The Volkswagen Beetle was nearing the end of its U.S. run in 1977, after having been sold here for nearly 30 years (although it would continue to be sold in other countries). For the standard Beetle's final year in showrooms, it came with a few upgrades, including redesigned door panels and pedals, and new redesigned front seats with improved back adjustments and separate headrests.

In addition, the Beetle Convertible was available in a limited Champagne Edition, which came with Alpine White paint, gold exterior stripes, a white interior, rosewood trim on the dashboard, sports wheels, and whitewall tires.

The standard Beetle came with an air-cooled, rear-mounted, fuel-injected four-cylinder engine that generated 58 horsepower. A four-speed manual transmission, dual braking system, four-wheel independent suspension, and flow-through ventilation system were also part of the package.

Standard features for the Beetle included seat belts for the driver and passengers, two-speed windshield wipers with a pneumatic washer system, swiveling sun visors, coat hooks, assist straps, folding rear seats, and luggage space under the front hood and in a three-foot carpeted compartment behind the rear seats. A convertible top was optional.