Volkswagen Brasilia

The Volkswagen Brasilia was a compact car made in Brazil between 1973 and 1982.

The Brasilia (named after Brazil's capital city) looked like a three-door version of Volkswagen 412 Station Wagon, but was in fact based on Volkswagen Beetle. It was developed by Volkswagen do Brasil, which had at the time a unique and somewhat exotic line of cars, which spawned such rarities as the SP2. The Brasilia was equipped with the Volkswagen air cooled engine.


Volkswagen Brasília

Manufacturer:

Volkswagen

Production:

1973–1982

Class:

Economy car

Engine(s): 1.600 cm3

Length: 4.01 metres (157.9 in)

Curb weight: 890 kg (1962 lb)

Related:

Volkswagen Beetle

Designer: Marcio Piancastelli

History

On September 1970, Volkswagen of Brazil's president Rudolf Leiding made a challenge for the company's major designers. He wanted to recreate the Beetle but with a Brazilian flair and with the Brazilian market in mind. At that time, the Beetle, the Bus and the Karmann-Ghia were the only air-cooled VWs that proved successful in Brazil. For Leiding, the new Volkswagen should be practical, economical and larger than the Beetle as well as utilize reliable German engineering.

In three months, more than 40 prototypes were made, most of them with bold designs, with wide, inclined windshields. But the prototypes were expensive and VW was looking for a new cheap car, to compete with the brand new Chevette, from Chevrolet.

When the final design was ready and the car was to be put in production, a then unknown automotive reporter successfully spotted some of the vehicles in trial runs in the factory's vicinity. After failed attempts to drive the reporter away, some security personnel fired against his car, triggering a minor commotion in the Brazilian media. The subsequent fuzz triggered an official apology from Volkswagen, and boosted the sales of the magazine which brought the protographs (Quatro Rodas) and that reporter career (Cláudio Larangeira), who was immediately hired by Quatro Rodas.

The sales begun in 1973, and the production model featured a front end much like the same as the German 412, and the back resembled a scaled down Brazilian Variant. It was also the first Brazilian hatchback with five doors, but this version, however, was produced in a small proportion.

The total production of VW Brasilia reached over one million vehicles. Some were exported to Chile, Portugal, Bolivia, Perú, Venezuela, Paraguay and Uruguay. starting in March 1976., in CKD kits to Nigeria, where it was renamed Igala. The only other country in which the Brasilia was assembled, was Mexico, where it was produced between 1974 and 1982.

Engine and Transmission

At its debut, the Brasilia had a 4-cylinder, air-cooled boxer engine with one carburetor. The rear-engine, rear-wheel drive had a gearbox with 4 speeds. In the 80's, Volkswagen also offered an alcohol-engine option, with 1300 cc and 49 hp. The 1974 Volkswagen Brasilia, with dual carburetors, could run 10.4 km with one liter of gasoline on a highway. The urban fuel consumption is around 14 km/L.

Performance

The Brazilian car magazine Quatro Rodas made a comparative test between the VW Brasilia and its main competitor, the GM Chevette, in March 1980. In the acceleration test, Chevette proved to be quicker than the air-cooled VW: as the Chevrolet took 19,7 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph), the Brasilia did the same thing, but with 23 seconds. Chevette's max speed was 138 km/h (86 mph) and Brasilia could reach only 129 km/h (80 mph). At the fuel consumption test, the Chevrolet won again, making 15,4 km/L. The Volkswagen ran 13,4 km/L on that day. Due to its rear-engine rear-drive, the car wasn't very stable at high speeds and some Brasilia owners modified the car's suspension to make the VW lower (and thus more stable). Some people also changed the 5,90 x 14 original tires to 175/80-14 radial tires. To stop the car, Brasilia was equipped with disk brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels.

Safety

At 1977, Brasilia started to use dual circuit brakes and its steering wheel was modified to be safer in case of collision.

Retirement

The Brasilia was a successful model, with a good reputation of reliability and very popular in its time of production. Despite its Type 1 underpinnings, the car was perceived as a modern looking urban car (at least when put against the then-current VW line). It was so well received that Volkswagen do Brasil even considered in 1975 the production of a front engined, water cooled version in order to replace the aging Beetle. However the final decision was to project and build an all new front engined vehicle - the Volkswagen Gol. When the 1.3l engined hatchback debuted it was no direct threat to the Brasilia, but with the adoption of a more powerful 1.6l aircooled engine, the company choose the new project to compete against the Fiat 147, the Ford Corcel and the Chevrolet Chevette.

External links:

VW Brasília history (in Portuguese)

VW Brazil History & Pictures (in Portuguese)

Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

Manufacturer: Volkswagen

Production: Germany 1955–1974

445,238 built

Coupé: 364,401

Cabriolet: 80,837

Brazil 1962-1975

41,689 built

Coupé: 23,393

Cabriolet: 177

TC: 18,119

Assembly:

Osnabrück, Germany
Sao Bernardo do Campo, Brazil

Successor: Volkswagen Scirocco

Class: Sports car

Body style(s)

2-door convertible
2-door coupe

Layout RR layout

Engine(s)

1.5 & 1.6 L F4

Related

Volkswagen Beetle
Designer Luigi Segre

The Karmann Ghia was marketed from 1955 to 1974 by Volkswagen as a 2+2 coupe and as a convertible — both incorporating the commonplace chassis and mechanicals of the Type 1, evocative styling by the Italian carrozzeria Ghia, and hand-built bodywork by German coach-builder Karmann.

The combination proved instantly successful for VW; production doubled soon after its introduction, and the Karmann Ghia became the most imported car in the U.S. American industrial designer Walter Dorwin Teague selected the Karmann Ghia for his list of the world's most beautifully designed products.

Volkswagen introduced a later variant in 1961, the Type 34 Karmann Ghia — featuring a less curvacious bodywork and based on the newly introduced Type 3 platform.

Over 445,000 Karmann Ghias were produced in Germany over the car's production life — not including the Type 34 variant. Karmann Brazil produced 41,600 cars locally for South America between 1962 and 1975.

1970s Volkswagen Karmann Ghia coupe

History

The Karmann Ghia debuted at the October 1953 Paris Auto Show as a styling concept created for Ghia by Luigi Segre.

In the early 1950s, Volkswagen was producing small, fuel efficient, reliable automobiles (like the Type 1). As the world recovered from World War II, consumers began to demand more stylish and elegant vehicles. Executives at Volkswagen decided to produce an "image" car for post-war buyers. The Karmann Ghia, VW's venture into the sports car market, was created in 1956. While it had limited power for a sports car, its stylish looks and reasonable price made sales strong.

Volkswagen contracted with German coachbuilder Karmann to build this car. Karmann in turn contracted the Italian firm Ghia for a sports car design. Ghia took an existing, but unused, design (originally intended for Chrysler or Studebaker) and modified it to fit a slightly modified Beetle floorpan which had been widened some 12inches (300 mm).

