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 VW Beetle
PRICE: Early split-screen: £2000-£7000; Small rear screen: £1500-£5000+; Later saloons: £500-£3500; Cabriolet: £2000-£9000+
View full review View full review View full reviewFast Facts
- Produced:
1948-78 - Bodywork:
Two-door saloon; two-door cabriolet - Engine:
Overhead valve ‘flat’ four-cylinder 1131cc 25bhp 1192cc 30bhp (34bhp from 1961); 1285cc 40bhp (44bhp from 1972); 1493cc 44bhp; 1584cc 50bhp - 0-60 mph:
18-35sec - Top Speed:
65-85mph - MPG:
25-40mpg
PAST: Designed by Dr Porsche, The People’s Car was launched after WW2 thanks to British Major Ivan Hirst who saw the potential, but car didn’t arrive here until ‘53. Rear window enlarged in ‘57, De Luxes gained more power from ‘60. All-synchro ‘box and revised cabins for 1964. For ‘66, 40bhp 1300cc, new steering and suspension, plus disc brakes (and 12V power for ’67). 1970 sees 1302S with a 1.6 and MacPherson front struts, restyled (1303S) for 1972. Last German car rolled off lines in 1978, but continuing in Mexico and Brazil.
PRESENT: Still much loved and used, the Beetle is an acquired taste but their quality build and reliability is not in question. Hardly quick or tidy handling but great curisers.
FUTURE: An assured classic and decent value still, especially later less popular 1302/1303s.
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.
