vwtyp1.com

Changes and chassinumbers, year by year

With this list I want to present the most important changes. I have put great effort in making these listings correct, I did not list things that I wasn't pretty sure was correct, I just left them out. If you have som piece of information that would fit in this list, plese let me know. Remember that this page lists European specifications only.

1936
3 prototypes are made with a 984 cc motor. The model is called W1. You can already recognize the shape of a Volkswagen.

1937
The model is called W30 and is made in 30 ex. The Volkswagen is taking shape, even though this model has no rear window. Oilcooler is mounted from this year.

1938
The car has a new look as it in general will keep to the early fifties. The model is named KDF-wagen (Kraft Durch Freude), and is made in 44 ex.

1939
50 cars are made until the war starts in march. The construction of the Wolfsburg factory starts.

1940
The production is now controlled by the military, and Typ 82 Kübelwagen is introduced. About 50 000 cars are made until 1946.
Ch.nr. 000 026 (03.08.1940) The chassis number is now located at the framehead.

1942
Typ 128 (later named typ 166), Schwimmwagen is introduced. 511 examples are built this year. Totally made in 15 000 examples. A 4-wheel drive version of the KDF-wagen is made in small numbers. The model is called Typ 87 Kommendeurwagen.

1943
A new engine is introduced. 1131 cc 24 hk.

1945
58 civilian cars are made in the bomb-trashed factory. The car officially gets its real name, Volkswagen.
Ch.nr. 052 016 (16.05.1945) The chassis number is now punched in at the chassistunnels right side.

1946
The production recovers after the war, the factory is rebuilt and 10 020 cars are made. Civilian cars only comes in a blue-grey colour. Not like this.
Ch.nr. 054 617 Push rod tubes now corrugated, previously sprung.
Ch.nr. 057 011 The position of the inner trackrod joints is changed
Ch.nr. 057 107 Greasenipple on the brakewire, size of the tires increased to 5,00X16 from 4,50X16.
Ch.nr. 057 390 Fueltank fitted higher.
Ch.nr. 057 893 Cardboard for noise reduction fitted in the engine compartment.

1947
The first export cars are sold to Holland. The car salesman Ben Pon imports 5 type 1:s. Totally 8987 cars are made.Pic.
Ch.nr. 071 616 Choke valve with swing handle on cooling air throttle valve.
Ch.nr. 073 348 (13.10.1947) Chassinumber now punched in on the chassis tunnel, between the front seats.
Ch.nr. 073 377 Spare wheel fastenings now with bracket for chain and lock.

1948
19 244 Cars are made Pic.
Ch.nr. 073 816 Unsprung choke cable introduced.
Ch.nr. 076 822 (April) Crankshaft diameter changed to 48,5