The body and nose of the Karmann Ghia were handcrafted and significantly more expensive to produce than the assembly line-produced Beetle, which was reflected in the Karmann Ghia's higher price. Instead of fenders bolted and pre-welded together, as with the Beetle, body panels were butt-welded and hand-shaped and smoothed with English Pewter in a time-consuming and expensive process. At the time the Ghia was built, only the manufacturers of the finest cars took similar care.

The design and prototype were well received by Volkswagen executives, and in August 1955 the first Karmann Ghia was manufactured in Osnabrück, Germany. Public reaction to the curvy Karmann Ghia was excellent, and over 10,000 were sold in the first year, exceeding Volkswagen's expectations.

Since all Karmann Ghias used the same Volkswagen air cooled engine as the Beetle, the car was not suitable as a true sports car, but the car's styling and "Beetle reliable" parts compensated for this shortfall. The Karmann Ghia also shared engine development with the Beetle as the Type 1 engine grew larger over time, finally arriving at an engine displacement of 1584 cc which produced about 60 horsepower (45 kW).

In August 1957, a cabriolet (convertible) version was introduced. Although often called the "1958 model" by some, the Detroit automakers' trend of calling models manufactured in August of a year as the next year's model was not adopted by Germany until at least 1965. In August 1964, the Vehicle Identification Number on VWs started showing the last digit of the year as the 3rd digit of the VIN. As with other automobiles, multiple changes were made to VW models during the model years, including early Ghias.

Notable exterior changes in 1961 included the car's new wider, finned front grilles, raised headlight relocation, and rear taillight lenses which became taller and more rounded. Cars made from 1955 to 1959 are referred to as "lowlights," due to the lower placement of the headlights.

In 1970 larger tail lights integrated the reverse lights and larger wrap-around turn signals in contrast to the earlier "bullet" style lights. VW models of this era have earned the slang nickname fat chicks. Larger and wider tailights in 1972 increased side visibility. 1973 modifications included larger energy-absorbing bumpers and the provision of a package shelf in lieu of the modest rear seat.

In late 1974, the car was replaced by the Rabbit/Golf-based Volkswagen Scirocco.

Type 34 Karmann Ghia

1966 VW Type 34 Karmann Ghia in Melbourne, Australia

1966 VW Type 34 Karmann Ghia in Melbourne, Australia

VW Type 34 Karmann Ghia and the car that replaced it, the VW-Porsche 914

Volkswagen 1600 Karmann Ghia

Volkswagen 1600 Karmann Ghia

In 1961, Volkswagen introduced the Type 34 Karmann Ghia, based on its new Type 3 platform. It was the launch vehicle for Volkswagen's new 1500 cc engine. It was the fastest, most luxurious, and most expensive Volkswagen at the time. The designer is a joung italian engineer, Sergio Sartorelli.Due to model confusion with the release of the Type I 1500 in 1967, the public dubbed the Type 34 the "Razor's Edge Ghia" in England, "Der Große Karmann" (the big Karmann) in Germany and "European Ghia" in the United States.

One interesting option introduced in 1963 was an electrically operated sliding steel sunroof — a feature copied from its Porsche cousin, which introduced it in 1961. The styling was more squared-off, versus the curved appearance of the original Karmann Ghia, offering more interior and cargo room.

Until it was replaced by the VW-Porsche 914, it was the most expensive and luxurious passenger car VW manufactured in the 1960s – back then you could have purchased two basic Beetles for the price of one Type 34 Karmann Ghia in many markets. The comparatively high price meant it never generated high demand, and only 42,505 (plus 17 prototype convertibles) were built over the car’s entire production life between 1962 and 1969 (roughly 5,000 a year). Today, the Type 34 is considered a semi-rare collectible.

Although the Type 34 Karmann Ghia was available in most countries, it was never “officially” sold in the USA – VW’s largest and most important export market – another reason for its low sales numbers. Many still made their way to the USA (most via Canada), and the USA has the largest number of known Type 34s left in the world (400 of the total 1,500 to 2,000 or so remaining).

Like its Type 14 brother, the Type 34 was styled by the Italian design studio Ghia. There are some similar styling influences, but the Type 14 Ghia looks very different from the Type 34. The chassis is also a major difference between the cars: the Type 14 Ghia shares its chassis with a Beetle, whereas the Type 34 body is mounted on the Type 3 chassis and drive train (the same as in a Squareback/Notchback/Fastback) – all distinguished by a flattened “pancake” engine that provides a front and rear boot. The Type 34 is consequently mechanically the same as other Type 3s. That, however, is where the similarities end. All bodywork, interior, glass, bumpers, and most of the lenses are unique to the Type 34. Restoring a stripped or heavily damaged Type 34 is consequently close to impossible when you consider there are only 1,500–2,000 cars left in the world (including salvage cars).

The Wilhelm Karmann factory assembly line which assembled the Type 34 also produced the Porsche 914 — the Type 34's replacement.

Karmann Ghia TC

VW Karmann-Ghia TC

The Karmann Ghia TC was developed to replace the Type 1 based Karmann Ghia in Brazil. It was built from 1970 to 1975 and given the Type 145 designation. It was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro at the Italdesign studios in Turin, Italy. The TC (Touring Coupe) was based on the Brazilian Type 3, as such, it has the Type 3's drivetrain and running gear.

External links:

The Online Karmann Ghia Resource

Karmann Ghia at the Open Directory Project

Tour of the Type 34

Beetle in a Cocktail Dress: The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

UK Karmann Ghia Association Website

The Karmann Ghia Connection

The Italian Karmann Ghia Club

Volkswagen Microbus Concept

The Volkswagen Microbus Concept Car (also known as the Volkswagen New Microbus and Volkswagen Microbus Concept) was a concept car recalling the original Volkswagen Microbus and first presented at the 2001 North American International Auto Show.

The new Microbus was completely modern compared to its predecessor, featuring a 7-inch screen in the center console and a second ceiling located 7-inch screen to allow allowed the driver to see behind the vehicle.

The Microbus was scheduled for production, but was canceled in early 2005. In 2005, VW instead announced that Chrysler would build minivans for Volkswagen in the United States.



The resulting Volkswagen Routan was released to the North American market in September 2008. Unrelated to the new Microbus, the Routan is a seven-seat minivan and is a rebadged variant of the Chrysler RT platform, fifth-generation Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country.

In September 2008, Autoblog reported that the Microbus Concept might actually be produced.



Volkswagen Microbus Home: Concept Car Database: Volkswagen Microbus

Volkswagen Microbus

The Microbus was designed in the Volkswagen design studio in California especially for the US market. The Microbus references an old tradition of campers and vans, starting in 1950 with the first VW bus. This Volkswagen was successful worldwide and reached cult status, especially in the USA, with the name Microbus. The design study is a new definition of this cult status: A contemporary expression of personality and freedom.



