A Guide to Finding out the Paint Colour of Your VW Beetle

A guide to nding out the paint colour of your BEETLE

by Stephen Paul Hardy

12 The Beetles covered 1. Your Beetle may by this Guide are also, if you are very those manufactured lucky, still have a in Europe up until small sticker 1979 in the somewhere in it - Volkswagen generally on an GmbH/AG factories inside body panel of at Wolfsburg, the front end storage Emden, and compartment - that carries the Hannover as well as paint “Lack Nr.” and name to Beetles (generally in the German manufactured by language form). D’leteren in Brussels, Wilhelm 2/3. If it has not suffered front Karmann GmbH in end repair or major renovation Osnabrück and 1 your Beetle should also have a those assembled small plate stamped with series elsewhere in Europe of numbers pop riveted close to - for example in the the bonnet latching point. This Republic of Ireland plate is generally called the and Portugal. “production plate”. 2

It can also be used for Beetles manufactured Several reference site can be found on the The way each of these reference sources help us in Puebla for export to Europe 1979 -1985 internet detailing Volkswagen paint colours. discover what the paint colour of your Beetle is “There are keys, or clues, into (Mexiko-Käfer) and to some degree to Many of them however only detail partial listings given on the following pages. unlocking the information that these Mexican Vocho until cessation of production in of the considerable number of paint colours resources provide...” July 2003. used since 1945 in Beetle manufacture. In addition, illustrated, worked examples have also been included to help you. This Guide will not be much help though if My own personal rst stop reference sites on the you own a Brazilian Fusca or a South African subject are: 3 Kever (although the Glasurit website does http://www.thesamba.com/vw/ have a separate drop-down menu for http://coloronline.glasurit.com/?language=8 Volkswagen RSA paint colours). There are keys, or clues, into unlocking the Neither will this Guide be much help if you information that these resources provide. So let own one of the multitude of locally produced us rst take a look at what information you may CKD Beetles assembled around the world at already have to hand that can help. various times if it has been nished as a“local variation”. If you know the model year (Baujahr or build year) of your Beetle - which may be different For owners of Australian manufactured from the year of rst registration - then an Beetles there is a commendable amount of immediate reference is the sales brochure for accurate information available at: that year’s models. http://www.clubvw.org.au/vwpaint You may have some original documentation about your Beetle which will should include, somewhere, a six digit series of numbers that was the factory production code. This specied the colour(s) and upholstery that your Beetle was manufactured with.

2 3 The Beetles covered 1. Your Beetle may by this Guide are also, if you are very those manufactured lucky, still have a in Europe up until small sticker 1979 in the somewhere in it - Volkswagen generally on an GmbH/AG factories inside body panel of at Wolfsburg, the front end storage Emden, and compartment - that carries the Hannover as well as paint “Lack Nr.” and name to Beetles (generally in the German manufactured by language form). D’leteren in Brussels, Wilhelm 2/3. If it has not suffered front Karmann GmbH in end repair or major renovation Osnabrück and 1 your Beetle should also have a those assembled small plate stamped with series elsewhere in Europe of numbers pop riveted close to - for example in the the bonnet latching point. This Republic of Ireland plate is generally called the and Portugal. “production plate”. 2

2 3 The Samba.com website includes It was usual Volkswagen practice to publish two sections that are particularly “Beyond 1972 things at Volkswagen separate sales brochure literature for car and useful when researching Beetle got "busy" with Special (Sales paint colours until the 1972 model year when paint colours. paint and upholstery colours were integrated Campaign) Editions...” into the main brochure as the nal pages within 4. Firstly an Archives section that it. contains a library of sales literature presented in The rst pair of numbers in that six digit code colloquial's common to North America. I will chronological order. referred to the main body paint colour. illustrate where these differences are pertinent to researching Beetle paint colours in the Worked 5. Secondly a Technical section The middle pair of numbers in that six gure Examples later in this Guide. which includes a lot of information code referred either to a contrasting paint colour A useful background reference reading about paint and upholstery for the roof (as used on the VW typ.3 and explaining the differences between European combinations. Karmann Ghia coupe model ranges) or the soft and North American terminology for Beetle top colour (on the Beetle and Karmann Ghia owners on both sides of the Atlantic can be I have drawn on these resources cabriolets (convertibles)). On saloon (sedan) found at: in this Guide to show how useful models, Beetles included, that had the same http://www.sebeetles.com/european- they can be. 4 main body and roof paint colour the rst and http://www.sebeetles.com/european- second pair of numbers were the same. manufacture-inland-and- When making reference to exportmarkets/manufacture-inland-and- resources it is helpful to 6. The first Worked Example uses Marina exportmarkets/ understand if there are any Blue which was a very well known Volkswagen http://www.sebeetles.com/badges/ limitations in the information paint colour used right across the Volkswagen http://www.sebeetles.com/types-and-codes/ given - or if it is complete. Passenger Car range during the early 1970’s. TheSamba’ archives are really The “Lack Nr.” was L54D dened in sales Up to the 1961 model year Volkswagen used helpful especially if you cross brochures, and factory production paperwork by the “Lack Nr.” reference universally - in parts reference between the paint lists the code 21 21 —. On the production plate it lists and in sales literature. From the 1962 and the literature sections. was recorded as 21. model year an additional coding system was introduced that remains in use today. This However the lists have limitations: added a six digit the Beetle paint colours go up to series of numbers (generally) 1972 and that was the factory 6 predominately only list the production code. standard model year colours. The rst pair of Beyond 1972 things at 5 digits dened the Volkswagen got "busy" with Special (Sales main body paint Campaign) Editions and the Karmann produced colour, the second models using different colours to those used for I will cover alternative sources of information pair the roof colour the saloon (sedan) models until cessation of later in this Guide. and the third pair European production in 1979. the upholstery Before that though just one more word of colour. Later still, chronologically, the paint colours for caution when using TheSamba’ resource. the Mexiko-Käfer imported into Europe 1979 - 85 are way beyond the records in TheSamba’ This excellent website is based in the USA. Much archives. of the literature and terminology is therefore in American English language and uses Volkswagen model descriptions and other

