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modelyear 1971 and 1972 were black in Europe.

411 model year 1969 (aug -68 to july -69) wood grain dashboard panels, three spoke steering wheel
411 model year 1970 (aug -69 to july -70) wood grain dashboard panels, three spoke steering wheel
411 model year 1971 (aug -70 to july -71) black dashboard panels, three spoke steering wheel
411 model year 1972 (aug -71 to july -72) black dashboard panels, four spoke steering wheel
412 model year 1973 (aug -72 to july -73) wood grain dashboard panels, four spoke steering wheel
412 model year 1974 (aug -73 to march -75) wood grain dashboard panels, four spoke steering wheel

There were differences in switch lay-outs in different market areas, but as far as i know the dash board panels changed as described. It is ofcourse possible that someone has changed the panels or whole dash board at some point of the cars life, but i'm quite sure Volkswagen didn't sell different dashboard finish (wood grain instead of black) to the U.S. market in 1971.

By the way, I have a brochure for 411 model year 1972 that says a black roof is available with every colour. Could this be a vinyl top? I have never seen a picture of 411 with roof painted in black. Vinyl was quite popular especially in the U.K. market though. And I'm considering on putting one on my Variant too.

Lars S wrote:...
Are there any visible differenceson the outside of the 411, 1970 - 72?

/Lars S

According to my "bible" (the book "Die Grossen VW") the tow eyes at the front and back were added for the '71 model so, according to that, there is at least one visible outside difference for 1970-72 models.


/Lars S

There was one more detail that was changed for model year 1972. Door handles' lever got longer and the recess behind the handle got slightly bigger.

Lahti411 wrote:There was one more detail that was changed for model year 1972. Door handles' lever got longer and the recess behind the handle got slightly bigger.

Oh, wery observant to notice that Lahti!
Checked on my -70/-73 cars, the recess is some 1/4" longer on the -73 but I could not see the handle being longer (but I did not make a "scientific" measurement).

Thanks!


/Lars S

Its the lever - i mean that part you push with fingers to open the door. It is clearly visible if the handles are original. Early is much shorter and its shape is simple. The later lever is longer and it has a recess for finger.

Lahti411 wrote:Its the lever - i mean that part you push with fingers to open the door. It is clearly visible if the handles are original. Early is much shorter and its shape is simple. The later lever is longer and it has a recess for finger.

Oh yes Lahti, I measured the handle, you are right the lever is longer and more comfortable.

/Lars S

Lahti411 wrote:411 model year 1969 (aug -68 to july -69) wood grain dashboard panels, three spoke steering wheel
411 model year 1970 (aug -69 to july -70) wood grain dashboard panels, three spoke steering wheel
411 model year 1971 (aug -70 to july -71) black dashboard panels, three spoke steering wheel
411 model year 1972 (aug -71 to july -72) black dashboard panels, four spoke steering wheel
412 model year 1973 (aug -72 to july -73) wood grain dashboard panels, four spoke steering wheel
412 model year 1974 (aug -73 to march -75) wood grain dashboard panels, four spoke steering wheel

There were differences in switch lay-outs in different market areas, but as far as i know the dash board panels changed as described. It is ofcourse possible that someone has changed the panels or whole dash board at some point of the cars life, but i'm quite sure Volkswagen didn't sell different dashboard finish (wood grain instead of black) to the U.S. market in 1971.

By the way, I have a brochure for 411 model year 1972 that says a black roof is available with every colour. Could this be a vinyl top? I have never seen a picture of 411 with roof painted in black. Vinyl was quite popular especially in the U.K. market though. And I'm considering on putting one on my Variant too.

Yup, my '71 parts car is a black dash panel model. Full chrome.