The Microbus offers 3 rows of seats. The middle centre seats can be turned through 180 degrees and the third row has been designed as a seat bench. Intelligent features such as these are characteristic of many features in the interior. The Microbus can be transformed into a veritable car cinema: The appropriate visual images are provided by a 7" screen in the centre console, four monitors in the backrests of the first and second rows as well as two extendable displays between the second and third rows.



A second 7 inch screen, located towards the front of the roof area, provides a view of what is behind the Microbus. The picture is provided by a so-called backeye camera. Along with both the exterior mirrors, this provides a comprehensive view of what is behind the vehicle.

Westfalia

Westfalia is the designation of various specially converted Volkswagen camper vans. It is named for Westfalia-Werke, the contractor that built the vans, which is headquartered in the town of Rheda-Wiedenbrück located in the Westphalia region of Germany.

Westfalia-Werke also converted non-VW vans, and made trailers and other products, but they were best known for their Volkswagen camper conversions. Westfalia began converting Volkswagen buses in 1951. Their famous "pop-top" package was added later, and became very popular on the second-generation VW Bus from 1968-1979, its successor the Vanagon, and then the T4 EuroVan, which was discontinued in 2003. This design also inspired many imitators, with dozens of other companies worldwide offering poptop van conversions. Therefore, not all pop-top Volkswagens are Westfalia conversions (although in the U.S., the Westfalia conversion was by far the most common). Conversely, not all Volkswagen Westfalia conversions had poptops or cooking facilities. Volkswagen offered a "Weekender" package in the 1970s with a Westfalia interior but no poptop. Later, some Vanagon conversions were offered with a pop-top and interior table, but lacked cooking facilities and instead included a luggable 12-volt refrigerator.

In 1999, DaimlerChrysler purchased a 49% stake in Westfalia-Werke's van conversion division, and in 2001 absorbed the remaining 51%. Of course, since DaimlerChrysler is a Volkswagen competitor, this spelled the end of the Volkswagen-Westfalia partnership. While Volkswagen still offers pop-top camper conversions in Europe, they now do the conversion themselves. Meanwhile, Westfalia now makes high-roof (rather than pop-top) factory camper conversions for Mercedes vans (distributed in the U.S. by Airstream and badged as Dodge Sprinters). They also provide automotive accessories to BMW, including trailer hitches.

In 2008, a management buyout occurred and Westfalia Van Conversion is now an independent entity. It still converts some vehicles for major car manufacturers which sell them through their own networks (such as the Ford Nugget) but also markets conversions through its own network of RV dealers. These models include the Ford based Big Nugget, VW based Sven Hedin and the new Michelangelo. This vehicle uses a Fiat Scudo chassis and is designed to be a major competitor to the Volkswagen California.

Volkswagen Transporter

Volkswagen Transporter is a reference to the following range of Volkswagen motor vehicles:

T1/T2

Volkswagen Type 1/2, generation T1 & T2

T1

T3

Volkswagen Type 2, generation T3/Vanagon/T25

T3/Vanagon/T25

T4

Volkswagen Transporter (T4), generation T4

T4

T5

Volkswagen Transporter (T5), generation T5

T5

Flexible-fuel

A modern T2 is still manufactured in Brazil as Volkswagen Kombi Total Flex, with a flexible-fuel engine that runs on any combination of gasoline and ethanol.

Brazilian 2006 T2 Total Flex

Volkswagen Transporter (T4)



Manufacturer Volkswagen

Also called Volkswagen Eurovan

Production 1991-2003

Assembly Hannover, Germany

Predecessor Volkswagen Vanagon

Successor Volkswagen Transporter (T5)

Volkswagen Routan (United States & Canada)

Class Minivan

Body style(s)
4-door minivan
3-door minivan

Layout Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive

Platform Volkswagen Group T platform

Engine(s)
1.8L I4
2.0L I4
2.5L I5
2.8L VR6
1.9L I4 Diesel
1.9L I4 Turbodiesel
2.4L I5 Diesel
2.5L I5 TDI

Transmission(s)
4-speed automatic
5-speed manual

Wheelbase 115.0 in (2921 mm)
Length 1991-97: 186.6 in (4740 mm)
1998-2003: 188.5 in (4788 mm)
Width 72.4 in (1839 mm)
Height 1991-97: 75.6 in (1920 mm)

1991-93 CV: 74.8 in (1900 mm)
1994-97 CV: 77.6 in (1971 mm)
1999-2003: 76.4 in (1941 mm)

The Volkswagen Transporter (known in North America as the Volkswagen Eurovan) was the first front-engined van produced by German automaker Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and is the successor of the Volkswagen Type 2 van. It is built on the Volkswagen Group T platform.

History

As early as the late 1970s, Volkswagen began to think about replacing their rear-engined Type 2 vans with a more modern, front-engined, water-cooled design, as they had very successfully done with their passenger cars earlier in that decade. The reason why in 1980 they still introduced the new rear-engined T3/Vanagon instead is unclear; the front-engined van was delayed until 1990.

T4 (1990–2003)

Early 1990s Multivan Allstar

Late 1990s Transporter Highroof Half-Panel long wheelbase

1998-2003 Volkswagen Eurovan (US)

The T4, released in 1990, was the first Transporter without a rear engine. This front-wheel drive model was available in two wheelbases, and being front-engined allowed a far greater diversity for special bodies - from wreckers to three-axled minibuses to large box-bodied ambulances, almost everything was possible. Transversely mounted engines with four, five and six cylinders, and especially the very popular TDI diesel engines with direct injection, brought the Transporter's performance back to state of the art, which couldn't really be said about either the T2 or T3.

Enthusiasts naturally bemoaned the death of the classic Type 2, but rationally it really was inevitable. The market proves it: the T4 was a tremendous success, and the introduction of its successor was delayed time and again due to unabated demand. After no less than 14 years, the T4 ceased production in 2003 (making it second only to the T1 for length of production in its home market), but it is rumoured to be resurrected for the Chinese market.

There was one major model change to the T4, in 1994, when the re-shaped front end was introduced. This was needed to fit the six-cylinder VR6 engine into the Transporter's engine bay. The commercial variants, however, which were not available with the VR6, retained the old look (although they were changed as well, they just still looked almost the same). Keeping with the Type 2's tradition, these two versions are called T4a and T4b respectively by enthusiasts.

The engine range has become rather too large to elaborate here. T4a were available with four- and five-cylinder engines, both petrol and diesel; the T4b saw not only the VR6, but also the five-cylinder TDI engines that since have replaced the traditional normally aspirated diesels.

