Volkswagen Reveals 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s Special-Edition Beetle Convertibles [2012 L.A. Auto Show]

Volkswagen recently unveiled the droptop version of the latest Beetle, but to help kick off the convertible's launch, the company also is releasing a trio of (further) retro-themed special editions. Each of the three unique takes on the 2013 Beetle convertible draws inspiration from a different decade that the original Beetle lived through: 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. We first caught wind of VW's plan to roll out its new Bug droptop with old-school-themed special-editions earlier this year, but this is the first time the company has released info and photos of the slick-looking rides. The decade-themed Beetle convertibles go on sale this December, at the same time as the regular Beetle convertible. Beetle Convertible Fifties Edition Apparently, Volkswagen's product-planning folks look to the 1950s as a model for clean design and tasteful restraint, because the 1950s-edition Beetle Convertible looks darn good. Or maybe the team simply looked at the Beetle from that same era—that car's styling could charitably be described as subdued compared to the wacky tailfin inferiority complex that afflicted most American rides of the era. Either way, we dig the '50s model's subtle black exterior, chrome mirror caps, and chrome Heritage wheels (which are available on regular, non-1950s Beetles, as well). Despite being based on the lowly entry-level Beetle convertible, the '50s Edition gets a handsome tan leather interior. Because it's based on the lowly base convertible, though, it's stuck with that model's 2.5-liter five-cylinder and six-speed automatic. Nobody said Beetles were quick in the 1950s, so this powertrain is remarkably appropriate here. The 1950s Edition will cost $26,890; that's a reasonable $1100 more than the least-expensive Beetle droptop, especially given all of its additional goodies. Beetle Convertible Sixties Edition Just as the 1960s saw the advent of rock and roll, casual drug use, and relaxed views on free love, VW's '60s Edition Beetle convertible is quite radical-looking when parked next to the '50s car. But hey, we're not hating: The 1960s-themed Bug looks incredibly cool with its Denim Blue paint and two-tone black-and-blue interior. And being based on the 200-hp Beetle Turbo, the driving experience should be similar to the pokey 1950s version, only on LSD, er, steroids. The Turbo's six-speed manual isn't available—the '60s model comes only with VW's DSG six-speed dual-clutch automatic—but that means one of the driver's hands will be free to do any number of 1960s-appropriate tasks, like holding a, uh, cigarette or strumming a guitar while arguing the relative merits of capitalism or something. Speaking of capitalism, unless your co-op buddy snags a '60s Beetle and feels like sharing, getting behind the wheel is going to cost you something. Volkswagen is charging $33,190 for the privilege, which marks a $1200 upcharge relative to a fully loaded Turbo. Instrumented Test: 2013 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5 Instrumented Test: 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI Instrumented Test: 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo Beetle Convertible Seventies Edition Using the 1970s as inspiration for any special-edition car—Beetle or otherwise—may not seem like the greatest idea (what few automotive gems existed then were overshadowed by the gigantic piles of dung that made up the rest of the decade's offerings), but color us surprised by this 1970s Edition Beetle. It's actually really attractive, starting with its oh-so 1970s-style Toffee Brown paint color. Mixed with the car's chrome 18-inch Disc wheels, the hue lends the disco-est of the Beetle editions a nicely upmarket look. Inside, the '70s Beetle gets a tan interior with dark brown dashboard and door trim. Like the 1950s car, the '70s model also is based on the Beetle convertible 2.5, but at least it's the version with the Sound and Navigation package. (That means buyers get a Fender audio system, navigation, and the aforementioned 18-inch rims.) Pricing for the brown Bug starts at $29,390, which is just $100 more than the regular Beetle convertible with the Sound and Navi gear. Read full story » from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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