On late Beetles, the 4 ways work with no key in the ignition.
The strangest thing is the headlights. On some late cars the headlights will go out when you turn the key off (but the running lights stay on). Then on others, the lights can be on mit the key in your pocket.
My June 74's lights go out when the key's off, but my Aug 74 (MY 75), the lights stay on. My brother's 73 Super's lights went off with the key. My 72 Super's lights stayed on.
Jag, what do your 75's lights do?