T4 in US

The Eurovan, as the T4 generation was exported to North America from 1993 until 2003 (in the United States, the Eurovan was only sold in 1993, and again in 1999-2003, whereas it was not sold in Canada for 1997-98) only as a passenger version, except for those that were shipped to Winnebago Industries for conversion to either Campers, which were shipped to and sold by U.S. VW dealers, or to Rialtas, where were sold by Winnebago dealers directly. Smaller than a standard American delivery van, but larger than an American or Japanese passenger minivan, VW played up its size with the slogan, "EuroVan: There's nothing mini about it."

In the U.S., the models were:

The seven-seat Eurovan CL,GL, and GLS

The Eurovan MV, in which the second row of seats face the rear and are removable,

The third row converts into a bed, a folding table in the passenger area, window curtains, and a fluorescent lamp above table.

The Eurovan MV Weekender, an MV plus a Westfalia conversion that adds a pop-top roof, a second overhead bed, bug screens for side windows and rear hatch, utility battery, and standard refrigerator.

The Eurovan Camper, which is the long wheelbase commercial van converted by Winnebago Industries to include a pop-top roof, two two-person beds, seating for four (plus optional single or two-person center seats), a one cubic foot refrigerator that runs on propane, DC, or AC, a propane furnace, a closet, cabinets, sink with cold water and a gray water tank, a two-burner propane stove, two two-person dinette tables, coach battery, house lighting, and the two front bucket seats made to swivel around to face the dinette/kitchen area.

Engines

A 110 PS (108 hp/81 kW) 2.5 litre straight-5 petrol engine mounted in a MY 1995 European specification Volkswagen Caravelle T4.

Petrol engines

T5 (2003-present)

2004 Multivans

The fifth generation of the VW Transporter hit the market in Europe late in 2003. It is a direct successor to the T4 in its looks and utility value, unlike the Microbus concept car that VW had been showing around several years prior to the T5's introduction. The Microbus concept was almost produced, but Volkswagen scuttled plans for building it due to cost problems.

The T5 Transporter is not available in the United States and Canada in any form. Instead, Volkswagen offers the Volkswagen Routan, a passenger minivan based on Chrysler LLC's Dodge Caravan. The T5 Transporter, however, is still sold under the Eurovan nameplate in Mexico.

The T5 is the fifth generation of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles medium sized commercial Transporter and people mover Caravelle/Multivan ranges which. It was launched in 2003 and replaced the fourth generation T4 Transporter series.

Seven Passenger Multivan

Transporter
The Transporter is the commercial workhorse in the T5 range, available in many over 100 combinations such as short, medium or long wheelbases, low, medium or high roof lengths and it is available as a van, minibus, single or double cab dropside or chassis truck.

A brief view of the range:

T5 2007 High Roof Van

Delivery van without side windows or rear seats (Panel Van)

Delivery van with raised roof (Highroof Panel Van; there's also a third roof height available with the T5, between the two traditional ones)

Van with side windows only in the front half of the cargo area, and only one row of removable rear seats (Half-panel)

Flatbed truck (Pick-up), also available with wider load bed

Flatbed truck with double cab and two rows of seats (Crewcab Pick-up, in German Doppelkabiene)

Cab Chassis (both single and crewcab), for Coachbuilders to build special bodies onto

Van with side windows and removable rear seats (Kombi, from German
Kombinationskraftwagen (combination vehicle), i.e. both a passenger and a cargo vehicle combined. Also available with heightened roof)

Shuttle 9 seater minibus

Taxi, Police, Fire and Ambulance fit outs are made by VW through Special Order although this option is not available in all markets

Apart from these factory variants, there are a multitude of third-party conversions available, some of which are offered through the VW dealer organization. They include refrigerated vans, ambulances, police vans, fire engines, ladder trucks, and so on.

The full cargo payload potential of the Transporter is between 800 kg to 1.4 tonnes and load compartment volumes range from 5.8 m³ to 9.3 m³.

In Mexico the T5 Transporter range is marketed under the Eurovan nameplate.

People Movers - Kombi to Multivan

The T5 is also available in 6 to 9 seater people movers called Shuttle, Kombi, Caravelle and Multivan.

The entry level people mover in the Transporter range is the Kombi. It is available with every engine in the T5 range and is available in all roof heights and wheelbases. It can seat four to nine people. The Kombi is equipped with very basic features such as rubber flooring, heater for driver's compartment, and side panel trim and headlining in the driver's compartment. Optional features include central locking, air conditioning for front and rear compartments, electrically controlled & heated mirrors, sliding windows, ESP, side and curtain airbags, cruise control, electric windows, sunroof, and an electric sliding door.

The Shuttle, the next level up, is only available in SWB and LWB with the full engine range but is limited to the normal roof height. The Shuttle is able to seat seven to nine passengers. Standard features are moulded trim, a second heater, sunblinds for the passenger compartment, and a sliding window on the left hand side only. Optional extras over the Kombi include carpeting and an Appearance Package which includes colour coded bumpers, double folding rear 3 seater bench seat, and a luggage compartment light.

T5 Caravelle with conventional Seat Adjustment System‎

The Caravelle includes most of the Kombi and Shuttle features already standard plus ESP, ABS, Acceleration Slip Regulator (ASR), passengers seat with adjustable lumber support, air conditioning, electrically adjustable & heated mirrors, armrests for front seat passenger and driver. Optional features include Automatic Tailgate Power Closing system, and CD stackers. The Caravelle is only available in SWB or LWB with a maximum of seven seats.

T5 Multivan with Rail System

The Multivan is the top of the line people mover based on the T5 platform. Available as a six or seven seater, it has a unique rail feature in which seats can slide forward and backward into any configuration. Accessories are available like tables and refrigerators which fit into the rails to be secured or movable if necessary. The Multivan has all safety features as standard such as ABS, ESP, ASR, and front, side and curtain airbags. The Multivan is sold under the Caravelle nameplate in the UK.

Volkswagen is planning a facelift to the current T5 during the first half of 2009 with new engines being introduced, including newly developed high efficiency Diesel engines. There are no plans as yet to replace the T5 with an all new T6 in the next few years.

California

Kombi Beach

The T5 Kombi/Multivan Beach and California are Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles first inhouse designed and built motorhome range.

The Kombi Beach comes with just a fold-up bed, whereas the California is a fully equipped camper with beds, sinks, and fold up seat and tables.

T5 Engines

TDI

1.9L 4 cylinder TDI producing 62kW / 84 bhp @ 200Nm of torque.
1.9L 4 cylinder TDI producing 75kW / 102 bhp @ 250Nm of torque.
2.5L 5 cylinder TDI producing 96kW / 130 bhp @ 340Nm of torque.
2.5L 5 cylinder TDI producing 128kW / 174 bhp @ 400Nm of torque.

Petrol

2.0L 4 cylinder producing 85kW / 115 bhp @ 170Nm of torque.
3.2L 6 cylinder producing 173kW / 235bhp @ 315Nm of torque.

