Paint reference: 13 "TANGERINE"
Paint reference: 11 "SUNBURST YELLOW"
Paint reference: 09 "BAMBOO"
Paint reference: 46 "ELECTRIC BLUE"
Calling all South African VW enthusiasts!
[EN] I am conducting historical research on the Jeans Bug series built in Uitenhage. I am specifically looking for any information, original brochures, or photos of the elusive "Electric Blue" (Code 46) color. If you own an original model or have historical documents, your help would be invaluable.
[AF] Ek is besig met historiese navorsing oor die Jeans Bug-reeks wat in Uitenhage gebou is. Ek is spesifiek op soek na enige inligting, oorspronklike brosjures, of foto's van die skaars "Electric Blue" (Kode 46) kleur. As jy 'n oorspronklike model besit of historiese dokumente het, sal jou hulp van onskatbare waarde wees.
Please contact me through our contact page. Baie dankie vir u hulp!
The South African Jeans Beetle is the third special edition produced by Volkswagen of South Africa (VWSA). Released on the market at the end of 1975, it was based on the local 1976 model specifications.
With a production run of 1,080 units (the figure of 1,400 also circulates), it was available in four body colors: "TANGERINE", "SUNBURST YELLOW", "BAMBOO", and "ELECTRIC BLUE".
The code 114J appears on the production plate located on the front apron. This code is specific to the Jeans. The images below show the codes assigned to other South African special editions.
This document, from an unknown source, shows the codes assigned to South African special editions as well as the number of cars produced. This code can be found on the production plate riveted to the left of the front hood latch.
Here are two production plates from South African Jeans Beetles, in "TANGERINE" and "SUNBURST YELLOW" colors, where the 114J code is visible in the top left corner.
In this image of the front apron, you can see the riveted production plate with its 114J code at the top, and further down, the riveted plate specifying the car's color. Here, code 46 indicates the "ELECTRIC BLUE" tint.
The visual signature of the South African Jeans relies on a distinctive "Jeans" lettering applied to the sides as well as the engine lid. Faithful to the spirit of its European counterparts, all chrome trim is removed in favor of elements painted in matte black (bumpers, handles, headlight rings, and mirrors). One of the unique features of this version lies in its rear lighting. It sports the so-called "elephant's foot" tail lights, but mounted on specific fender brackets. These adapters allow these large lights to be fitted onto the "flat" rear fenders (the older style from before 1973), a typical characteristic of South African production that can also be found on models assembled in Nigeria. Under the hood, unlike the European 1200 versions, the South African Jeans benefits from the more generous local 1600 engine, and of course, a Right Hand Drive (RHD) configuration, essential for the local market.
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The upholstery is made of Denim with double stitching, featuring storage pockets on the back and sides. The seats are adjustable to 24 driving positions! The door panels are blue vinyl with a plastic map pocket. The headliner (full-length model) and sun visors are white. Dark gray carpeting covers the entire floor area.
A superb period advertisement lists the equipment available in the Jeans. Here are the details:
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Rostyle wheels, manufactured by Guestro Industries in 4½J X 15, with 155 SR x 15 radial tires. The advertisement refers to these wheels as "Maxi Trim Wheels".
Chassis:
Engine: 1600cc
Electrical system: 12 volts.
Thanks to John Lemon (photos of the Tangerine Jeans before restoration), Chris Van Den Heever and Tobias Muller (Tangerine after restoration), Ryan McCracken and Wazeer Karjieker (Bamboo Jeans), Jason Pedersen (Sunburst Yellow Jeans), Johan Wagner from the VW South Africa museum, Neels Muller, Colin Shinkin and Stephen Paul Hardy (www.sebeetles.com) for the information on this South African model.
