should I be extra concerned about anything (...trany fluids etc.) when starting a 1965 vw beetle 1200cc after it has been sitting for 17yrs

I would suggest that first you should make sure that you change the engine's oil and for the trany I think it's better to add new oil and to have good mixture and the to have the right level.

Before starting get a low viscosity oil into engine. This will help loosen up any rust on internal engine parts. Put some oil (marvel mystery oil) in gas. This will help get some upper cylinder lubrication going on right away. Also before starting pull the plugs and put just a small amount of light weight engine oil into each cylinder and turn engine over a few times before starting. This will lube up those dry cylinder walls. Then get the engine up to temp for a short time and drain the oil into a clear container to see how much debris you broke loose inside the engine. If there is considerable amount repeat this process again. Be very diligent in looking for mouse nests and other debris in, on or around engine causing problems. Especially look in the intake for such material. You don't want to suck some dirt into engine. As far as the tranny I would run the car a little and then change the oil there as well you'll want to make sure you get any and all moisture out of tranny sooner than later to avoid corrosion. Don't be in a hurry to get engine running. The steps you take before running the engine will determine how well you "save" the engine.