Awards

The T5 in 2008 was awarded a 4-star crash safety rating from the European New Car Assessment Program.

In the UK the popular commercial vehicle publication What Van ? awarded the T5 range the 2003 What Van? Van of the Year award.

Fleet Van Awards 2008 - Best Medium Van

Automotive TOTAL Excellium MPG Marathon 2008 - Best in Class

In 2004 the T5 range won the prestigious International Van of the Year which is voted by the top Editors & Journalists from fleet, van and truck publications.

In Australia the T5 has been awarded three awards from the Delivery Magazine publication:

Delivery Magazine's Medium Van of the Year for 2005.
Delivery Magazine's Medium Van of the Year for 2006.
Delivery Magazine's Cab Chassis of the Year for 2006.
Delivery Magazine's People Mover of the Year for 2009.
In the home market in Germany the T5 Series has won numerous awards by respected publications and votes by the public.

Lastauto Omnibus Van of the Year 2003
transaktuell Van of the Year 2003
Auto Motor und Sport - Multivan Best in Class 2005
Auto Motor und Sport - Multivan Best in Class 2007
Auto Motor und Sport - Multivan Best in Class 2008
Auto Zeitung - Auto Trophy for the Multivan in the 'Vans' Class 2006

Gallery

T5 TDI Van

T5 Single Cab in Prague

T5 Double Cab Chassis

T5 High Roof Panel Van with rear barn doors

T5 German Fire Van prepared by VW

T5 Multivan In France

Volkswagen Type 2 (T3)

The T3 generation of the Volkswagen Type 2, also known as the Vanagon in the U.S., as the Transporter or Caravelle in Europe, and also to some in the United Kingdom and Ireland as the T25, was built from 1980 until 1991. It was the last of the rear-engined Volkswagens. Compared to its predecessor, the Microbus, the Vanagon was larger and heavier, with square corners replacing the rounded edges of the older models.

Volkswagen Type 2



Manufacturer Volkswagen Group

Also called

Volkswagen Vanagon (North America)
Volkswagen Transporter (Europe)
Volkswagen Caravelle (Europe)
Volkswagen T25 (United Kingdom & Ireland)

Production 1980-1991

Assembly

Hanover, Germany
Uitenhage, South Africa

Predecessor Volkswagen Type 2

Successor Volkswagen Eurovan

Class Minivan

Body style(s)

3-door van

Layout RR layout/All-wheel drive

Platform Volkswagen Group T3 platform

Engine(s)

2.1L (watercooled) F4
1.9L (watercooled) F4
2.0L (aircooled) F4
1.6L (aircooled) F4
1.6L (diesel) I4

Transmission(s)

3-speed automatic
4-speed manual
5-speed manual

Wheelbase 96.9 in (2461 mm)

GL Syncro Camper: 96.7 in (2456 mm)

Length 179.9 in (4569 mm)

Width 72.6 in (1844 mm)

Height 75.9 in (1928 mm)

Carat: 68.3 in (1735 mm)

Camper: 80.9 in (2055 mm)

GL Syncro: 82.1 in (2085 mm)

History

The Vanagon was built to be the modern successor to the Microbus. The vehicle, unfortunately, was underpowered given its curb weight. Versions of the Vanagon produced in South Africa from 1990 until 2002 featured a Audi five-cylinder engine which helped performance greatly. Installing engines from more powerful vehicles — including gasoline and turbo diesel inline-4 Volkswagens, Fords, Subarus, Audis, and Porsches — is a solution pursued by some owners.

The predominant variant to the Transporter configuration, the Westfalia camper conversion, was available throughout the production of the Vanagon. This option was quite popular, and included an array of creature comforts for a family to enjoy on a weekend outing including a pop up roof, refrigerator, sink, and stove.

1980 to 1985 vans are easily identified by round headlights and chrome-plated steel bumpers with plastic end-caps. Air-cooled models (1980 to Mid-Year 1983) lack the lower grill above the radiator of the water cooled models, except on models with factory air conditioning installed. 1986 model year vehicles received several revisions, which included a more luxurious interior with a tachometer, more fabric choices, redesigned air conditioner, larger water cooled engine with a more advanced engine management system, and redesigned transmissions including an optional Syncro all-wheel drive. Exterior changes include rectangular headlights, which are probably the most notable change, and different paint options. Alloy wheels, larger and squarer plastic bumpers with trim along the rocker panels were options and standard equipment on Wolfsburg Edition vans. For 1990 and 1991 model years a "Carat" trim level was available which included all available options (except Westfailia conversion).

All 1980 and some 1981 models had 8 welded-in metal slats covering the engine ventilation passages behind the rear windows. Later models had black plastic 16-slat covers that slotted in at the top and screwed down at the bottom.

Mid-1980s Type 2 T3 Kombi

Late 1980s Type 2 T3 Caravelle Syncro

1980 Type 2 T3 Aircooled Westfalia Camper

1990 Type 2 T3 Multivan

1982 T3 with Leisuredrive Crusader Conversion

1987 Type 2 T3 Syncro DoKa

VW T3 Pritsche

Features

With the engine and transaxle mounted very low in the back, the Vanagon had much larger disc brakes in the front, and drums in the rear. Axle weight is very nearly equal upon both the front and back ends of the vehicle. Unlike the Microbus before it, the Vanagon was available with amenities such as power steering, air conditioning, power door locks, electrically controlled and heated mirrors, lighted vanity mirrors, and a light above the glove box (most of which were essentially standard equipment in later models).

The Vanagon air conditioning was, rather unconventionally, of the "hanging" type. That is, all components of the air conditioning system that are internal to the vehicle hang from the ceiling. The air conditioning housings are infamous for cracking and falling down after the vehicle has gotten older, and there were even recalls issued to address the problem.

Starting with the 1986 model year, there was available a greatly improved air conditioning system that not only does not suffer as badly from the cracking housings, but also does a better job of cooling the interior of the van on hot summer days. This later system features an "airliner" style plastic duct that runs the length of the vehicle in the center with adjustable outlets at set intervals, rather than cooling the entire rear section via a single bank of outlets facing aft above and behind the front seats.

The controls are above the sun visors in the front of the vehicle for both systems until the 1988 model year when they were moved to the dash. The air conditioning ductwork for the 1988 and later years was, arguably, a much more attractive color, being grey instead of beige. The grey color housings hold their color better than the beige, which tends to yellow considerably over a several year period.

This was one of the few vehicles ever in which the automatic transmission was tougher than the manual transmission, which was caused by the fact that, up until the 1990 model year, the 3-4 Gear Synchro Slider Hub was of a flawed design. This could result in cracking, or even breakage, causing the transmission to get stuck in 3rd or 4th gear. A new 3-4 hub design less susceptible to stress fractures was implemented sometime in late 1989, first showing up in early 1990 model year vehicles.

