Paint and Upholstery:
L15M (51) Zitronengelb / Lemon Yellow, Sand beige (*)(cloth)
L30M (59) Tomatenrot / Tomato Red, Sand beige (*)(cloth)
L64M (50) Apfelgrün / Apple Green paintwork, Sand beige(*)(cloth)
Technical Data:
1600cc. typ. 114 badged “VW 1300 S” / “GT Beetle”
Factory Fitted Optional Equipment:
M 172 Steel-belted radial tires, 155 SR 15,
M228 Padded dashboard
M 976 4½J x15 (Lemmerz) “GT” style sports wheels
Context:
The only classic Beetle produced in Europe to be officially badged a ‘Beetle’ the “GT” celebrated the importation of Britain’s 300,000th Beetle.
This British market version of the 1300S was intended, by the importers VW(GB) Ltd., to have the “VW_1300S” engine lid badge changed by dealers to a specially manufactured “GT_Beetle” badge. This accessory (part no. 1H 99917) was made in chrome or matt black. For various reasons however not all the UK importation of 1300S received this modification.
The package was also intended to be fitted with the optional chromium sports gear shifter (part no. 321 064231), foot pedal covers and a Kamei tunnel tray (part no. 111 999172).
The GT was one of the 1300S models that had the 1584cc engine mated to an uprated 3.875:1 final drive gearbox as opposed to the 4.375: ratio. With this engine and drive combination it had a top speed of 85mph with 70mph available in 3rd gear and 45mph in second gear. As the GT was around 100lbs lighter it was faster in a straight line than the 1302 S Super Beetle.
Although the celebration photograph was taken at the Wolfsburg plant the majority of the 2,500 GTs were assembled by D’Ieteren at Brussels, (Belgium).
Of these 2,500 cars 50% were L15M Zitronengelb/Lemon Yellow, 40% L30M Tomatenrot/Tomato Red and 10% L64M Apfelgrün/Apple Green. The only classic Beetle to be officially badged a ‘Beetle’.
Sales Literature:
A 4page brochure (and a companion dealer advice leaflet) were published by VW(GB)Ltd.,
Further reading on this website:
Introduction to the Fruit Series Group of Editions.
