1973 | Volkswagen Beetle 1303 S

Volkswagen 1303 S Cabrio of 1973.

This version is the last version of the classic beetle in cabrio, being the one with the biggest engine and mechanical and chassis improvements, the 1303 S Cabrio is fitted with the 1,600 cc engine. The S for sport, based on the existence of a 50 hp engine and the installation of disc brakes on the front axle. Once inside, we notice some comfort details, such as the presence of seats with built-in headrests, a dashboard painted in black and a special Karmann steering wheel, responsible for manufacturing the open versions which, by the way, are very well resolved, with a soft top that folds and unfolds easily and, when driving with it on, insulates the interior very well from the inclement weather, with the added bonus of not making much noise. The instrumentation is limited to a central speedometer, which incorporates a fuel level indicator (there is no longer a stopcock for using the reserve) and a total odometer. It seems that Volkswagen is putting across the idea that a car as reliable as the Beetle doesn't need any more information. However, in order not to take too many risks, a couple of warning lights are placed inside the speedometer to make sure that the dynamo is charging correctly and that the oil pressure at idle is at the correct values. The VW Beetle was one of those phenomena in the history of the automobile whose life was a freak of logic. In 1972, the 1303 series, whose main change was the replacement of the front axle with overlapping arms and torsion bars by a much more modern, lighter, smoother and more progressive McPherson strut. At the rear, modifications were also made to a transverse arm layout, although in the latter case the torsion bars were retained as spring elements. It is curious that, with this type of suspension, the Beetle ended up with solutions similar to those of its first cousin, the Porsche 911. On the mechanical side, the air-cooled boxer four-cylinder engine was further developed and the displacement was increased to 1,600 cc by using larger pistons. With this work, Volkswagen announced the extraordinary performance of 50 hp. A figure that may make us laugh, but which was ultimately responsible for the extraordinary durability of these engines. If we add to this the fact that the German brand used extremely long gear ratios, with which the engine rarely exceeded 4,000 rpm (maximum power) in the highest gear, it is perfectly understandable that the top speed was also advertised as a cruising speed. Starting the engine requires no more work than fully depressing the accelerator and releasing it to engage the automatic choke and turning the ignition key. Normally, the 1600 starts up at the ?quarter turn, ready for us to start the engine. The gear lever is easy to operate, as long as you don't use it too quickly, as the gear lever's travel requires you to follow it correctly. From the first few metres we notice the presence of an engine with higher torque values than the 1,200 and 1,300cc engines, although the sensations it transmits are very similar: quiet revs accompanied by the unmistakable purr of the opposed four-cylinder.

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