Smiths 80mm Tachometer (0-6000 RPM), Brown Dial / Chrome Bezel | VW Type 1 & 2

Add period-correct RPM instrumentation to your air-cooled VW with the Smiths Industries 80mm Tachometer. Built in classic British styling and made in the UK, this gauge delivers accurate engine-speed readings for VW Type 1 & 2 restorations and custom builds.

The tachometer connects to the standard ignition coil negative terminal on a 4-cylinder, single-coil engine, so it reads cleanly on both points-style and modern electronic ignition setups.

Vehicle Fitment

• VW Type 1: Beetle / Karmann Ghia
• VW Type 2: Bus / Transporter
• Ignition: Points-style or modern electronic ignition (single coil, 4-cylinder)

Why Choose Smiths?

Smiths Industries has built automotive instrumentation in Britain for nearly a century — originally as OE supplier to Jaguar, Triumph, MG, and the rest of the classic British marques. Today the Smiths instrument range remains the gold standard for restorers who want their dashboards to look the way they did when the car left the factory. Smiths gauges have a recognizable look: clean dial face, the distinctive Smiths typeface, and the characteristic chrome or black 'V' bezel.

Key Features & Benefits

• Period-Correct Styling: Classic British dial face and Smiths typeface for an authentic restoration look.
• Accurate RPM Display: Connects to the ignition coil negative terminal for reliable engine-speed readings.
• Broad Ignition Compatibility: Works with points-style or modern electronic ignition (single coil, 4-cylinder).
• Made in the UK: Manufactured by Smiths Industries, the long-standing name in classic-car instrumentation.

Technical Specifications

• EMPI Part #: 14-1131-0
• Size: 80mm
• Range: 0-6000 RPM
• Dial: Brown
• Bezel: Chrome
• UPC: 707924551310
• Origin: Made in the UK

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where does this tachometer connect? It connects to the standard ignition coil negative terminal on a 4-cylinder, single-coil engine.
• Will it work with electronic ignition? Yes — it monitors RPM on points-style or modern electronic ignition (single coil, 4-cylinder).
• Where is it made? It is made in the UK by Smiths Industries.
• Does it fit my VW? It is set up for VW Type 1 (Beetle, Karmann Ghia) and Type 2 (Bus) with a single-coil, 4-cylinder engine.
• What size and range is it? 80mm, 0-6000 RPM, brown dial with a chrome bezel. Part number 14-1131-0.

Explore Related Categories

Complete your build: Gauges & Instruments, Ignition, All Air-Cooled VW.