Volkswagen continued to prosper, turning out 876,255 cars from its factories for the 1962 model year starting in August 1961. Of that number, 182,129 Beetles went to the U.S. Of those, 174,960 were Sedans and 7169 were Cabriolets. Volkswagen’s share of the import market was now 56.8 percent. Prices remained the same with the 1962 Deluxe Sedan costing $1595, the Sunroof Sedan $1685 and the Cabriolet $2095.

Technical advances included a fuel gauge at last, rather than a one-gallon reserve when you ran out. Steering was redesigned to a worm and roller system, larger taillights were introduced, and a pair of spring loaded rods supported the hood, ending years of clueless gas station attendants bending the hood trying to pull it down against a fixed rod.

Three-point seat belt mounts were added, seat runners were now longer, and door hinges made opening and closing the doors easier. A steering lock was developed to reduce thefts and the semaphore signals were replaced by flashers across the entire line.

Ten exterior colors were offered for the 1962 Volkswagen Beetle Sedans, but two were for the Standard model, which was very rare. Colors were Black (L41); Pearl White (L87); Jupiter Gray (L225 Standard only); Rush Green (L344 Standard only); Turquoise (L380); Gulf Blue (L390); Pastel Blue (L391); Ruby Red (L456); Anthracite (L469); Beryl Green (L478).

Eleven Cabriolet colors were listed. They were Black (L41); Poppy Red (L54); Pearl White (L87); Turquoise (L380); Gulf Blue (L390); Pacific Blue (L398); Ruby Red (L456); Anthracite (L469); Beryl Green (L478); Yukon Yellow (L10009); Brunswick Blue (L100018).

Interiors could be cloth, leatherette, or combined. Cloth colors were Derby Grey, Medium Grey, Olive or Turquoise. Leatherette options were Silver Beige, True Red, and Soft Beige. Interior colors were coordinated with exterior paint. Sunroofs were Black, Pearl White, Jupiter Grey, Jade Green, Turquoise, Gulf Blue, Ruby Red, Anthracite and Beryl Green. Convertible tops were Black, Mouse Grey, Silver Grey, Blue Green and Olive Green. Headliners were now white vinyl with black spots and much easier to clean. Rubber mats were Gray.