View source for Volkswagen Type 3

{{Short description|Compact car built from 1961 to 1973}}
{{about|the Volkswagen Type 3 car|the van/bus known as Volkswagen T3|Volkswagen Type 2 (T3)}}
{{Infobox automobile
| image = Volkswagen Type 3 1600 TL pre facelift.jpg
| caption = Volkswagen Type 3 1600 Fastback (1966–69)
| name = Volkswagen Type 3
| aka = Volkswagen 1500 <br> Volkswagen 1600
| manufacturer = [[Volkswagen]]
| production = 1961&ndash;1973 <br/> 2,542,382 built<ref name="Oswald" />
| assembly = {{Plainlist|
*Germany: [[Wolfsburg]]/[[Emden]]
*Brazil: [[São Bernardo do Campo]] ([[Volkswagen do Brasil|VW Brasil]])
*Australia: [[Clayton, Victoria|Clayton]]<ref name=Matthews003>[http://www.clubvw.org.au/history003 Phil Matthews, Australian Volkswagen History—1960–1964, www.clubvw.org.au] Retrieved on 20 October 2017</ref>
*South Africa: [[Uitenhage]]
}}
| class = [[Compact car|Compact]] ([[C-segment]]) [[family car]]
| body_style = {{Plain list|
* 2-door Type 31 [[Notchback]]
* 2-door [[Volkswagen Type 34|Type 34]] Karmann Ghia
* 2-door Type 36 [[station wagon|Variant/Squareback]]
* 2-door Type 36 [[Panel van|Estate Delivery]]
* 2-door Type 31 [[Fastback]]
* 4-door Notchback and Fastback [[Sedan (automobile)|sedans]] ([[Brazil]])
}}
| layout = Rear engine<br>rear wheel drive
| platform = 
| related = [[Volkswagen Beetle]]<br>[[Volkswagen Karmann Ghia#Type 34 Karmann Ghia|VW Karmann Ghia Type 34]]<br>[[Volkswagen Karmann Ghia#Karmann Ghia TC|Karmann Ghia TC]] (VW do Brasil)<br>[[Volkswagen SP2]] (VW do Brasil)
| engine = 1.5 or 1.6L [[Flat-four engine|H4]]
| transmission = {{Plainlist|
*4-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]
*3-speed [[Autostick|semi-automatic]]
}}
| wheelbase = {{convert|2400|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|4225|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|1605|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|1475|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|880|kg|0|abbr=on}}
| predecessor = [[Volkswagen Beetle]] (due to engine type and model purpose)
| successor = [[Volkswagen Passat (B1)]]
}}

The '''Volkswagen Type 3''' is a [[compact car]] manufactured and marketed by [[Volkswagen]] from 1961 to 1973. Introduced at the 1961 [[Frankfurt Motor Show|Frankfurt International Motor Show, the ''IAA'']], the Type&nbsp;3 was marketed as the '''Volkswagen 1500''' and later as the '''Volkswagen 1600''', in two-door [[notchback]], [[fastback]], and [[station wagon]] body styles, the latter marketed as the 'Squareback' in the [[United States]].

The Type 3 diversified Volkswagen's product range beyond the existing models—the [[Volkswagen Beetle|Type&nbsp;1 Beetles]], Type&nbsp;14 [[Volkswagen Karmann Ghia|Karmann Ghia]], Type&nbsp;2 [[Volkswagen Type 2|vans and pickups]]—while retaining Volkswagen's hallmark engineering features: the [[Air-cooled engine|air-cooled]] [[rear-engine, rear-wheel drive layout|rear-engine, rear-wheel]] [[drive train]], body-on-[[platform chassis|chassis]] construction (with a [[backbone chassis]] integrated into the car's [[floorpan]]), as well as torsion bar front and rear suspension.

