Hand crank starting a 51 split window beetle
 

Neat mechanism for positioning the starter crank... somebody tell this guy to take the shoulder bag off first...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OUsOT_Rtzg

Didn't beetles have a hand crank until close to the end ?

I used to start my 58 with a rope, had spool bolted under the generator washers. Mine had brand new bumpers that cost $28.75 each complete with al hardware including guards and overrider tubes (US version).

44 years ago.

regards
Mech

That was back before VW forgot what "people's car" meant.

I think they probably wanted to, along with who came up with the name.

My mom's '75 didn't have the crank, and my brothers '60 and '62 don't have it either I don't think, at least he's never mentioned and I can't recall any guide on the bumper like this '51 has. Check this out, those with nostalgia for the rope-pulley-start method:
Ask the Best and Brightest: What was the Last Crank Start Car? UPDATE: Contest Added – Win a New Car! | The Truth About Cars

Who needs starters anyways? :D

My '60 Micro has provision in the sheetmetal for it but none of the hardware.

My civic now has two unused pulleys on the engine from the AC and the PS... I wonder about a pull cord starter, though I suspect it would be a lot harder than a lawnmover or event the old VWs.