The GSR nameplate made its debut in late 1972 as a limited-edition version of the 1303S, created in response to the demands of speed enthusiasts. The acronym GSR represents Gleb Schwarzer Renner, translating to Yellow Black Racer in German. Despite its name, the modifications were primarily aesthetic. The GSR distinguished itself from the regular 1303S with its vibrant yellow exterior, which featured flat black accents on the hood, deck lid, bumpers, and nearly all exterior trim.

Impressive showers of sparks fly from the front ends of Super Beetle bodies on the welding line transfer belt at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg or possibly Emden in the mid-1970s