Paraplegic center driver from the look of it.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3073717&sid=c50c83fd67fd28b2a2e8ee 3f1e3a216a#3073717
The footwell on the Beetle has a pronounced taper. That 31 3/4" dimension is right around the location of the pedals. Fixed in the Ghia and Type III pans.
"Volkswagon" Heh.