1970 June Beetle

Country and/or Category: [ Landmark Edition ], Spring Edition, UK | VIN range: not known | S-code(s): not known |
Extras/Options M-code(s): M058, M102, M218

Paint and Upholstery: 

L20E (5132) Signal Orange / (40) Leatherette Black.

Technical Data: 

1500cc typ.113 badged “VW_1500”

Factory Fitted Optional Equipment: 

M 058 Bumper overriders with rubber trims front and rear
M 102 Heated rear window
M 218 Wheel trim rings

Context: 

The June Beetle was the rarer, right-hand drive, version of the Signal Orange Edition and significant by being based on the “VW_1500” rather than “VW_1300” Beetle used for the majority of the Signal Orange Edition production.  

The other significant difference between the June Beetle and all the left-hand drive versions was that it did not include the factory M 228 Padded dashboard option because in the Spring of 1970 VW were not yet manufacturing the component parts for its installation in right-hand drive Beetles. Unlike on its mainland Europe counterparts leatherette was the standard type of VW upholstery in the UK.

We have been unable to find any VW (GB) Ltd literature that detailed the June Beetle’s importation nor any contemporary magazine coverage. There was, however, a very well known front cover photo taken by Ron McFarlane of a June’ and it’s television actress owner Veronica Carlson on the February 1972 issue of “Safer Motoring” Magazine.

Definitive information confirming the June Beetles promotion and price is conclusive thanks to contemporary Dealer forecourt photographs taken on 6th June 1970.

The pre-decimal LSD price of this exciting model was £812 08s 10d -which was same as the list price of a normal series 1500 Beetle. (Decimalised currency came to the UK the following year)

The total importation of June Beetles into the UK is still a matter of conjecture but we guess that it would have been based on the number of Dealerships at the time which was around 280 in total in the UK. 

Evidence suggests just one per Dealer but if importation numbers of some of the later, similarly rare, UK SEBs are anything to go by the June’ importation could have been anywhere between circa 300 and circa 600 cars. 

Of these, just a handful currently survive including one being restored by enthusiast Jason Baker to whom we very appreciative for a lot of assistance with information and photographs.

Sales Literature:

Non produced although a showroom display panel for mounting on the roof of the Edition was distributed to dealers by VW(GB)Ltd.,

With thanks to Jason Baker, Alan Hardy and Stephen Hardy (photos).

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This page last modified: 2021-02-02