The Gelb-Schwarzer Renner (or yellowblack racer, to English-speaking readers) was a motorsport-themed special edition Beetle built in limited numbers, and offered only to the home (German) market. Launched in December 1972, the GSR proved to be an instant hit – in fact, it took less than two months to sellthe full quota of 3500 units!
Based on the recently-launched and highly-acclaimed 1303S-model Beetle, the GSR was already blessed with luxuries such as front disc brakes, McPherson strut front suspension, Porsche-inspired independent rear suspension, taller gearing and, of course, the legendary 50bhp 1600cc twin-port engine. On top of this, the GSR also gained 5.5-inch-wide (ET 26) ‘sport’ wheels, fitted with high-performance radial tyres measuring 175/70, at each corner – but that’s about as far as the mechanical modifications went! From here on it was all about image (with the possible exception of the factory-fitted fire extinguisher, which was considered to be a ‘safety’ item).
The interior of the GSR played a major part in the overall concept, with the sport seats and leather-trimmed steering-wheel offering the feel of a modified street racer. There were also other more subtle touches, such as the pocketless black vinyl door panels and basic dashboard trim, which added to the lightweight, race theme.
But it was the brash exterior overhaul that really made this particular special edition model work so well. Every GSR was painted L13M Saturngelb (Saturn Yellow), with the bonnet and boot lids painted L41 Mattschwarz (Matt Black). The quarter-light frames in each door, most exterior trim and both bumpers were also painted Matt Black yet, in most cases, the side mirrors, headlight trim rings and some other smaller trim parts retained their more usual chromed finish.
If you’ve ever seen a Saturn Yellow and Matt Black GSR (or one of the many lookalikes out there) on the road or at a show, you’ll understand why they were such a hit. While offering no real performance gains over the regular 1303S, the visual impact of the GSR suggests a motorsport heritage and pedigree, even to the modern motorist!
However, not every GSR retained the stock 1584cc factory motor. Within the GSR owner’s pack was a list of recommended performance specialists, which offered a range of tuning and styling products. These included companies such as Autohaus Nordstadt and Firma Theo Decker of Essen, which could supply various engine packages and tuning modifications for the air-cooled VW motor.
More than 30 years on, it is estimated by the GSR Register that less than 100 examples may have survived the test of time. And, having spoken with Dutch GSR owner Marnix Kraaij, owner of the trickedout racer you see here, it seems that only 11 of those currently registered GSRs are located in Holland right now.