The automatic was a standard hydraulic 3-speed unit, the same 090/010 unit as used in Audis of the era. These featured an aluminum case for the transmission section, and a cast iron case for the final drive section.

The 091 manual transmission was a 4 speed unit, featuring a lightweight aluminum case.

The automatic features a 1.0 ratio top gear, while the manual features a 0.85 top gear.

The Vanagon has some unusual features, such as the fact that the brake master cylinder is inside the dashboard. The battery in gasoline-powered models is located under the passenger side front seat, to protect it from the elements. There is a compartment of slightly smaller size under the driver's side seat, for a second battery, which wasn't present except in the case of certain "Weekender" camper models.

The oil filler tube for the engine is located behind the flip-down license plate door, and this requires extra care when pulling into a full-service gas station, as the gas station attendant will most likely try to put gasoline into the oil unless instructed otherwise, as the caps are not clearly marked. Most early vans had a twist-on/off gas cap right on the outside just under and behind the passenger side door. A locking cap was optional, but like other amenities, became very common on later models.

The spare tire lies in a tray under the very front of the van (as the engine is in the back), just below the radiator. To get the spare out, one must undo a 19 mm bolt in the bottom of the front bumper, pull a small latch back, and swing the tray down.

Overall, these vehicles have exceptionally well-built and strong chassis (frames) that are often found to be as good as new underneath, thus creating a platform with good scope for very long life if given even the minimum attention annually.

Engines

Because of the engine placement, a Vanagon has nearly equal 50/50 weight distribution fore and aft.

Gasoline
There were four general gasoline engine variants between 1979 and 1991, with several sub-models. All were push-rod horizontally opposed four-cylinder engines. Available engine options differed between regions.

Air-cooled (1979-1982)
1.6 L (1584cc) (60bhp) (Serial # CT) air-cooled, single Solex 34 PICT-4 carburettor, available on non-USA models
2.0 L (1970cc) (67bhp) (Serial # CU or CV) air-cooled, twin Solex 34 PDSIT-2/3 carburettor or fuel injected (Bosch L-Jetronic, USA models) flat-4 in the 1980 to 1983 1/2 models
Water-cooled (1983 onwards)
1.9 litre engines:
1.9 L (1913cc) (83bhp) (Serial # DH) water-cooled (or "Wasserboxer") engine used for the 1983 1/2 to 1985 models, which used a fuel injection system known as "Digijet" (Digital Jet-tronic)
1.9 L (1913cc) (59bhp) (Serial # DF) 8.6:1 compression ratio, 34-PICT carburetor
1.9 L (1913cc) (76bhp) (Serial # DG) 8.6:1 compression ratio, 2E3 or 2E4 carburetor
1.9 L (1913cc) (55bhp) (Serial # EY) 7.5:1 compression ratio, 34-PICT carburetor
1.9 L (1913cc) (89bhp) (Serial # GW) 8.6:1 compression ratio, Bosch Digijet electronic fuel injection
2.1 Litre engines:
2.1 L (2100cc) (95bhp) (Serial # MV) Wasserboxer, used until the end of Vanagon importation into the US in 1991. This engine used a more advanced engine management system known as Bosch "Digifant I" which now digitally managed ignition timing as well as fuel delivery.
2.1 L (2100cc) (90bhp) (Serial # SS) 9:1 compression ratio Wasserboxer
2.1 L (2100cc) (112bhp) (Serial # DJ) 10:1 compression ratio, Digijet injection, only sold in European countries not requiring catalytic converter.
The Wasserboxer featured an aluminum case, cylinder heads, and pistons, and a forged steel crankshaft.

The Wasserboxer, as with all VW boxer engines, directly drives the camshaft via a small gear on the crankshaft, and a large one on the camshaft that makes direct contact, so there is no timing chain or belt to worry about. The entire mechanism is internal to the engine so there is no concern as long as the oil is changed regularly.

It also featured Heron, or "bowl-in-piston" type combustion chambers where the combustion takes place within the piston area, and not the cylinder head.

The Wasserboxer featured cast iron cylinder liners inserted into a water jacket with a "rubber lip" style head gasket, a design different from most vehicles. The top of the cylinder liners is pressed into a recessed cut-out in the cylinder heads and sealed with compressible metal rings to prevent leakage.

Some Wasserboxers were plagued by water jacket gasket failures due to several design problems. The alloy used for the construction of the cylinder head weakened when overheated, thus, when reaching temperatures over 90 °C, the metal composition would shrink and crack, allowing water from the cooling system to flow into the oil.

Engine failure was also a result of poorly placed sensors, corrosion in the cooling system, and many areas subjected to leaks.

The switch to water-cooling for the boxer engines was made abruptly mid-year in 1983 because VW could no longer make the air-cooled engines meet emissions standards. (The previous generation T2, currently produced in Brazil, has been switched to water-cooled engines since December 23, 2005 in response to Brazil's emission laws; the powerplant used in the previous-generation T2 is an Audi inline four.) Water-cooled models can be distinguished by a second front grille.

Diesel engines

In contrast to the standard flat-4 gasoline engines, all diesel options were of an inline configuration.

1.6 L (1588cc) (48bhp) Naturally aspirated Diesel inline 4, available in the US on 1982 models only.
1.6 L (1588cc) (70bhp) Turbocharged inline 4.
1.7 L (1700cc) (54bhp) Natural aspirated inline 4.

A diesel variant of the Vanagon was also available and widely sold in some markets. Unfortunately the early models had a 1.6 L (1,588 cc) (48 hp) (Serial # CS) SOHC Inline 4 engine which rendered the van severely underpowered, with a top speed somewhere around 100 km/h (62 mph). This shortcoming was later corrected, however most likely for this reason in the North American market the diesel Vanagon was discontinued after three model years between 1981 and 1983. Later models received a diesel engine of the same displacement but turbocharged, which vastly improved driveability. Fuel economy of the diesel was significantly higher than that of the gasoline model, often approaching 30 mpg US.

Model variations

1988 California-spec VW Vanagon Wolfsburg Edition

There were several Vanagon models available in the US. Early models included:

Vanagon, which featured vinyl seats and a very spartan interior.

Vanagon L, which had optional cloth seats, more upscale interior panels and an optional dashboard blower.

Vanagon GL, which had the nicest amenities (mentioned above).
There were also Westfalia pop-top Camper Vanagons, with an integrated kitchen and bedding. Westfalia campers came in two variants, the standard model and the 'Weekender,' which lacked the propane stove, sink, and Dometic refrigerator of the full 'camper' versions. A removable cabinet with a 12v. cooler and a self-contained sink was an option for a Weekender.

