Beetle Door Handle Variations
May'45-1955	May'45-1955, inner view
1956-1959, notice the ridge on outer face of handle, as compared to the more or less flat shaped 1955 and earlier version.	1956-1959, inner view. Notice the deletion of the hook, in lieu a flat design.
1960-Mid'64 export, 1960-Mid'66 European models. A total redesign which utilizes a square push button to actuate the inner portion. 1960 is slightly different in that the tumbler rests in the vertical position when neutral. This is an example of a cast metal version.	1960-Mid'64 export, 1960-Mid'66 European models, inner view. Notice the flat plate with centrally located sliding portion. This is an example of a cast metal version.
Same as above, but wrapped in stainless steel.	Same as above, but wrapped in stainless steel.
Mid'64-Mid'66 export models. Essentially the same as above, however the inner portion is changed.The late 1966 models used a handle with a round push button. This is an example of a cast metal version.	Mid'64-1966 export models inner view. Notice the addition of the "paddle" used to actuate the inner door mechanism. This is an example of a cast metal version.
Mid'66-1966, 1967. Please note that these handles are very different. The Mid'66-1966 continues to use the paddle as depicted in the Mid'64-Mid'66 version, however the push button portion of the handle is round. 1967 models used a smaller paddle, and was positioned in the opposite direction.	1967 door handle inner view. Notice the size difference and position of the paddle in relation to the previous range of years.
The photo to the right depicts a 1967 standard Beetle door handle, inner view.
1968-1979 An entirely new design is introduced, and will last thorough the production of the Beetle. The push button is omitted, and a new finger bar is installed to actuate the inner portion.	1968-1979 inner view. Notice the new inner door mechanism actuating device. The paddle is omitted in lieu of a pin shaped device.