Few changes arrived for 1956 Volkswagen Beetles, but as VW’s network increased in size, sales continued to rise, and 326,428 Sedans and 6762 Cabriolets were produced. In the U.S, Volkswagen sold 50,111 cars and the company held 50.9 percent of import car sales, although this was still a time when the vast majority of Americans still drove domestics.

Beetle prices were reduced. The 1956 Beetle Deluxe Sedan cost $1495, the Sunroof Sedan was $1575 and the Cabriolet was cut to $1995. Paint colors were changed during the year. Early cars until March 1956 were the same as 1955, but from April through July and the 1957 model’s launch they could be Black (L41), Jupiter Gray (L225), Agave Green (L240), Polar Silver (L324), Horizon Blue (L331), Coral Red (L351), Prairie Beige (L378) and Diamond Green (L412).

Cloth interiors were now Light Beige, Light Gray, Blue or Copper Red. Leatherette interiors were a combination of Light Beige and Light Gray, Light Green. Headliners were Beige, Gray or Brown Beige and carpets could be Gray Beige, Gray Blue or Honey Brown, depending on body color.

Cabriolet colors through March 1956 were Black (L41), Poppy Red (L54), Strato Silver (L227), Inca Red (L258), Almond Green (L316), Dolphin Gray (L320), Shetland Gray (L329), Nile Beige (L370) and Sepia Silver (L374). Tops were Light Gray, Beige, Black, Dark Blue, Green and Brown. Cloth interiors were Gray, Beige, Black, Light Gray, Dark Blue, Sahara Beige and Brown. Leatherette colors were Light Beige Tomato Red, Gray Black, Blue, Red, Reddish Beige, and Yellow Beige in color keyed combinations. Carpets were Honey Brown, Gray Beige, Gray Green and red.

From April to July 1956 Cabriolet colors remained the same except Inca Red (L258) and Coral red (L351) replaced Poppy Red, Horizon Blue (L331) and Deep Blue (L336) were added. Convertible top, Cloth interior colors stayed the same; Black leatherette color was canceled.

Technical improvements included the distributor being sealed against dust, and an extra fan belt was no longer included in the tool kit. The engine no longer required a break-in period, the brake light lost its top lens, dual filament blubs were introduced, and taillights were moved further up on the fenders. Tubeless tires were also introduced.

U.S. Beetles gained bumper over-riders and the windshield was now made of shatter-proof glass. Inside, the two-spoke steering wheel had lower spokes for an easier view of gauges and the Export Sedans had attractive door panels in vinyl and cloth.