1949
46 146 cars are made. Exportmodel, convertible and Type 2 introduced. Smaller VW-logos on hubcaps.
Ch.nr. 091 914 (05.01.1949) Double heating cables, formerly single.
Ch.nr. 092 879 Fuel tap now with Thiokol seal, formerly with cork seal.
Ch.nr. 092 918 (14.01.1949) Airfilter design changed from mushroom to pan.
Ch.nr. 093 270 (18.01.1949) Heat exchanger-lower part: modified flap without hinge and footells added to floorpan.
Ch.nr. 093 781 (25.01.1949) Back rests gets a more "straight" look. Pic.
Ch.nr. 093 834 (25.01.1949) Accelerator cable gets an elbow at the front, formerly an eye.
Ch.nr. 094 554 Support to the inlet manifold introduced.
Ch.nr. 094 470 Rails in the luggage space introduced.
Ch.nr. 097 580 (15.03.1949) Torsion bars: lower 5-leaf, upper 4-leaf, previously lower 4-leaf, upper 5-leaf.
Ch.nr. 098 396 Some models gets an electron gearbox, formerly magnesium-aluminium alloy.
Ch.nr. 098 400 (17.03.1949) Oil capacity in the gearbox is now 2,5 liters. (Formerly 3,0 liters.)
Ch.nr. 100 826 (08.04.1949) Fuel pump now with with blue Solex diaphrams, fitted with 4 gaskets. Solex carburettor is now standard on all models.
Ch.nr. 101 322 Torsion bars changed back to lower 5-leaf, upper 4-leaf on all models.
Ch.nr. 101 902 Hardened stems on exhaust valves.
Ch.nr. 102 026 Electron gearbox is now standard on all models.
Ch.nr. 102 537 The pedals gets an extra grease nipple.
Ch.nr. 1-0 102 848 Fuse box moved from under the instrument panel to left front quarter panel.
Ch.nr. 1-0 102 948 (01.05.1949) New rear and front bumbers, Engine lid lock discontinued, Bonnet lid now with a latch, formerly locking handle. Radio blanking plate mounted on dashboard.
Ch.nr. 1-0 103 039 (06.05.1949) Rubber boots at the ends of the heatercables.
Ch.nr. 1-0 103 168 2-spoke steering wheel introduced and clock on export model. Glovebox made in fibre material.Pic.
Ch.nr. 1-0 106 636 Cellulose paintwork discontinued, now syntetic.
Ch.nr. 1-0 106 637 Breather pipe introduced.
Ch.nr. 1-0 106 717 Brake light bulb is now 15 watt. Tail lights cromed frames is now thinner.
Ch.nr. 1-0 107 101 (22.06.1949) Chassis number now printed with die on the smooth surface to the frame tunnel.
Ch.nr. 1-0 111 054 The "frame" for the number plate discontinued.
Ch.nr. 1-0 114 186 Felt cone airfilter for engines in Type 11A.
Ch.nr. 1-0 116 375 Fuel tank changed.
Ch.nr. 1-0 116 616 Running in sticker on windscreen discontinued.
Ch.nr. 1-0 117 053 Now double acting shock absorbers.
Ch.nr. 1-0 117 700 Armrest on drivers door discontinued.
Ch.nr. 1-0 119 588 Piston clearance for No. 3 cylinder 0.005mm greater..
Ch.nr. 1-0 120 959 Clutch: radially ribbed disc, initially still double pressure springs..
Ch.nr. 1-0 122 902 Cylinders are now produced with a higher phosphor content.
Ch.nr. 1-0 123 476 Right trackrod now with left- and right-hand thread as standard.
Ch.nr. 1-0 124 032 Brown rubber mats introduced, sitting on rubber floor pan covering, rear rubber mats discontinued.
Ch.nr. 1-0 12x xxx Starting handle discontinued.
Ch.nr. 1-0 127 560 Clutch lever reinforced.
Ch.nr. 1-0 128 058 Larger roller on accelerator pedal.
Ch.nr. 1-0 128 116 The drivers seats runner is raised by 1,5 cm.
Ch.nr. 1-0 136 729 Push rod tubes now corrugated only at the ends.

1950
81 979 cars are made. Sunroof is introduced 28.04.1950. Tail light chromed rings and Left/Right semaphores discontinued early this year. Mahle autothermic-pistons introduced during this year.
Ch.nr. 1-0 138 765 The engine oil can now be completely drained. Oil splash guard ddiscontinued. No 4 main bearing now has a groove.
Ch.nr. 1-0 138 835 Both upper and lower torsionbars is now 5-leaf.
Ch.nr. 1-0 140 130 Larger knob on bonnet release cable.
Ch.nr. 1-0 140 537 Warning lights for indicator and main beam on the left. Generator and oil warning on the right
Ch.nr. 1-0 141 601 Dip stick phosphated and blackened.
Ch.nr. 1-0 142 243 Gasket between cylinder and head introduced.
Ch.nr. 1-0 143 276 (26.01.1950) Rubber gasket fitted between headlight and wing.
Ch.nr. 1-0 146 222 (10.02.1950) Pin and clip replaces the elbow on the accelerator cable.
Ch.nr. 1-0 146 657 (13.02.1950) Brown rubbermats on the rear floor.
Ch.nr. 1-0 154 928 (24.03.1950) Chassis number die-stamped on rear left, on vertical sidepanel of crossmember.
Ch.nr. 1-0 155 322 (mars 1950) Hydraulic brakes on the convertible and the export model.
Ch.nr. 1-0 155 020 Headlights now produced by BOSCH, formerly VW.
Ch.nr. 1-0 156 129 Tail pipe diameter increased to 32 mm. (formerly 31 mm.)
Ch.nr. 1-0 156 970 Inlet manifold now fitted with light alloy for better heating.
Ch.nr. 1-0 156 991 Changes to upper window channel, horizontal window channel and a small cut-out to the top of the door glass.
Ch.nr. 1-0 158 253 (April) Hydraulic brakes is now standard on all models.
Ch.nr. 1-0 159 782 Drivers door handle now with lock as an option.
Ch.nr. 1-0 161 145 Petrol tank filler neck changed.
Ch.nr. 1-0 161 234 Solex carb with hinged float is now fitted on all models.
Ch.nr. 1-0 162 444 Heater control knob replaced by a turn handle. Noise suppression on heating ducts.
Ch.nr. 1-0 162 580 Engine cooling air is now regulated automatically by bellows thermostat.
Ch.nr. 1-0 164 402 Preheater pipe now standard.
Ch.nr. 1-0 164 460 (13.05.1950) Brake fluid reservoir now with float, formerly filter.
Ch.nr. 1-0 167 890 Diameter on master cylinder changed from 22,2 to 19,5mm, brake cylinders from 19,05 to 15,9mm.
Ch.nr. 1-0 169 714 (03.06.1950) Ashtray now fitted on dashboard and right rear sidepanel.
Ch.nr. 1-0 173 719 Single spring clutch now standard.
Ch.nr. 1-0 183 539 Hardened exhaustvalves introduced.
Ch.nr. 1-0 192 742 (12.09.1950) Return spring on accelerator cable.
Ch.nr. 1-0 202 071 (17.10.1950) Handbrake lever gets shorter.
Ch.nr. 1-0 210 317 (16.11.1950) Welded heads on exhaust valves.

