MALCOLM BOBBITT
Acknowledgements 4
Introduction 6
1 FROM MAYBUG TO BEETLE 7
Ancestry 7
Project 12 10
The Ganz affair 11
Enter Karmann 12
Strength through joy 13
Wolfsburg, war and the Kübelwagen 18
The post-war period and the first Cabriolets 24
Karmann and Volkswagen approval 28
2 THE CABRIOLET EVOLVES 34
Early modifications 42
Production increases 48
A new generation of Cabriolets 56
Into the last decade 60
3 LIVING WITH A BEETLE CABRIOLET 81
Buying advice 81
Specialist advice 84
Customising the Cabrio 85
4 THE BEETLE REBORN 89
Concept 1 91
Cabrio conversions 96
Appendix 1 Production figures 99
Appendix 2 Original specifications 100
Appendix 3 Colours 102
Appendix 4 At-a-glance chronology 103
Appendix 5 Specialists, suppliers, clubs & bibliography 104
Index 110
Features
The full story of the Beetle Cabriolet (convertible)
Mainly bodied by Karmann Ghia, the convertible version of the famous Beetle has a long and fascinating history
Amongst all the Beetle models built over the years, Cabriolets, whether Hebmüller or Karmann Ghia, are still favourites for millions of VW enthusiasts
Contains full details of all the convertible-bodied Beetles from 1948 to 1980
Synopsis
Karmann built the majority of VW Beetle Cabriolets between 1948 and
1980. Today, these convertible Beetles are much sought after as practical,durable and very attractive classics. Altogether, over 330,000 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolets were built and the quality of their engineering has ensured a very high survival rate. This book is THE essential guide to Beetle Cabriolets."