4 5 The Samba.com website includes It was usual Volkswagen practice to publish two sections that are particularly “Beyond 1972 things at Volkswagen separate sales brochure literature for car and useful when researching Beetle got "busy" with Special (Sales paint colours until the 1972 model year when paint colours. paint and upholstery colours were integrated Campaign) Editions...” into the main brochure as the nal pages within 4. Firstly an Archives section that it. contains a library of sales literature presented in The rst pair of numbers in that six digit code colloquial's common to North America. I will chronological order. referred to the main body paint colour. illustrate where these differences are pertinent to researching Beetle paint colours in the Worked 5. Secondly a Technical section The middle pair of numbers in that six gure Examples later in this Guide. which includes a lot of information code referred either to a contrasting paint colour A useful background reference reading about paint and upholstery for the roof (as used on the VW typ.3 and explaining the differences between European combinations. Karmann Ghia coupe model ranges) or the soft and North American terminology for Beetle top colour (on the Beetle and Karmann Ghia owners on both sides of the Atlantic can be I have drawn on these resources cabriolets (convertibles)). On saloon (sedan) found at: in this Guide to show how useful models, Beetles included, that had the same http://www.sebeetles.com/european- they can be. 4 main body and roof paint colour the rst and http://www.sebeetles.com/european- second pair of numbers were the same. manufacture-inland-and- When making reference to exportmarkets/manufacture-inland-and- resources it is helpful to 6. The first Worked Example uses Marina exportmarkets/ understand if there are any Blue which was a very well known Volkswagen http://www.sebeetles.com/badges/ limitations in the information paint colour used right across the Volkswagen http://www.sebeetles.com/types-and-codes/ given - or if it is complete. Passenger Car range during the early 1970’s. TheSamba’ archives are really The “Lack Nr.” was L54D dened in sales Up to the 1961 model year Volkswagen used helpful especially if you cross brochures, and factory production paperwork by the “Lack Nr.” reference universally - in parts reference between the paint lists the code 21 21 —. On the production plate it lists and in sales literature. From the 1962 and the literature sections. was recorded as 21. model year an additional coding system was introduced that remains in use today. This However the lists have limitations: added a six digit the Beetle paint colours go up to series of numbers (generally) 1972 and that was the factory 6 predominately only list the production code. standard model year colours. The rst pair of Beyond 1972 things at 5 digits dened the Volkswagen got "busy" with Special (Sales main body paint Campaign) Editions and the Karmann produced colour, the second models using different colours to those used for I will cover alternative sources of information pair the roof colour the saloon (sedan) models until cessation of later in this Guide. and the third pair European production in 1979. the upholstery Before that though just one more word of colour. Later still, chronologically, the paint colours for caution when using TheSamba’ resource. the Mexiko-Käfer imported into Europe 1979 - 85 are way beyond the records in TheSamba’ This excellent website is based in the USA. Much archives. of the literature and terminology is therefore in American English language and uses Volkswagen model descriptions and other

4 5 7. These references 9 can easily be picked 7 up out of both the literature and paint sections of TheSamba’ website.

It is worth being aware of the fact that literature printed in North America did not include the coding system to dene paint and upholstery colours - and used different paint names for some colours.

These North American published brochures/ charts can readily be identied by the use of the “...literature printed in North American English use of “color”. America did not include the coding 8. Another excellent resources is the Glasurit system to dene paint...” website. http://coloronline.glasurit.com/?language=8 production/brochure code appears in the Aux 9. The next Worked Example uses a 1500 If it was a contemporary saloon (sedan) the full Being aware of the limitations of a reference Code column. For some paint colours there Beetle cabrio - identiable as a 1500 because it production code would have been source again it is worth just pointing out that the appears no record of the code in Glasurit’s is a VWoA Press photo so the car is in database whilst for completely original (stock) condition and has Königsrot main bodywork paint 17 — — other colours which Eurobar bumpers and at windscreen but the Königsrot roof bodywork paint — 17 — have multiple narrow pre-1302 bonnet. As such the build Black leatherette upholstery — — 40 Volkswagen code period of the model was of a very short numbers just one timespan. By turning to the Volkswagen colour Giving a full production code of 17 17 40. code appears on charts that span the production period we nd the Glasurit display. that only one red paint colour was offered - By the start of the 1970’s there was an Königsrot / Royal Red. From these references we increasing divergence in hue shades of the paint In the Marina Blue can see that the car in the photo conforms to the colours used by Volkswagen on the Karmann example Glasurit choice options offered by the sales literature: built model range as distinct from those used on quote the code J3 the mainline Passenger Car model range whilst Volkswagen Königsrot bodywork paint 17 — — (including the Beetle saloon). literature and production plates Silver grey top — 27 — show 21. There are 8 various reasons for this multiple coding Black leatherette upholstery — — 40 which are explained later on in this Guide. Giving a full production code of 17 27 40

