Worldwide Volkswagen sales rebounded slightly for 1973 to 1,128,784 and rebounded in the U.S. as well, to 350,357 Beetles and Super Beetles, of which 7567 were Cabriolets. The major change for the 1973 Beetle involved a curved panoramic windshield for the Super Beetle that was 43 percent bigger than the old one. The Beetles also got a padded safety dash designed to accommodate an airbag, improved ventilation with face-level vents, 5-mph bumpers, new front seats, huge “elephant foot” taillights, brighter headlights and a 24/24 warranty. The rear engine cooling vents were designed with four stacks of louvers across the tail.

The base 1973 Beetle Sedan still cost $1780, but the Sunroof Sedan now cost $2299. The Super Beetle increased to $2459 and the Cabriolet jumped almost $500, to $3050.