Original Script used on 69 AS Bug?

[bfleck]

When I bought my 69 AS 1500 bug a few months back, the script was missing on the deck lid.  What was the original lettering on these models? Did they just say "Volkswagen"?  I have seen the "Automatic Stickshift" script for sale in a few places, but don't know if these were originally installed on these cars.

[bookwus]

Hiya bfleck,

Good question.............

Actually it goes something like this (at least for North American imports).  When the very first 68 AutoSticks arrived they sported a "VWAutomatic" badge.  Like the ones you may have seen on a Type 3.  During the 1968 production year this changed to the more familair scripty "Automatic Stickshift".  This was changed for the 1969 production year.  For 1969 VW decided to go with the same badge on AutoSticks that appeared on all other Bugs, "Volkswagen".  However, they did apply (this was actually up to the dealers, so some did and some didn't) a decal to the rear window which said "Automatic Stick Shift".  The decal continued through the 1971 production year.  After that One VW looked pretty much like another - at least from the outside.

Mike

1970 AS Bug  (and looking to reproduce that rear window decal!)

[killakornkobb]

down here in Oz the "Automatic Stickshift" badge is as rare as hens teeth.. im lucky enough to have one, but mine is the virst the guys a Volkspower in burwood has ever seen (they have been working on VW's since the EARLY 50's) and have told me numerous times to remove it for fear of theft..  cos i dont think anyone knows its that rare here, they wont bother with it!

i think its rarity is due to the fact that in 68, and 69.. all beetles here were imported straight from germany.. the 70's range were assembled here.

[68AutoBug]

Hi Mike,
All Automatic Beetles sold in Australia had the "VW Automatic" badge on the engine lid... so its very easy to tell..
I see the Auto Stick script badges for sale in the US Magazines...
Very expensive... I wouldn't mind having one...
So, they are also rare in the US...

Lee Noonan -- 68AutoBug -- Australia --

[bookwus]

Hiya Lee,

Well,............I wouldn't call them rare.  

If a guy like me can put his hands on these things without too much effort, they can't be that rare.  I've sold two of them over the past couple of years ($10 each) and I see them on occassion at the boneyard.  Usually they are banged up a bit.

The ones in the catalogs (I noticed them at OEVeeDubs website a while ago) are supposedly in NOS shape which is supposed to justify a $40+ price tag.

[68AutoBug]

All AutoStick Beetles sold around the world were all made in Germany...
Ordinary & Super Beetles were made from CKD here in Australia..
I read where the AutoStick script badges were only used on 68 models in the US, is that correct???

Lee -- 68AutoBug -- Australia --

http://au.msnusers.com/My1968restoredBeetle/shoebox.msnw?