6 7 7. These references 9 can easily be picked 7 up out of both the literature and paint sections of TheSamba’ website.

6 7 10. The Karmann Given this then it is palette of colours also necessary to became successively dip into the more vibrant and Karmann Ghia reached a high literature and point the mid paint/upholstery 1970’s. This colour sections on range was used not TheSamba’ website only on the when searching for Volkswagen Beetle Beetle paint colours. cabrio and Karmann Ghias but Always bear in mind also on the however that fabulous, joint Karmann Ghia venture, production ceased Volkswagen Porsche in 1974 outlived by 914 series … and 914 production until even on some of 1976 and Beetle the Porsche 911 cabriolet production models. 10 until 1979. 13

Many of the colours 13. Finally there are those two groups of Beetle were then also paint colours that are well outside of the scope “...Signal Orange was one of the borrowed back, as it of TheSamba’ archives. were, by most charismatic and instantly Volkswagen’s main Firstly the paint colours that were either unique recognisable colours...” factories when to just the Special Edition Series Beetles or manufacturing colours used elsewhere within the Volkswagen- limited run Special Audi group for other than for normal series Edition (Sales Beetle production. Campaign) Beetles (SEBs). 12

11. The third Worked Example uses one of these “Karmann” colours: L20E (14) Signalorange/Signal Orange was one of the most charismatic and instantly recognisable 11 colours used on Karmann Ghias, 914s and 911s in addition of course to Beetle Cabriolets (Convertibles). It was also used on 12. Some of the other colours that were only one, SEB. In North America it was renamed renamed for North America are listed in the as Amber. table.

8 9 10. The Karmann Given this then it is palette of colours also necessary to became successively dip into the more vibrant and Karmann Ghia reached a high literature and point the mid paint/upholstery 1970’s. This colour sections on range was used not TheSamba’ website only on the when searching for Volkswagen Beetle Beetle paint colours. cabrio and Karmann Ghias but Always bear in mind also on the however that fabulous, joint Karmann Ghia venture, production ceased Volkswagen Porsche in 1974 outlived by 914 series … and 914 production until even on some of 1976 and Beetle the Porsche 911 cabriolet production models. 10 until 1979. 13

8 9 14. A perfect example of a rare Volkswagen paint colour is L16M (E9) Tunisgelb/Tunis yellow used on the Special Edition Jeans Beetle. Although, unusually for a SEB, there was a Jeans Beetle brochure it did not carry detail of the paint/upholstery code.

Secondly paint colours that were used on Mexiko- Käfer 1979 -1985 and late series 14 Mexican Vocho. 16 These generally drew on contemporary Volkswagen-Audi Group colours which, in the “...a perfect example of a rare being in the two colours used for the very last Whilst the author has taken great care in the case of the late series Mexican Vocho, meant Volkswagen paint colour is L16M Beetles , the Última Edicións - LB1M preparation of this Guidance no responsibility using paint colours from the same palette as Harvestmoon Beige and LB5B Aquarius Blue. can be accepted for the accuracy of the New Beetle production. A pertinent example (E9) Tunisgelb/Tunis yellow...” information contained within it or for the 15. Both being very distinctive early production repercussions of using it. New Beetle Cabriolet colours.

Research for both these groups therefore means 15 delving into brochures of water-cooled Volkswagen models that are of contemporary age to your Beetle.

16. The denitive reference source for all the paint colours used on the European manufactured Special Edition Beetles 1970 - 79 and Mexican manufactured Special Edition Mexiko-Käfer 1981 -1985 can be found at: http://www.sebeetles.com/e1-5-paint-codes/ and http://www.sebeetles.com/me-1-1/

10 11 14. A perfect example of a rare Volkswagen paint colour is L16M (E9) Tunisgelb/Tunis yellow used on the Special Edition Jeans Beetle. Although, unusually for a SEB, there was a Jeans Beetle brochure it did not carry detail of the paint/upholstery code.

Research for both these groups therefore means 15 delving into brochures of water-cooled Volkswagen models that are of contemporary age to your Beetle.

10 11 Written by Stephen Paul Hardy in association with SEBeetles.com Illustrations by MaTHomaTTicART | Layout by ShinkinDesign.com | v.2, 2016-05-08

Extracts may only be reproduced with the written permission of Stephen Paul Hardy.

12 11