Thought I'd post some new ones

[ford_a_30]

The logical explanation is that the initial VWs produced did not have the black highlighted motors, just bare metal. The early misspelled base VWs without motor paint may have had red tailights as detailing, and are uncommon to find. At some point before the base spelling correction, the engines were detailed with black paint intentionally to highlight the impressive detailing of it's casting. I believe the black engine detailing took the place of the red tailights during that period of time. The black factory motor painting carried through the base corrected spelling change for a time as on Chris.Okell's, and then was discontinued.
Could you Please check your misspelled base VW without black engine for the early red detailed tailights ford_a_30? Nick has published that they are rare enough where he has never seen a VW with them, but both of my misspelled bases without black motors have them. kwakers

Dick, seems plausible enough. My mispelt VW lacks the elusive red taillights you mention.