After the Type 1 (the Beetle) and the Type 2 (the Transporter) Volkswagen produced the Type 3.
The basics and the wheel base of the Volkswagen 1500/1600 were identical to the Beetle. The engine was an improved Beetle flat engine with also improved air cooling system. The models were the Variant, known as Squareback in the USA. It was the estate version. The saloon versions were the Notchback (Stufenheck) and the Fastback (Fliessheck). A convertible was announced but never built.
From 1961 to 1973 more than 2.5 million cars were produced. The Type 3 was much more a family car than the Type 1. There was more space for the passengers and for the luggage, as the engine was located under a panel in the rear boot.
The originally single- or dual-carburetted 1.5 L engine was upgraded to a 1.6 L engine in 1966. In 1968 the 1600 was the first car with electronic fuel injection pioneered by Bosch. This was the 1600E version. E stands for Einspritzung, the German word for injection.
Specifications
- German production 1961-1973 – Notchback/Fastback: 1,339,124, Variant: 1,202,935
- Class – compact car
- Body styles – 2-door estate car, 2-door coupe, 3-door hatchback
- Engines – 1.5 or 1.6 L H4
- Transmissions – 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)
- Kerb weight – from 880 kg (1,940 lb)
- Fuel capacity – 40 L