1951
93 709 cars are made. Ferdinand Porsche dies. From March the distributor is marked with month/year.
Ch.nr. 1-0 221 051 (04.01.1951) Generator pulley modified to prevent V-belt jumping off.
Ch.nr. 1-0 224 763 (18.01.1951) Guide sleeve for return spring on the accelerator cable.
Ch.nr. 1-0 225 376 (19.01.1951) Magnesium-aluminium alloy crankcase replaced by Elektron.
Ch.nr. 1-0 241 734 (21.03.1951) Camshaft gear changed on export model.
Ch.nr. 1-0 242 600 (27.03.1951) Muffler now manufactured by Eberspächer
Ch.nr. 1-0 243 731 (06.04.1951) Wolfsburg crest added to bonnet. Front heater flaps moved inside heat exchanger.
Ch.nr. 1-0 244 003 (06.04.1951) Telescopic shock absorbers fitted to export model and convertible.
Ch.nr. 1-0 244 668 (12.04.1951) Trim added to windscreen.
Ch nr. 1-0 244 ??? (13.04.1951) Ventilation flaps fitted to front quarter panels
Ch.nr. 1-0 246 090 (18.04.1951) Generator changed from AL15 tol Red 130/6-2600 AL16.
Ch nr. 1-0 253 756 Starter cable now 10 cm longer.
Ch.nr. 1-0 272 406 (31.07.1951) Handbrake lever gets a rubberboot.
Ch.nr. 1-0 272 706 New oilfiller cap with spring.
Ch.nr. 1-0 276 126 (14.08.1951) New mesh and operating lever to the ventilation flaps.
Ch.nr. 1-0 287 416 (24.09.1951) Extra wheelbolts no longer in toolbox.
Ch.nr. 1-0 296 592 (25.10.1951) Jacking points reinforced.
Ch.nr. 1-0 299 992 Angular grease nipples on tie rods.
Ch.nr. 1-0 304 210 (20.11.1951) The cushions in the back seat discontinued.
Ch.nr. 1-0 305 813 (26.11.1951) V2 A-steel now standard in valve seats.
Ch.nr. 1-0 306 417 (27.11.1951) Some models gets valves with caps.
Ch.nr. 1-0 308 653 (01.12.1951) Indicator lamp now 0.6 watt, formerly 1.2 watt..

1952
114 348 cars are made. Type 2 Pickup is introduced. 3 schims is now mounted on the crankshaft.
Ch.nr. 1-0 324 758 Hydraulic brake oil reservoir now without float.
Ch.nr. 1-0 336 561 (19.03.1952) New Klettermaxe jack.
Ch.nr. 1-0 357 667 (29.05.1952) Now only one valvespring on each valve.
Ch.nr. 1-0 382 029 (20.08.1952) Oil bath airfilter introduced.
Ch.nr. 1-0 397 023 From this chassinumber the Volkswagen Type 1 is populary called "Zwitter", wich is german for between.

