Volkswagen Type 3
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Volkswagen Type 3 Notchback (1966) |
Volkswagen Type 3 Squareback |
The Volkswagen Type 3, was originally launched in two varieties, the Notchback, a saloon bodied version and the Squareback, an estate bodied version, in 1961. The Fastback, a coupe styled version, arrived as the 1966 addition to the range. This automobile was introduced in 1961 by Volkswagen to diversify its product range beyond the Type 1 (Beetle) and the Type 2 (Bus). The Type 3, officially the Volkswagen 1500, was designed to allow Volkswagen to make a more sophisticated car while maintaining much of the engineering from the Type 1.
The Type 3 was initially equipped with a 1.5 L (1493 cc) engine based on the aircooled 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 and the so-called 'Pancake' or 'Suitcase' engine. This engine's displacement would later increase to 1600cc.
Originally a single or dual carbureted 1.5 L engine, (1500 N, 45 hp or 1500S, 54 hp) the Type 3 engine got a larger displacement (1.6l 1600 cc) and modified in 1968 to include fuel injection as an option, making it one of the first mass production consumer cars with such a feature (the first was the Type 4 VW 411).
The type 3 had four models:
- Sedan or "notchback" — The VW 1500 and later VW 1600 (nicknamed "Zé do Caixão" in Brazil, translating to "Coffin Joe").
- Fastback — The VW 1600 TL (in Brazil the Volkswagen TL), often mistaken for a hatchback due to its profile.
- Wagon or "squareback" — The Volkswagen Variant.
- Type 34 Karmann Ghia - AKA Grosse Ghia or Razor Edge Ghia. A larger more squared version of the Karmann Ghia based on the Type 3 platform.
One notable change with the Type 3 was the front suspension - although similar to the VW Type 1, it was the first VW to incorporate transverse torsion bars (as opposed to the Type 1's torsion leaves; the Type 3's torsion bars are cross-mounted to which each individual torsion bar is connected to both front wheels; similar to the Dodge Aspen).
[edit] Brazilian Type 3 (TL/Variant/Variant II)
The Volkswagen TL was a 2-door sedan produced in Germany and Brazil in the 1970s. Later it was also produced in a 4-door version. It did not enjoy as much success as its station wagon version, the Variant. In contemporary German vernacular, the 1600 TL was called Traurige Lösung, meaning "pitiful solution" (of the attempted hatchback design).
The Variant was produced as a 3-door model, and had success in this market and even a more modern design successor with square corners, the Variant II. The Variant II did however have some mechanical problems which ultimately led to its failure in the market. Also contributing to its unsuccessful run was competition against more modern designs such as the Ford Corcel II Berlina.
[edit] Argentinian 1500
Image:1500.jpg In 1980 Volkswagen bought Chrysler Ferve Argentina SAIC, with the takeover came a new name Volkswagen Argentina SA and VW inherited some Dodge/Chrysler vehicles one of them was the Dodge 1500 which has origins with the Hillman Avenger.
VW Argentina badged this vehicle the VW 1500 and the wagon was known as 1500 Rural, both variants continued to be sold until 1994.
The 1500(sedan) & the 1500 Rural (wagon) have no parts related to any vehicle in the VW range as this is badge engineering at its finest.
[edit] External links
- Unofficial Type 3 History
- World-wide T3 email list and resource site
- The Type 3 Detectives
- The Swedish VW Type 3 Registry
- VW Type 34 Registry
- VW Brazil History & Pictures (in Portuguese)
- Brazilian TL / Variant I & II Club (in Portuguese)
- Argentinian 1500 Club (in Spanish)
| Volkswagen car timeline, European market, 1950-1979 - | Next -> | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| Economy car | (1938) Type 1 - Beetle | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supermini | Polo I | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derby I | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small family car | Golf I | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Large family car | Type 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| K70 (NSU) | Passat I | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coupé | Karmann Ghia | Scirocco I | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Van | Type 2 - T1 | Type 2 - T2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
