yeah i was wondering the same thing. courtesy of Wikipedia In 1971, alongside continued production of the "standard" Beetle, a Type 1 variant called the Super Beetle — officially known (and marketed in Europe as the VW 1302 from 1971–1972, and VW 1303 from 1973 onwards — featured MacPherson strut front suspension and a redesigned front end. The new stretched nose design replaced the dual parallel torsion bar beams which had compromised trunk space and relocated the spare tire from a near vertical to a low horizontal position. The redesign resulted in a tighter turning radius despite a 20 mm longer wheelbase, and a doubling of the front compartment's cargo volume. As with previous models, air pressure from the spare tire pressurized the windshield washer canister, in lieu of an electric pump. 1972 Super Beetles had an 11% larger rear window (4mm taller), larger front brakes, four rows of vents (versus two rows previously) on the engine deck lid, tail lights incorporating reverse lights, a "four spoke" energy-absorbing steering wheel and steering column, and an engine compartment socket for a proprietary VW Diagnosis system. In 1973, the VW 1303 introduced a curved windscreen, pushed forward and away from the passengers, allowing a redesigned, "padded" dashboard to replace the pre-73 vertical dash. A 2-speed heater fan, higher rear mudguards, and larger tail lights were added. The changes to the heater/windshield wiper housing and curved windshield resulted in slight redesign of the front hood, making the 1971 and 1972 Super Beetle hoods unique. For 1974, the previous flat steel bumper mounting brackets were replaced with tubular "self restoring energy absorbing" attachments, effectively shock absorbers for the bumpers, on North American market Beetles. These cars also got stronger "5mph" bumpers that added an inch to the length of the car. The steering knuckle and consequently the lower attach point of the strut was redesigned to improve handling and stability in the event of a tire blowout. This makes the struts from pre-74 Supers not interchangeable with 1974-79 makes.[32] 1975 models featured Air Flow Control (AFC) Fuel Injection on U. S., Canadian and Japanese Beetles, a derivative of the more complex Bosch fuel injection system used in the Volkswagen Type III — and equivalent to Bosch L-jetronic. The fuel injected engine also received a new muffler and the option of an upstream catalytic converter required on some models (e.g. California), necessitating a bulge in the rear apron sheet metal directly under the rear bumper, and replacing the distinctive dual "pea shooter" pipes with a single offset tailpipe — making fuel injected models identifiable at a glance. Other changes were rack and pinion steering replacing the traditional worm and roller gearbox on Super Beetles, and a larger license plate lamp housing below the engine lid. The front turn indicators were moved from the top of the fenders into the bumper bars on European models. In 1976, the optional "Auto-stick" transmission and the Super Beetle sedan were discontinued, with VW continuing to market the standard sedan and Super Beetle convertible. 1976-on Super Beetles Convertibles received no significant engineering changes, only a few cosmetic touches and new paint options, including the "Champagne Edition" models (white on white was one example) to the final 1979 "Epilogue Edition" black on black, in salute to the first Beetles produced in the 1930s. 1977 model sedans received front seats with separate head restraints.
I could have answered that a lot easier guys. Plain and simple, Super Beetles are often less sought after by VW buyers. Super Beetle - Struts, curved front apron, larger trunk area. 73 and up SB's had curved windshields and a more modern dash. From the front clip back, the SB and the standard Beetle are pretty much identical. Many VW enthusiast refer to the Super Beetle as a "fat chick". Most people are in search of anything between a 49-67. After 67 most Beetles are pretty much the same to the naked eye. There were small changes almost every year model, although in most cases it was minor things here and there. 71-72 Super Beetle 73-75 Super Beetle Damn Doug, I knew you could get that motor out! I just got the message you left me and I'll give you a ring tomorrow some time. Sorry for the delay man.
i'm going to get the clutch monday and put it all back together...then i will start on stage 2....body work!
