What type of turn signal, using illuminated flip-out arms, did early Volkswagen Beetles use?

Early Volkswagen Beetles used semaphore turn signals, also called trafficators, with illuminated arms that flipped outward from the body.

Instead of flashing lamps mounted at the corners, a driver’s electrical switch caused a small horizontal arm to extend from the B-pillar area. The arm carried a light, making the intended direction visible from the side and front or rear. This system was especially characteristic of pre-1960 Beetles.

Semaphore indicators were a practical solution in an era when vehicle lighting was simpler and traffic speeds were lower. They also explain why early Beetles have distinctive narrow housings on their sides. Later cars adopted conventional flashing directional lamps, which were easier to see from more angles and worked better in modern traffic.

The change did not happen worldwide at exactly the same moment. Conventional flashers replaced the traditional VW semaphore signals for North America in 1955, while worldwide replacement followed by 1961. “Semaphore” refers to the projecting illuminated arm—not to reflective side markers or hand-signal flags.