Here are the changes:

New dashboard with a startbutton.Pic.
The interiorlight are fitted above the drivers door and the button is located to the left of the speedometer.
Broader demist outlets for the windscreen.
Windscreen wipers reinforced, gets a wider sweep and a separate pull switch.
Indicator switch now on steering column.
Horn button now with wolfsburg crest and lid on glove compartment.
Speedometer has larger dial and warning lights.
New floormats with non-slip studs.
Brake lights now located in rear lights, and the fuses is now under the dashboard.
Better noise reduction and "T"-handle on emgine lid.
Broader profile on bumpers.
Battery now 70 Ah formerly 84 Ah.
Handle for heating replaced with a knob.
Fuel filler neck diameter now 4 cm formerly 8 cm.
Trim on rear windows, and on door side panels.
Ventilation windows added to doors.
Ratio of window winder canges from 3,25 to10,5 turns.
Body moulding now wider.
Rims now 4 x 15" and tires 5,60 x 15".
Diameter of brake cylinders increased to 17,5 mm.
Gearbox now syncromesh and fitted with rubber mountings.
Torsion bar diameter reduced to 24 mm from 25 mm.
Torion bars now 6 leaf, new longer shock absorbers.
New carburettor, 28 PCI. 26 VFIS was the name of the old one.
New cloth pattern
Spare V-belt dropped from toolbox.

Ch.nr. 1-0 402 111 (20.10.1952) New inlet manifold, and the V-belt is back in the toolbox.

1953
151 323 cars are made.
Ch.nr. 1-0 428 221 (02.01.1953) Clamping strap fitted on air filter.
Ch.nr. 1-0 433 397 (15.01.1953) New carburettor, 28 PCI.
Ch.nr. 1-0 441 708 (14.02.1953) Adjustable door striker plate.
Ch.nr. 1-0 454 951 (10.03.1953) The last Zwitter is made, and the ovalwindow is introduced.. The larger petrol filler neck is back. Interior light button located at the light, and becomes 10 Watt (formerly 5 Watt). A small handle is fitted to the ashtray and the speedometer gets a new needle.
Ch.nr. 1-0 495 968 (18.06.1953) Bonnet lid support shortened. Windscreen wiper shaft holes set 8mm deeper.
Ch nr. 1-0 503 371 Quarter-light catches with locks.
Ch.nr. 1-0 509 668 Rear view mirror integral with sun visor.
Ch.nr. 1-0 517 304 (21.08.1953) Torsion bars now have 8 leafs.
Ch.nr. 1-0 541 307 (09.10.1953) Generator now160 Watt on some models.
Ch.nr. 1-0 562 054 (21.11.1953) New steering wheel costruction.
Ch.nr. 1-0 575 415 (21.12.1953) 30-HP engine is introduced and gear ratio for 3rd and 4th gear is changed. Brake fluid reservoir moved behind spare wheel, formerly on master cylinder.
Ch.nr. 1-0 575 417 (21.12.1953)

160 Watts generator now standard on all models.
New distributor with vacuum advance.
V-belt narrower, with synthetic fibre insert.
New battery clamp strap with centre catch, formerly secured with springs.
New ignition and starter lock, one key now fits door and ignition.
Adjustable instrument illumination.
Windscreen wipers now have flat arms, painted in metallic.

1954
202 174 cars are made.
Ch.nr. 1-0 696 501 (19.08.1954) Spare V-belt dropped from toolbox.
Ch.nr. 1-0 722 916 (01.10.1954) Larger tail lights on the america model.
Ch.nr. 1-0 730 023 (13.10.1954) Shatterproof windscreen.
Ch.nr. 1-0 734 000 (18.10.1954) Rear light pods fitted with drainage hole.

1955
279 986 cars are made this year. Totally 1 million Volkswagens produced. The production of Karmann Ghia is started.
Ch.nr. 1-0 787 449 (09.01.1955) Grease niples in front suspension discontinued.
Ch.nr. 1-0 797 357 Grease niples back on front suspension.
Ch.nr. 1-0 847 967 (01.04.1955) The American model is now fitted with turn signals.
Ch.nr. 1-0 881 293 (11.05.1955) Gear lever assembly now identical on all models.
Ch.nr. 1-0 904 566 (11.06.1955) Ignition/starter switch fitted with lock number.
Ch.nr. 1-0 929 746 (04.08.1955) At this chassi number the following is changed: