Back in the mid-20th century, cars were not as reliable as they are today. Breakdowns were a common occurrence, especially in the 1950s and 60s. However, the silver lining was that car owners often had the know-how and the tools to fix problems themselves, right on the roadside. Car manufacturers understood this and typically provided basic toolkits with new vehicles. For Volkswagen Beetle owners seeking something more comprehensive and stylish, German toolmakers like Hazet offered exceptional aftermarket kits, such as the sought-after vintage kit we discovered on eBay.
As someone who has assembled my share of emergency toolkits for road trips, I truly appreciate the ingenuity of this Hazet design. The tools are not only high quality and practical, but they also fit neatly into a robust metal case. What’s particularly clever is that this case is designed to fit snugly inside the spare tire, which in a Volkswagen Beetle is conveniently located in the front trunk (frunk). For anyone who values organization and preparedness on the road, a well-organized, out-of-the-way tool kit like this is ideal. The fact that someone else has already curated a selection of essential tools is a significant bonus.
Hazet produced various versions of these tool kits, but the most popular was the standard VW kit, often referred to as the “Tourist” model. Introduced in 1950, these kits were continuously manufactured, with minor modifications, until 1967. Interestingly, the evolution of the tool kits mirrored the changes in the Volkswagen Beetle itself. A prime example is the original kit’s 36-mm open-end wrench. In 1956, a 21-mm wrench was added to the opposite end; this addition directly corresponded to the change in size of the generator nut on the Beetle engine, demonstrating Hazet’s commitment to keeping the kits perfectly aligned with the needs of Beetle owners.
Finding complete and well-preserved vintage Hazet tool kits today is quite rare. This scarcity explains the sometimes high prices they command, like the $1000 price tag seen on some examples. While it’s certainly possible to assemble a similar set of tools for less money, you simply can’t replicate the cool factor and historical authenticity of an original, fitted vintage kit. Ultimately, while having a tool kit is essential for any car owner, especially when driving a classic Beetle, we all hope that you rarely need to use it by the side of the road. Tools are made for use, but working on your car in the comfort of your garage is always preferable, no matter how impressive your tool kit may be.
The interior of these kits even included a helpful diagram illustrating exactly how each tool should be placed, ensuring everything was kept organized and secure.
Click below for more about