Despite using the Beetle's {{convert|2.40|m|in|0|abbr=on}} wheelbase, the Type&nbsp;3 was conceived as a larger car, offering a larger engine and increased cargo and passenger volume—the latter from its increased length and width as well as from its slab-sided, [[Ponton (car)|''Ponton'']] styling, maximizing the platform's footprint.<ref>[https://www.hemmings.com/blog/article/volkswagen-type-3-flat-four/ Volkswagen Type 3 Flat-Four | Hemmings Daily]</ref>

==Background==
The Type 3 emulated major features of the [[Volkswagen Beetle|Type&nbsp;1]] Beetle, using a low-profile version of Volkswagen's rear-engined, 4-cylinder air-cooled engine, as well as body-on-chassis construction (the body bolts to a frame that includes the floor pan),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://jalopnik.com/this-1968-volkswagen-fastback-is-actually-a-miata-1825036646|title=This 1968 Volkswagen Fastback Is Actually A Miata|first=Stef|last=Schrader|website=Jalopnik|date=6 April 2018 }}</ref> retaining the same wheelbase – but using more contemporary and slab-sided [[Ponton (automobile)|''Ponton'']] styling, in contrast to the Type&nbsp;1's articulated fenders and running boards. VW finalized the design by 1959 with prototypes ready for testing by 1960. Secrecy was such that even at the 1960 Geneva Auto Show, VW denied they were readying a new design. In 1961, VW announced the new line as the "VW 1500".

Production began in August 1961, a month before launch, of the Volkswagen 1500 Notchback, encompassing [[three-box styling]] in a [[Notchback]] [[Sedan (automobile)|saloon]] body.<ref name="Oswald, p 52">[[#Oswald|Oswald]], p 52</ref> Production of the '''Karmann Ghia 1500''' (also known as the [[Volkswagen Karmann Ghia#Type 34 Karmann Ghia|Type 34 Karmann Ghia]]) with a [[coupé]] body commenced in November 1961 and deliveries started in January 1962.<ref name="Oswald, p 52"/> The [[station wagon|station wagon/estate]]-bodied Variant (marketed as the '''Squareback''' in the US) followed, with the first cars produced in February 1962.<ref name="Oswald, p 52"/> Twelve prototype convertibles based on the 1500 Notchback were also built, but never entered production.<ref>[[#Oswald|Oswald]], p 54</ref>

The '''Fastback''', or '''TL''' version, a [[fastback]] [[coupé]], arrived in August 1965, along with the 1600 engine. Volkswagen's intention was that this model should replace the Notchback, which is what happened in the UK market. However, in other markets, including the German domestic market, the number of customers preferring the older Notchback shaped car was higher than foreseen, and in the end both Notchback and Fastback remained in production until July 1973.<ref>[[#Oswald|Oswald]], pp 52, 53 & 61</ref> Type&nbsp;3s were made in a variety of trim levels with different features for different markets. Top end models featured more chrome, more brite trim, and full carpeting, and, starting in mid-1968, were available with a fully automatic transmission. Factory installed gasoline powered heaters were a factory installed option available in some markets. Air conditioning and radios were never factory installed but were often available as dealer installed options.

[[Volkswagen of America]] began marketing the Type&nbsp;3 Squarebacks and Fastbacks for the 1966 model year, but they never imported the Notchback or Type&nbsp;34 Karmann Ghia. The Type&nbsp;3 was competing in the market with the [[Chevrolet Corvair]] that had been previously introduced in the United States in 1960, which incorporated a 6-cylinder rear-mounted air-cooled engine in notchback and station wagon body style, as well as [[Chevrolet Greenbrier|a compact van and pickup derived from the platform]]. It also competed in the US with the [[Renault 8 and 10|Renault 8]] which also offered a rear engine and rear drive sedan.

A unique feature of all four Type&nbsp;3 models was that configuration of the flat 4 engine gave the cars both front and rear luggage volumes; a fact highlighted in VW's advertising.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Klockau |first1=Tom |title=VW Advertising in the Seventies: From Classic DDB to a New Direction |url=https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/vw-advertising-in-the-seventies-from-classic-ddb-to-a-new-direction/ |website=Curbside Classics |access-date=1 March 2012}}</ref>

For the 1968 model year, the Type&nbsp;3 1600E (''Einspritzung'') models were the first mass produced automobiles with electronic fuel injection available as optional equipment. This was the introduction of the Bosch [[Jetronic|D-Jetronic]] fuel injection, which was available only in VW Type&nbsp;3s for its first two years. The 1600&nbsp;cc [[D-Jetronic]] fuel injection engine was standard equipment for all Type&nbsp;3s sold in the US for model years 1968 thru 1973, but single and dual carb engines remained as available options for many markets around the world until the end of Type&nbsp;3 production.