Wolfsburg Edition "Weekender" models had two rear facing seats behind the front seats in place of a center bench seat and a table that popped up from out of the wall. There also existed "Multivan" models, which had the Wolfsburg Edition trim and interior with rear-facing seats, but the Westfalia pop-top. All Wolfsburg Edition and camper van vehicles were specially converted for Volkswagen by the Westfalia factory, and it is these campers and converted vehicles that are still so desirable today, due to their undoubted design and build quality.

There were Four-wheel drive Vanagons that were branded by Volkswagen as "Syncros." This full-time four-wheel drivetrain should not be confused with the system that was used in Volkswagen Quantum station wagons. The Quantum Syncro wagons had a system identical to that of an Audi 4000 Quattro. The manual transmission (mechanics) in the Vanagon Syncro had an extra-low-ratio 'G' or 'Gelande gear' for slow off-road use, thus giving the appearance of a 5-speed transmission (Gelande = cross country). 'G', 1st and 2nd are often used off-road.

Syncros were manufactured in limited numbers from 1985 through 1992 with the four wheel drive system added by Steyr-Daimler-Puch works in Graz, Austria. With a short wheelbase and 48/52 front/rear weight distribution, these vehicles have surprisingly good off-road capabilities. They brought out 14 and 16-inch (410 mm) wheel models with the 16 not being sold in the USA; the 16-inch (410 mm) has a 1" longer wheel base, bigger wheel wells, stronger rear driveshafts, larger Constant-velocity joints, larger brakes all round and some body stiffening (NB. 14" Syncros are perfectly strong and stiff for heavy off-road work). The Syncros all have extensive and strong underbody protection for the engine and transmissions in the form of Skid plates and bars. The drive trains (transmissions) suffer from their own issues as the transmission & rear Differential (mechanical device) share the same oil, the standard differential housing is not that strong, the crown wheel and pinion are subject to premature failure if loads are carried and are very expensive to replace. Syncros could be supplied with optional Locking differentials; either front and rear, rear only or none at all depending on customer specifications and/or the country in which they were to be sold. The diff-locks help to prevent wheel slippage across an axle in off-road conditions, but don't change nor were intended to change the reliability of the transaxle or front differential. Diff locks are also considered a must for serious off-road work to overcome the vehicles limited axle articulation (measured by the Ramp travel index); they also give the T3 Syncro a distinct edge in traction over many other off-road types, being easily switched on/off from the cab by the driver whilst on the move. During late production they added oil deflection plates into the transmission to enable better oil distribution and also the transmissions only like full synthetic gear oil. These gear boxes are very expensive to rebuild and difficult to get properly rebuilt so they last. Early in production they came out with a decoupler unit on the transaxle output shaft to disengage the drive forward to the front diff from the gearbox. This was replaced during production with a Viscous coupling unit in the front differential. Due to the excess load put on the boxes from the drive of the front wheels back to the box, the viscous unit is prone to failure due to a heavy work load. The provision for a decoupler is still in the gear housing, the decoupler unit can be expensive to buy and set up but is an advantage when driving over the highway when combined with the viscous coupling for icy and off-road conditions.

Model years 1980 to 1985 had round sealed beam headlights. All subsequent models for North American and European markets had smaller square headlights, with the primary lights outboard and high beams inboard. Later models from South Africa returned to round headlight housings for both the primary headlights and high-beams, and the South African grille/headlight combination is a popular aftermarket accessory.

The Vanagon was replaced by the EuroVan in the US market in 1993 (1992 saw no VW bus imported into the U.S. market, save custom campers sold by companies other than VW). Production of 2WD Caravelles continued until 2002, the last models having 2.6 5-cyl engines, deeper rear windows, larger ventilated disk-brakes and many other modifications, being considered the best multi-seat (9~11) taxi then available in the SA market. Toyota's now dominate that market.

Many believe that VW should have re-engined the T3 with modern power-plants, and developed and continued to improve the vehicles, because their last models are still considered one of the best packaged Day-Van, Multi-van and Campers even today.[by whom?] Just as the T3 AWD Syncro was being phased out, the great boom in off-road capable vehicles began, which VW missed, despite bringing out a Syncro version of their Eurovan T4 FWD vehicles (which were not a fully engineered off-roader).

Top-of-the-line Wolfsburg Edition Westfalia Campers, which had all options, were at the top of the price range. Syncro-equipped examples in exceptional condition can command up to $80,000 USD today.

In addition to the camper models, a Carat trim level was available for 1990 and 1991 model years. This model included all options available for the transporter configuration.

Some models had optional aluminum alloy star-shaped wheels. (which were available at extra expense). Most came with standard black steel wheels with plastic flying saucer-shaped wheel covers.

Recent developments - Addendum The T3, Vanagon or T25 VW bus, caravelle, camper, delivery van and double or single-cab pickups have developed a very strong following in the last 10 years, due to their remarkable usage of space (packaging), their high build quality, and the fact they were the 'last of the line'. They also have a very good ride quality, which transfers across to the off-road Syncro models being more comfortable than many other all-terrain vehicles. They have not developed into a 'cult' vehicle as their previous two generations have yet, but are held in distinctly high regard by their owners, and resale prices have recently increased dramatically, good examples of 20 year old Westfalia campers selling for circa £6,000~£10,000 ($12,000~$20,000), special late edition models up to £10,000 ($20,000) whilst one ultimate spec. mint condition Syncro Westfalia is reported to have sold for approx. $90,000 (£45,000) circa 2006/7. Owners continue to maintain these vehicles well, spending much time and care as well as money to ensure they will last and serve well through to their 25th birthday.

Volkswagen Type 3

Volkswagen 1500 (Notchback shown)

Manufacturer

Volkswagen

Production

1961 – 1973

2,542,382 built

Assembly

Wolfsburg, Germany
São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil

Successor

Volkswagen Passat

Class Compact car

Body style(s)

2-door coupe
2-door station wagon
3-door hatchback

Layout RR layout

Engine(s) 1.5 or 1.6L H4

Transmission(s)

4-speed manual
3-speed automatic

Wheelbase 2,400 mm (94.5 in)

Length 4,225 mm (166.3 in)

Width 1,605 mm (63.2 in)

Height 1,475 mm (58.1 in)

Curb weight from 880 kilograms (1,940 lb)

Fuel capacity 40 L (10.6 US gal; 8.8 imp gal)[2]

Volkswagen 1600 (Fastback)

Manufacturer

Volkswagen

Volkswagen 1600 Variant ("Squareback")

The Volkswagen Type 3, also referred to as the Volkswagen 1500 and later the Volkswagen 1600, was a range of small cars from German manufacturer Volkswagen (VW).

The range was originally launched in 1961 in two varieties: the Notchback with a notchback saloon body, and the Karmann Ghia 1500 (popularly known as the Type 34 Karmann Ghia) with a coupé body. The first Variant (known as the Squareback in the USA) with an estate body followed in 1962 (VW still continues to name all its station wagon model variations Variant). The Fastback, a fastback coupé version, arrived in 1966. A convertible was announced with the original models, but did not enter production.

