Australian 66's

AdelaideBug · Post by **AdelaideBug** » Wed Jul 04, 2007 9:19 pm

Now then....there are some issues I am finding with the Aussie 66 I have bought.

A lot of the changes made in 66 seem to be absent. However the garage, my reggo and the 1300 engine and badge all say 66 (as does the peculiarly Aussie vin.)

However things like the air cooling holes for the brakes and the dimmer switch still being on the floor have me a bit concerned as to what other improvements are missing from the Australian model.

In 1966 Australia was still very much a backwater compared to now. Would they have just stuck the new engine into the old car?

Any experts out there know??

BTW I am loving learning about these cars. Have never been a petrol head or had a clue until I bought the Love Bug! Magic!

Post by **jmartini** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 3:24 am

Hi AdelaideBug: The Beetles were assembled in Australia as kit cars which may explain some of the differences and there have been some other Australian Beetle Owners that have noticed some of the subtle differences as well and mentioned them in the forum. Many times when engines burned up the repair shops just threw in another one that was rebuilt on hand - not the same one they pulled out (I know that happened in the US all the time) so that may explain your engine if you think it is a different year.

AdelaideBug · Post by **AdelaideBug** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 6:04 pm

That explains a lot John.

It is definately a 66 (though an Aussie variant). The reggo and everything confirms it. I am also sure they wouldn't bother badging it just because they changed the engine and the VINS match up.

AdelaideBug · Post by **AdelaideBug** » Fri Jul 06, 2007 12:47 am

Joyous news. The mechanic (a VW specialist with 40yrs experience) confirms it is a 66!!

JOY!!! - However at the same time he told me mech repairs would cost $2000 - NOT SO JOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!