Why you’d want a Volkswagen Type 3
In 1961 the Volkswagen Beetle had 1192cc and had only just received an all-synchro ’box.
It had been immensely successful, but nobody imagined it had decades more life in it. And Volkswagen wanted to expand beyond the economy bracket, in search of greater profit margins.
The recently redesigned crankcase and stronger crankshaft with more space between the cylinders was to allow greater displacement.
The new Type 3 1500 made the most of this more powerful engine, shared with the Karmann Ghia coupé.
Using a wider rear track and more rounded body on the Beetle’s wheelbase allowed for more interior space.
With the fan on the crankshaft instead of the generator shaft, the engine was lower, making an estate version possible (the Variant, or Squareback), and giving all models luggage space front and rear.
Also unveiled at the 1961 Frankfurt show was a delightful 1500 Cabriolet; sadly, Karmann built only a dozen prototypes.
Styling was modern and more conventional, yet still cheerful. The engine air intake was tucked below the rear window on the saloon, known as the Notchback, followed in 1965 by the rakish Fastback.
Sharing components with the VW Beetle kept costs down – the suspension used many of the same parts – while softening the ride with a wider rear track and a front anti-roll bar gave more civilised handling.