The Type 3 was introduced to diversify Volkswagen's product range beyond the Type 1 (Beetle), the Karmann Ghia, and the Type 2 (Bus). The Type 3 was designed to allow Volkswagen to make a more sophisticated car while maintaining much of the engineering from the Type 1. Though available to much of the world, the Type 3 line was not exported to the United States through Volkswagen of America until the 1966 model year, when the Squareback and Fastback were added to their line-up.

The most significant face-lift, visually, took place in 1970 when the car underwent what was reported at the time as an 115 mm (4.5 in) nose-lengthening which added 1½ cubic feet to the luggage capacity.

Production ended in 1973 at the Wolfsburg plant, and the Wolfsburg plant was retooled to build the Volkswagen Golf.

Volkswagen 1600 Variant ("Squareback")

The Volkswagen Type 3, also referred to as the Volkswagen 1500 and later the Volkswagen 1600, was a range of small cars from German manufacturer Volkswagen (VW).

The range was originally launched in 1961 in two varieties: the Notchback with a notchback saloon body, and the Karmann Ghia 1500 (popularly known as the Type 34 Karmann Ghia) with a coupé body. The first Variant (known as the Squareback in the USA) with an estate body followed in 1962 (VW still continues to name all its station wagon model variations Variant). The Fastback, a fastback coupé version, arrived in 1966. A convertible was announced with the original models, but did not enter production.

The Type 3 was introduced to diversify Volkswagen's product range beyond the Type 1 (Beetle), the Karmann Ghia, and the Type 2 (Bus). The Type 3 was designed to allow Volkswagen to make a more sophisticated car while maintaining much of the engineering from the Type 1. Though available to much of the world, the Type 3 line was not exported to the United States through Volkswagen of America until the 1966 model year, when the Squareback and Fastback were added to their line-up.

The most significant face-lift, visually, took place in 1970 when the car underwent what was reported at the time as an 115 mm (4.5 in) nose-lengthening which added 1½ cubic feet to the luggage capacity.

Production ended in 1973 at the Wolfsburg plant, and the Wolfsburg plant was retooled to build the Volkswagen Golf.

Engine and drivetrain

The Type 3 was initially equipped with a 1.5 L (1493 cc) engine based on the air-cooled flat-4 found in the Type 1. While the long block remained the same as the Type 1, the engine cooling was drastically changed to allow for a much lower engine profile. This resulted in increased area for cargo stowage with the so-called "Pancake" or "Suitcase" engine. This engine's displacement would later increase to 1.6 L (1584 cc).

Originally a single- or dual-carburetted 1.5 L engine, (1500 N, 45 PS (33 kW; 44 hp) or 1500S, 54 PS (40 kW; 53 hp)) the Type 3 engine got a larger displacement (1.6 L) for 1966 and modified for 1968 to include electronic fuel injection as an option, making it the first mass production consumer cars with such a feature (another application soon after was the Type 4 VW 411). Also introduced for 1968 was a fully automatic transmission.

One notable advance from the Type 1 to the Type 3 was the front suspension — although similar to the Type 1, it was the first Volkswagen system to incorporate transverse torsion bars, as opposed to the Type 1's torsion leaves. The Type 3's torsion bars are cross-mounted in the lower tube, so that each individual torsion bar spans the full width of the car, the upper tube containing an anti-roll bar which connects both upper trailing links to each other. The Type 3 often caused amusement to the uninitiated because its engine was hidden away under the rear trunk space in all three variants: the Notchback, Squareback and Fastback.

The Type 3 was also the world's first volume produced car to feature electronic fuel injection pioneered by Bosch. This was offered as the VW 1600E version (E meaning "Einspritzung" in German or injection).

The Type 3 also featured wall-to-wall carpeting, and a larger amount of storage space (front and rear storage - the motor was located under a panel in the rear boot, allowing for more luggage space than the Type 1 "Beetle") and was available with air-con in the US.

Production figures

German production:

Type 31 1500/1600 Notchback/Fastback: 1,339,124
Type 31 1500/1600 Variant: 1,202,935
Type 351 1500/1600 Convertible (prototypes): 12

1500/1600 chassis and works prototypes: 311

Brazilian production:

Notchback: 24,475
Fastback: 109,515
Variant: 256,760
Variant II: 41,002

Related models

Type 34 Karmann Ghia

Main article: Volkswagen Karmann Ghia#34

Also known as the Große Ghia (with groß being German for "large"), the Type 34 Karmann Ghia was a larger, more squared development of the Karmann Ghia, and was based on the Type 3 platform.

Brazilian Type 3 (TL / Variant / Variant II)

Brazilian Volkswagen Variant II

The three box Type 3 was launched in Brazil in 1968 with unique styling (similar to the Brasilia) and four doors and was met with little success, being nicknamed Zé do Caixão (after Coffin Joe, a popular Brazilian movie character) for its boxy shape.

A fastback/hatchback version, the Volkswagen TL, fared somewhat better, being produced from 1970 to 1976, originally as a 2-door and later as a 4-door version.

Neither enjoyed as much success as its estate-bodied sibling, the Variant. The 3-door Variant was produced from 1969 to 1977 and then followed by an updated successor with squarer body, the Variant II which was produced from 1977 to 1980.

Unrelated Argentinian Volkswagen 1500

Argentinian Volkswagen 1500

In 1980 Volkswagen bought the Argentinian Chrysler Ferve Argentina SAIC. With the takeover came a new name, Volkswagen Argentina SA, and the company inherited some Dodge / Chrysler vehicles. One of them was the Dodge 1500 (also the Dodge 1800) which the newly taken-over company re-badged as Volkswagen 1500for the Argentinian market. The estate was known as the Volkswagen 1500 Rural. Both variants continued to be sold until 1988.

The car, which was based on Chrysler Avenger, had also been sold in Brazil, where it was known as the Dodge Polara — this version ceased in 1981, shortly after Volkswagen's purchase of the tooling in Argentina. Note also that this is the car which was available earlier in the 1970s in North America as the Plymouth Cricket.

These cars have no parts related to any other vehicles in the Volkswagen range, including the Volkswagen Type 3 known by the same Volkswagen 1500 name.

Advertising

The placement of the engine under the rear trunk of the Type 3 was highlighted in a famous American television commercial for Volkswagen in the 1960s that shows a very young Dustin Hoffman showing the interior of the Fastback model and explaining the car's technical features. After showing the trunk up front, he opens the rear hood to reveal another trunk. Hoffman, looking befuddled as to the location of the engine, walks away, and the commercial closes with a title reading, "Your VW dealer will show you where the motor is."

External links

VW Brazil History with pics (in Portuguese)