Volkswagen marked its 20-year anniversary by building 564,416 Beetle sedans and 10,991 cabriolets, while 88,857 Sedans and 4,180 Cabriolets were registered in the U.S. The company reported it had built 2.5 million vehicles, was the largest seller of imported cars in the U.S. and the fourth largest manufacturer in the world.

Numerous technical changes affected 1959 Volkswagen Beetles, starting in September 1958. The rear hood release was relocated nearer the steering column, the dash was padded and a grab handle added and the sun visors were now padded instead of plastic. Tie rods were evened in length for improved steering and the carburetor and distributor were improved. The four-speed gearbox now fully synchromesh and top speed was claimed to be 75 mph, along with 35-40 mpg. Motor Trend reported performance was modest, with 0-60 mph in 31.4 seconds and a quarter mile in 24.9 seconds at 51 mph. However, a Weber stroker kit slashed those figures to 17 seconds for 0-60 mph and 20.9 seconds for a quarter mile, at 58 mph.

Sedan colors and codes were Mignonette Green (L14), Black (L41), Jupiter Gray (L225), Diamond Gray (L243), Capri Blue (L335), Kalahari Beige (L343), Rush Green (L344), Garnet Red (L358) and Fjord Blue (L434). Sunroof colors were color coded to paint. Cloth/vinyl interior colors were Green Gray, Gray Green, Blue Gray, Blue, Medium Gray, Brown Gray, and Red Brown, available in various two-tones. Leatherette colors were Blue Gray, Red, Green Gray and Brown Gray. Headliners were Gray or Beige, carpets were Gray Black and rubber mats Gray or Black.

Cabriolet colors were Black (L41), Bamboo Green (L241), Inca Red (L258), Shetland Gray (L329), Pearl Blue (L333) and Alabaster Gray (L473). Cloth/vinyl interiors were Blue Gray/Red, Green Gray/Green, Light Beige, Green, Brown Gray/Light Beige, Blue Gray, Brown Gray/Light Brown. Leatherette colors were the same. Convertible tops were Light Gray, Black, Beige, Green and Brown. Headliners could be Light Gray or Beige, carpets were Gray or Honey Brown and rubber mats were Gray.