The Silver Bug celebrated the production of the 20 millionth Beetle on 15 May, 1981 in Puebla, Mexico. The Silver Bug came with the 1200/34hp engine, Metallic Diamond Silver (97A) paintwork, silver wheel trims, black side stripes, 20m badge on engine cover, black and white tartan seat upholstery with matching door and side panels, padded dashboard, MW/VHF radio, heated rear window and commemorative key fob and gear shift knob. The louvred engine cover was discontinued after 30 July, 1981.

2,000 initially produced and a further 1,700 in a second edition from February 1982.