The last major revision to the Volkswagen Beetle convertible was released for the 1973 model year. The most noticeable differences from the 1971-1972 Super Beetle were larger "elephant foot" taillights and a new curved windshield, giving the car a more modern look and allowing for a larger dashboard. The instrument panel, formerly shared with the standard Beetle, was all-new and incorporated a raised speedometer pod, rocker-style switches and side-window defrosters. In the engine bay, the oil-bath air cleaner gave way to a dry element filter, and the generator was replaced with an alternator. To comply with federal regulations in the United States, 5 mph shock absorber bumpers were added in 1974 and fuel injection in 1975. When the Beetle Sedan was discontinued in the United States after the 1977 model year, the convertible was the only Beetle available in that country until worldwide production of the convertible ended in 1979.
