Posted by: Doug Frye - 30 November 2021 14:17:42
When I bought my 1966 Model Beetle from the original owner 45 years ago, I knew it was different. All the bumpers, handles and outside fittings were galvanized. The ignition switch said FHART instead of start. There was no fuel gauge, just a lever to kick....it goes on and on....32hp engine, etc... The original owner told me that he was a student in Germany in the 60's and 70's and that he bought the car there and brought it over here by freighter. I can't find any place here in the United States that sells galvanized fittings for a 66 beetle, or German labeled accessories so it might be a son-of-a-gun to restore. Does anybody have any sources for parts for Bugs sold for the German Market. The car is in pretty good condition with almost no rust to the body pan. Doug

Posted by: pre67vw - 30 November 2021 18:33:06
No petrol gauge with the reserve lever normally indicates that its a 'standard' model, the base model with no frills or extras, but these normally have no trim at all, I've never heard of galvanised trim - any pics?

Posted by: Doug Frye - 03 December 2021 14:05:09
Hi Rob. Will take some photos. Can you remove duplicate post that I just made. Can't seem to find out how. Thanks. Doug

Posted by: Doug Frye - 03 December 2021 19:34:23
It must be rare indeed here in the USA because I have never seen one either. It did have galvanized bumpers and I was kind of upset that none of the part shops in the USA had them. Same with the window trim. I had to replace galvanized with the chrome. Same with the switch that said FHART instead of start when I lost the key. Here are some images. https://photos.app.goo.gl/pRZg7bPqxL3NRTEw7 Doug

Posted by: pre67vw - 05 December 2021 16:50:17
I think these cars are known as the 'sparkafer', as far as I know the bumpers were just painted silver. Here's another one: https://www.classiccult.com/blog/vw-1200-a-standard-beetle-1965-1966-details.html