Are Volkswagen Tailights Mysterious?

I have been amused by many conversations about Volkswagen Taillights. Some of these conversations were quite intense, almost reaching a debate status. According to Jason Torchinsky, “It’s Time for Another Baffling Volkswagen Beetle Taillight Mystery.”

This fun article raises even more questions and is certain to stimulate more debates about Volkswagon taillights. Jason begins by suggesting that everything that can be known regarding VW Beetle taillights is already known.

Apparently, not so.

The Evolution of VW Beetle Taillights

Jason begins by reviewing the evolution of VW Beetle taillights with a handy little chart.

Just for a bit of background on the grand, very important subject of Beetle taillight evolution, here’s a chart I made the last time a formerly unknown taillight variant came to my attention:

Believing these basic taillights were global, Jason’s faith was shaken when he discovered an ad on The Samba, suggesting a Belgium-only taillight.

In his article, Jason discusses the ad and analyzes the taillights for sale. He even reaches out to Belgian Volkswagen expert, Bob Van Heyst for insight.

In the end, the mystery is ongoing with no obvious solution…yet. Jason offers this in conclusion:

The important takeaway here, though, is that taillight study is a rich, and fascinating discipline, and ever capable of surprising you. It’s why so many taillight researchers go mad, and why it’s such a thrill for those that can ride that ragged, shining red line.

Read the full article as well as other interesting topics by Jason here.