Navigating the nuances of vintage Volkswagen Beetle parts can often lead to confusion, especially when it comes to the iconic 1955 models. Among the most debated components are the taillights, specifically the so-called “Vw Egg” or eggshell taillights. Let’s clarify the story behind these unique lights and their significance for the 1955 Beetle.
The Genesis of the “Eggshell” Taillight
In October 1954, a pivotal change occurred for Beetles destined for the United States and North American markets. To meet specific regulations, the rear lighting system was redesigned. This meant integrating the tail light and brake light functions, along with turn signals, into a unified rear lighting system. This integration marked the end of semaphore turn signals for US-bound 1955 Beetles.
This shift led to the introduction of new taillight lenses. These lenses, exclusively for the US and North American markets, were crafted from a dark red plastic and featured a slightly curved, outward-protruding shape. This design contrasted sharply with the earlier “heart” taillights, which were made of flat, violet-red glass. The new “vw egg” or eggshell taillights were also equipped with a dual-filament bulb and a small drain hole at the bottom of the housing to prevent water accumulation. A bright metal trim ring elegantly encircled the lens, adding a distinct visual element.
The Evolution to “Snowflake” Taillights
The evolution of the 1955 Beetle taillights didn’t stop there. In May 1955, further modifications were implemented for the US market. The “vw egg” taillights were replaced with lenses of a new size and appearance. These new lenses were larger, taller, and more oval in shape, often referred to as “snowflake” or “baby” taillights. These “snowflake” lenses were made of glass, featuring a flat surface with beveled edges, moving away from the curved design of the “eggshell”. A single 6-volt, dual-filament bulb was now utilized to handle both stop and turn signal functions, a necessity since semaphores were no longer in use on US-spec Beetles.
It’s crucial to understand that the introduction of both “vw egg” and “snowflake” taillights for the US market was directly linked to the outlawing of semaphore turn signals in the United States. This regulatory change necessitated a different approach to rear lighting, leading to these distinct taillight variations.
Worldwide Adoption and Relocation
By August 1955, the “snowflake” taillight style, initially introduced for the US market in May, became the standard for Beetles worldwide. Simultaneously, another significant change was implemented: the taillights were repositioned higher on the rear fenders, moved upwards by 60mm (approximately 2.4 inches). This relocation was essential to ensure visibility of the taillights above the newly introduced overrider-style bumpers, which were standard on US-specification cars.
This explains why on a genuine 1955 US-spec Beetle, the taillights can appear somewhat obscured when viewed directly from behind, especially with the American-style bumpers.
Decoding the 1955 Beetle Puzzle
The 1955 Beetle year model is indeed a unique and sometimes perplexing period in VW history. It’s not uncommon to encounter 1955 Beetles with a mix of features, such as grooved doors without semaphores, batwing steering wheels, and bullet-style front turn signals. This combination of features, while seemingly inconsistent, reflects the transitional nature of this model year.
However, a key identifier for a 1955 Beetle (characterized by grooved doors, flat seat rails, and a heater knob positioned between the seats) without semaphores is the presence of “vw egg” taillights. Unless it’s an export model manufactured between May and August 1955, which would then sport “snowflake” lights, the “eggshell” taillights are a strong indicator. The period between May and August 1955 represents a particularly nuanced timeframe. It’s also important to remember that April 1955 marked the beginning of production for the 1956 model year. Therefore, a 1955 Beetle produced before April and equipped with semaphores should logically have “heart” taillights. There would be no functional reason to have a dual-filament bulb taillight alongside semaphore turn signals, as flashing rear turn signals and semaphores are not designed to operate simultaneously. The distinct taillight designs for the US market were precisely to address this integration of turn signals and brake lights.
Understanding the evolution of “vw egg” and “snowflake” taillights is crucial for accurately identifying and appreciating the nuances of the 1955 Volkswagen Beetle, particularly for enthusiasts and restorers aiming for historical accuracy.
