durability

    Thanks to the Golf IV's technology, it remains reliable, easy to maintain and durable.

The 50th Anniversary Edition – A one-of-a-kind example

The Beetle presented here is a special edition, presented in 1998 by Volkswagen AG to André Losch, in recognition of 50 years of collaboration and import history between Volkswagen and Luxembourg. This context gives the vehicle not only an aesthetic value, but also an exceptional historical value .