Year Identification and Changes (1949

Year Identification and Changes (1949 - 1979)

by Josh Rodgers

VIN Decoding:

For Sample VIN: 2-1-5-066378, we break it into four parts (A,B,C, and D).

"A" (2) being the Type of vehicle it is. The above example VIN is a Type 2.
"B" (1) is the second number or the Vehicle model type decoded below. The sample decodes to be a Panel Van.
"C" (5) is the second letter of the year of manufacturer. The sample being either a 1955, 1965, or 1975 model.
"D" (066378) represents the last six digits being the chassis number. In the example VIN this instance, this vehicle's Chassis number is 66378.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The above system is accurate for '65 thru '79 models. On earlier models, the only reliable method or determining year model is by the Model Manufacture or Chassis number.

Vehicle Model Type

1 = Kastenwagen (Panel Van and later for having windows and/or top cut out for campers)
2 = Neunsitzer-bus or Achtsitzer-bus (Standard or Station Wagon 8-seater, 9-seater)
3 = Kombi (Kombi, Kombi for Fire Trucks, and Campmobile)
4 = Sondermodell (Special model, 8- and 9-seater)
5 = Sondermodell (Special Model, 7-seater)
6 = Pritschewagen (Single and Double Cabs, Pickup Truck)
7 = Krankenwagen (Ambulance)
8 = Siebensitzer Bus (7-seater bus)
9 = Pre-1950 for all models

Vehicle Model Changes, Chassis, and Engine Numbers

(All info is for August of the actual year of production unless otherwise stated.)

1979 Chassis# 219 2153 964 (July) Engine# GE 0 055786
2000cc, 72hp, AFC Fuel injection
Remarks:
(a)Last year of the beloved Baywindow.
(b)Vanagon starts Aug. 1979.
(c)Hydraulic lifters.

1978 Chassis# 218 2000 001 Engine# GE 0 007 083
2000cc, 72hp, AFC Fuel injection
Remarks:
(a)Sliding rear windows.
(b)Hydraulic lifters.

1977 Chassis# 217 2000 001 Engine# GE 0 000 001
2000cc, 72hp, AFC Fuel injection
Remarks:
(a)The last few produced for this year began hydraulic lifters.

1976 Chassis# 216 2000 001 Engine# CJ 0 000 001
2000cc, 72hp, AFC Fuel injection
Remarks:
(a)The first year for the 2000cc (GD) engine.

1975 Chassis# 215 2000 001 Engine# AP 0 027 466
1795cc, 68hp, AFC Fuel injection
Remarks:
(a) The first year for the AFC Fuel injection.
(b) First of bigger tranny
(c)

1974 Chassis# 214 2000 001 Engine# ?
1795cc, 68hp, Dual PDSIT -2 & -3
Remarks:
(a) Alternator replaces Generator

1973 Chassis# 213 2000 001 Engine# CA 0 020 001 (CB 0 062 006)
1700cc, 66hp, Dual PDSIT -2 & -3
Remarks:
(a)First year with front signals just below windshield
(b)Smog pump and hoses...
(c)Heavier disc brakes and steering box
(d)Ovalled "gill" engine air intake in upper rears turn rectangular as standard

1972 Chassis# 212 2000 000 Engine# CA (CB) 0 000 001
1700cc, 66hp, Dual PDSIT -2 & -3
Remarks:
(a)First year of Pancake engine standard and hoses...
(b)Dual carbs
(c)Backup and tail lights under same lens

1971 Chassis# 211 2000 001 Engine# AE 0 000 001
1600cc, 57hp, Solex 34 Pict -3
Remarks:
(a)Considered by most the Best of all the Bay-windowed models
(b)Disk brakes in front, composite rear drums
(c)Dual port head begin standard
(d)New dizzy with vacuum retard at idle

1970 Chassis# 210 2000 001 Engine# B 5 116 437
1600cc, 57hp, Solex 30 Pict -1
Remarks:
(a)Squared side markers on front and back

1969 Chassis# 219 000 001 Engine# B 5 050 174
1600cc, 57hp, Solex 30 Pict -1
Remarks:
(a)round side reflectors on front and back
(b)Trigger release outer door handles standard begins

1968 Chassis# 218 000 001 Engine# B 5 000 001
1600cc, 57hp, Solex 30 Pict -1
Remarks:
(a)thumb button release outer door handles
(b)Ball-joint standard begins
(c)IRS tranny standard begins
(d)Large ovalled "gill" engine air intake in upper rears

