Called Beetle Denim, the special edition model pays homage to the limited-edition Beetle Jeans that was introduced in select markets in late 1973 as a 1974 model. However, it’s a Jeans in spirit only because the original model was exclusively offered as a two-door sedan, and most examples were painted in vivid, eye-catching colors such as yellow and orange.
The most important upgrades are found inside, where the Denim boasts jeans-inspired pockets stitched into the seat backs and light blue cloth upholstery with white piping and dark blue leatherette accents. When viewed from the outside, the Beetle Denim is recognizable thanks to an edition-specific Dark Blue top designed to look like denim.
Volkswagen hasn’t made any mechanical modifications, meaning the Beetle Denim is powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine that generates 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque. It spins the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
Just 2,000 examples of the Beetle Denim will be built. Half of the production run will be finished in pure white, and the other half will be painted in stonewashed blue (pictured). Pricing information and availability will be announced closer to the ragtop’s on-sale date.
Live images by Brian Williams.
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