SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

+1 (833) 595-9193

What's a Semi-Automatic VW Beetle?

What's a Semi-Automatic VW Beetle?
Loading...

What's a Semi-Automatic VW Beetle?

The VW Beetle manual gearbox has always been admired for its pin sharp precision changes, but for those who wanted to give their left leg a rest, there was the option of the semi-auto. But how did the Semi-Automatic VW Beetle work, and what was it like to live with? We have the answers to your questions...

New for 1968: The 'Automatic Stickshift' Beetle

Introduced in 1968 and made available on the 1300 and 1500 models, the semi-auto Beetle was a peculiar beast. With its inherently more stable, double jointed 'driveshaft type' independent rear suspension instead of the conventional swing axle, it handled better than the manual Bug of that era. But apart from that (and its rarity) – it’s always remained something of an enigma. Production of the Semi-Automatic Beetle ended in 1975. 

2 Pedals, 3 Gears, 1 Reverse

The most obvious difference inside, of course, is the fact that there is no clutch pedal. The gear lever itself looks stock, but there are only four positions; three forward gears (L, 1 and 2) and reverse, arranged in the conventional H-pattern. Because the torque converter is able to apply power over a wide rev range, only the top two gears are used for normal driving, with ‘L’ only being needed if starting on a slope or tackling tight parking manoeuvres.

How do Semi Automatic gearboxes work?

The engine can only be started in neutral and when cold it idles much faster than when warm, so before engaging gear the brakes have to be applied to prevent the car lurching forward. As soon as the gear lever is moved, a solenoid in the top sends an electrical instruction to disengage the clutch. When a gear is selected, the accelerator pedal is pressed and the torque converter takes up drive, with first being good from rest up to 55mph. Position 2 takes you right up to motorway cruising speeds. If the oil temperature warning light glows, however, it’s telling you to drop down a cog. You don’t need to take it out of gear when at rest, although you do need to keep a foot on the brake to prevent ‘creep’. If you’re used to driving a manual Bug, it’s all a bit unnerving…

I had one...

I once owned a Diamond Blue 1968 F-plate 1500 semi-auto. I bought it from a friend, not because I was too lazy to change gear but because it had only done 80,000 miles and was straight as a die. I seem to remember paying £1,200. Bear in mind that was back in the late 1980s – hence the slightly iffy quality photo of it here.

To be honest, I never got used to the transmission. It was a novelty, but I always quite liked changing gear in my Beetles. Moreover, the fact that it was always revving like mad, as if the clutch was slipping, totally blunted the usually perky 1500’s performance. Being so good in the body, I briefly looked into the prospect of converting it to manual. Apparently, I wasn’t alone because a home mechanics magazine in the US was inundated with similar enquiries and eventually documented the process. But given the amount of work involved it simply wasn’t feasible and it was sold (I think, to buy a Beetle Cabriolet.)

If you fancy one though don't let me put you off, they have a cult following and hopefully you now know a little bit more about how they work.

Ian

Comments
Leave your comment
Your email address will not be published