++++++BODY STYLE CHANGE FROM LATE BAY TO EARLY SPLIT++++++

1967 Chassis# 217 000 001 Engine# H 0 183 373
1493 cc, 53 HP, Solex 30 PICT-1 carburetor
Remarks:
(a) Imported to US: 29,049
(b) Electrical system changed to 12 volts
(c) 2-speed windshield wipers introduced
(d) Rear hatch door widened
(e) Rear hatch lock integrated with lift handle; grip recess in body is eliminated
(f) Lock and square key discontinued for fuel filler cap cover
(g) New door lock mechanism

1966 Chassis# 216 000 001 Engine# H 0 000 001
1493 cc, 53 HP Solex 30 PICT-1 carburetor
Remarks:
(a) Imported to US: 40,198
(b) Press-button lock on rear hatch

1965 Chassis# 215 000 001 Engine# (?G?)8 785 398
1493 cc, 53 HP Solex 30 PICT-1 carburetor
Remarks:
(a) Imported to US: 34,054
(b) Total Produced: 189,000+
(c) Front signals now amber in color
(d) New headlight housings
(e) New transmission
(f) Larger clutch plate (9-spring assembly)
(g) Chassis number changed to reflect model type (bus, pickup, etc.)
(h) (October) Cab doors fitted with fixed inner handle to facilitate closing doors from inside the vehicle
(i) Inner door lock operating handle replaced by small lever (similar to the one on the inside of the sliding door)

1964 Chassis# 1 144 282 Engine# (?) G 8 264 628
1493 cc, 51 HP Solex 28 PICT carburetor
Remarks:
(a) Imported to US: 41,051
(b) Total Produced: 200,000+
(c) Inside door handles reduced in size
(d) Rear hatch door widened
(e) Deluxe models no longer have rear corner windows
(f) 14-inch wheels introduced (previously 15-inch) Standard tire becomes 7 X 14

1963 Chassis# 971 550 Engine# 6 914 251
1493 cc, 51 HP Solex 28 PICT carburetor
Remarks:
(a) Imported to US: 39,383
(b) Engine size increased to 1500 cc
(c) (April) Sliding side door available as option
(d) New brakes, rear axle and rear suspension
(e) New transfer case
(f) New front axle and front suspension
(g) (March) Engine air intake slots are pressed inwards (except SC and DC)
(h) (January) 28 PICT carburetor is fitted with electro-mechanical cut-off valve
(i) (December) Engine access hatch support changed to double spring with two rollers
(j) (December) Cab door trim panels secured by snaps instead of screws
(k) (December) Outside door handles changed from pull-type to push-button

1962 Chassis# 802 986 Engine# 5 979 934
1300 cc, 40 HP Solex PCI carburetor
Remarks:
(a) Imported to US: 32,514
(b) (Oct 2nd) 1,000,000th Type 2 produced at Hannover factory
(c) Padded sun visors introduced (previously cardboard-like material)
(d) Gas gauge standard on all models

1961 Chassis# 614 456 (May) Engine# 5 000 001
1300 cc, 40 HP Solex PCI carburetor
Remarks:
(a) Imported to US: 22,754
(b) Total Produced: 168,800
(c) New Ring/pinion unit in transmission
(d) Large oval front turn signals with plastic lenses replace 'bullets'
(e) Larger rear turn signals/brake lights with plastic lenses
(f) 40 HP Started

1960 Chassis# 469 506 (June) Engine# 3 400 000
1300 cc, 36 HP Solex PCI carburetor
Remarks:
(a) Imported to US: 35,697
(b) wide-bed pickup trucks available on special order
(c) High roof delivery van available
(d) 40 HP engine introduced in June (from chassis 614-456, engine 5,000,001)

1959 Chassis# 374 811 Engine# ?
1300 cc, 36 HP Solex PCI carburetor
Remarks:
(a) Imported to US: 32,133
(b) Total Produced: 101,873
(c) Fully syncromesh transmission introduced (B-type)

1958 Chassis# 315 209 (Dec) Engine# 2 156 321
1300 cc, 36 HP Solex PCI carburetor
Remarks:
(a) Imported to US: 25,036
(b) Total Produced: 101,873
(c) Double cab pickup model introduced
(d) Stronger bumpers introduced, with over-riders on U.S. models
(e) One-year only engine lid

1957 Chassis# 223 217 (Dec) Engine# 1 678 210
1300 cc, 36 HP Solex PCI carburetor
Remarks:
(a) Imported to U.S.: 19,118
(b) Center brake light
(c) small circular taillights eliminated
(d) larger circular brake/tail lights on each side of the rear

1956 Chassis# to 160 706 (Dec) Engine# ?
1300 cc, 36 HP Solex PCI carburetor
Remarks:
(a) Imported to U.S.: 7,375
(b) Semaphore turn signals eliminated on US models; 'Bullet' front turn signals introduced on US models
(c) (April 19th) Chassis 20-178-004 was last Type 2 built in Wolfsburg, new factory in Hannover begins production

1955 Chassis# to 110 604 (Dec) Engine# ?
1300 cc, 36 HP Solex PCI carburetor
Remarks:
(a) Imported to U.S.: 3,189
(b) (March) Front fresh air ventilation system introduced
(c) Full length dashboard
(d) All pedals changed
(e) Passenger 'footrest' eliminated
(f) (March) 15-inch wheels introduced (previously 16-inch).
(g) Standard tire becomes 6.40 x 15.
(h) Engine air louvers shortened
(i) Two-spoke steering wheel (previously three-spoke)
(j) Walk-through front seating available as an option

1953 Chassis # ? Engine# ?

1131 cc, 25 HP Solex PCI carburetor
Remarks:
(a) Imported to US: 75
(b) (March) Deluxe Microbus rear bumper as standard equipment (optional equipment on other models)

1952 Chassis# ? Engine# ?
1131 cc, 25 HP Solex PCI carburetor
Remarks:
(a) Imported to US: 93
(b) Total Produced: 20,366
(c) According to VWoA, 1952 was the first year the bus was officially imported into the U.S.
(d) (August) Single cab pickup introduced. Dropping side gates with smooth sides. Fuel tank moved to a shelf behind the engine, with the filler neck running out the side of the truck, in front of the right rear wheel well.
(e) Last year for piano hinge vent wings, smooth horn button and splined steering wheel, T-handle heater knob, two fuse boxes, the the 'shorty' parking brake handle.
(f) (October) Transmission gets synchronized gears in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.

1951 Chassis# ? Engine# ?
1131 cc, 25 HP Solex PCI carburetor
Remarks:
(a) Imported to US: 50
(b) Total Produced: 11,805
(c) (June) Deluxe Microbus introduced (nicknamed Samba) with Skylight windows and canvas sliding sunroof
(d) Westfalia camper model introduced
(e) Longer dashboard with radio and clock
(f) Carpeted area behind rear seat
(g) Chrome trim on body
(f) (December) Ambulance model introduced, with rear opening door, gas tank moved out of engine compartment, spare tire moved out of engine compartment to behind front seat
(g) Rear window added
(h) Ventilation slats in upper rear corners were extended to match the engine compartment vents
(i) Rain gutters extended
(j) Inside cargo door handle added
(k) Front panel made in two pieces (not one piece)

1950 Chassis# ? Engine# ?
1131 cc, 25 HP Solex PCI carburetor
Remarks:
(a) Imported to US: 2
(b) Total Produced: 9,145
(c) (May) Additional Model, Microbus, introduced: nicer upholstery, two-tone paint
(d) Fuel filler moved inside engine compartment (does not stick out the back)
(e) Upper front door hinges raised to the 'belt' line
(f) Engine lid prop moved from left side to right side of engine compartment
(g) Engine air intakes made horizontal, instead of veritical
(h) Windshield wipers on both sides of windshield (driver and passenger)
(i) (Later models) Front jack ports moved rearward for stronger support
(j) (Later models) Ventilation louvers in upper back corner of panel van
(k) Shape of front bumper changed
(l) No rear bumper or rear window
(m) Big cast aluminum 'VW' logo on front and back
(n) All models have 16-inch wheels and come with 6.00 x 16 tires.

1949 Chassis# ? Engine# ?
1300 cc, 36 HP Solex PCI carburetor
Remarks:
(a) Imported to US: 0
(b) (November) First Type 2 introduced (nicknamed: Bulle (Workhorse))
(c) Only models available: Kombi and Panel van