Marque: Volkswagen - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand
Volkswagen
Initially intended to be an inexpensive ‘people’s car’, the Volkswagen ‘Beetle’ saloon was developed during the 1930s by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, with ‘encouragement’ from Adolf Hitler. The cars were ready for large-scale production when the Second World War intervened. Amidst the wreckage of the bombed-out Wolfsburg factory, the British officer in charge in 1945 (Major Ivan Hirst) saw…
Volkswagen K70
PRICE: £300- £1800
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1972-75 - Bodywork:
Two or four-door saloon estate - Engine:
Overhead camshaft in-line four-cylinder 1605cc 90bhp; 1807cc 85bhp - 0-60 mph:
13 sec - Top Speed:
90+ mph - MPG:
23-30+ mpg
PAST: VW’s first water-cooled, frontengined car, the K70 was forced upon the company, as it was really an NSU. However with VW taking over NSU in 1969 it emerged as a Volkswagen, and was introduced here in 1972. Under the bonnet was an ohc 1600 driving the front wheels. Early in 1973 the front end was refreshed. That summer the LS was introduced, with 1.8 power plus improvements to the brakes and lights before being killed off in 1975.
PRESENT: Although not as advanced as the Ro80, the K70 is a cleanly styled saloon which must have given VW ideas about the future fwd cars. Roomy and well engineered and yet it was a dead duck sales-wise, sadly.
FUTURE: The now ultra rare K70 has novelty value only even if survivors are revered for their technical features and modern outlook.
Volkswagen 1600 (‘Type 3’)
PRICE: £300 - £4000
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1961-73 - Bodywork:
Two-door saloon estate - Engine:
Overhead valve ‘flat’ four-cylinder 1493cc 42bhp (later examples 44bhp);1584cc 65bhp - 0-60 mph:
18+ sec - Top Speed:
80+ mph - MPG:
23-30+ mpg
PAST: Interesting variation on the Beetle theme was fastback 1600 (‘Type 3’), which arrived in 1965 and followed on from initial earlier 1500 saloon, which arrived in ’61 plus also sported twin carb S and estate off-shoots. Proper 12V electrics for ’67 with semi auto option and improved rear suspension two years later. Estate versions, designated ‘Variant’ also offered. TE fastback and T Variant models (from 1970) even featured sophisticated fuel injection.
PRESENT: Look at the 1500 Saloon and the 1600 Fastback as a more refined and family-sized Beetle and you won’t go far wrong. They are usually more practical and refined, too while the 1600 has acceptable pace for modern traffic.
FUTURE: Fashion dictates that this Better Beetle has nowhere near the popularity of the proper car so it means fine value although no classic status – or likelihood.
