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VW Beetle: Specification Guide 1949-1967

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The German compact care took the American automotive marketplace by storm and for almost two decades took increasing marketplace shares from the American automotive companies including GM, Ford and Chrysler who were slow to realize the demand for simple, fuel-efficient cars. VW's (affectionately referred to as Beetles by their owners and the general public) had as one of the main selling points the continuity of their basic design from year to year. Yet there were subtle changes in their make-up. James Richardson's "VW Beetle: Specifications Guide 1949-1967" is a comprehensive and informative guide to VW paint and trim colors, covers all the 6-volt cars, model-year by model-year specifications changes, details of Beetle export and cars built outside of Germany, explanations of vehicle codes, Beetle history, Beetle production details, documentation of Beetle-based conversions, and a full listing of factory-fitted optional equipment. Very nicely enhanced with the inclusion of more than 350 full-color photographs, a bibliography, and an index, the "VW Beetle: Specifications Guide 1949-1967" is a core addition to professional and academic library Automotive History reference collections and informative reading for the legions of VW Beetle fans and enthusiasts!

When I ordered this book I believed that the word "specification" in the title meant that I would be seeing specifications, not a rambling dialogue of production numbers, interior options and other useless information. In the book's description I was told "this book documents all the Beetle's specification changes and model differences during the classic period 1949-67, making it possible to determine the original specification and fittings of any Beetle from this period." I was looking for engine specifications; bore, stroke, crankshaft journal measurements, transaxle specs. Volkswagen changed engine sizes and cylinder head design during this time. Where are the specs. They aren't in this book. If you are looking for a nice coffee table with a lot of pretty pictures this may be a book for you. If you are looking for technical data don't make the mistake, as I did, of buying this book. You will be wasting your money.