In mid-1968, a three-speed fully automatic transaxle became available. With the automatic came a CV-jointed independent rear suspension (IRS), replacing the swing axle (also IRS) set-up. This 1968 mid-year introduction was only available in conjunction with the dual carb 1600&nbsp;cc Type&nbsp;3 engine. For 1969, the CV-jointed rear axle became standard with both automatic and manual transmissions, and the automatic transmission was also offered combined with the D-Jetronic 1600&nbsp;cc fuel injection engine. The swing axle rear suspension remained available for some markets that had poorer quality roads.

Type 3 models received a [[Facelift (automotive)|facelift]] in 1970, with a revised front end, its nose extended by {{convert|115|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} adding {{convert|1.5|cuft|L|abbr=on}} to the luggage capacity.<ref name=DailyExpressMotorShowReviewOct1969re1970>{{cite journal|journal =Daily Express Motor Show Review 1969 on 1970 Cars | editor-first = Basil |editor-last = Cardew | publisher=Daily Express Newspaper |location= London |page = 53 | title = Volkswagen 1600 TL | date = October 1969}}</ref> At the same time Type&nbsp;3s received revised square-section bumpers (with integral rubber strips in some markets), as well as larger tail lamps and front indicators.

Volkswagen offered the Type&nbsp;3 in a lower trim level in Europe, marketed as the '''1600A'''. In the US, and for 1973 only, Volkswagen of America offered two trim levels of the Type&nbsp;3 Fastback in the US, marketed as the ''Type&nbsp;3 Sedan'' and ''Type&nbsp;3 Basic Compact''. The Basic Compact trim level featured reduced content, including limited color and upholstery availability; deletion of exterior belt line chrome trim, clock, and electric-heated rear window defogger—and using painted vent widow frames, a black cardboard front trunk liner over the gas tank without a liner on the sides of the trunk or over the firewall, and plain vinyl door panels without door pockets and rubber mats in lieu of interior carpet.{{citation needed|date=November 2010}}

While the Type&nbsp;3 was a more modern design, it never reached the same level of popularity as the Beetle. As Volkswagen started to produce front-wheel-drive water-cooled designs, production ended in 1973 at the [[Wolfsburg]] plant. The Wolfsburg production facilities were then retooled to build the [[Volkswagen Golf|Golf]], known as the [[Volkswagen Rabbit|Rabbit]] in the US., which eventually replaced the Type&nbsp;1 as Volkswagen's best-selling sedan. Production of the Type&nbsp;3 moved to VW's new [[Emden]] plant, which was retooled later in 1973 to build the [[Volkswagen Passat (B1)|first-generation Passat]] (also marketed as the "Dasher").

<gallery widths="200" heights="120">
File:Volkswagen 1600 TL (fastback).jpg|Volkswagen 1600 TL Fastback
File:Volkswagen Type 3 Cabriolet (1961) Classic-Gala 2021 1X7A0088.jpg|1961 convertible prototype
File:Volkswagen Type 3 BW 2016-09-03 13-28-39.jpg|1600 Fastback
File:1969 Volkswagen 1600 Type 3 Squareback (17106727491).jpg|1600 Variant/Squareback
File:VW Typ 3 1600 L2012-07-15 14-42-30.JPG|1500 Notchback
</gallery>

==Engine and drivetrain==
{{main|Volkswagen air-cooled engine}}

The Type 3 was initially equipped with a 1.5&nbsp;L (1493&nbsp;cc) engine based on the air-cooled 1192&nbsp;cc [[flat-4]] found in the Type&nbsp;1, but given a 69&nbsp;mm stroke it became the basis for the 1300&nbsp;cc, 1500&nbsp;cc and 1600&nbsp;cc engines that followed in the later Beetle (Type 1) and [[Volkswagen Type 2|Volkswagen Type&nbsp;2]] T1 and T2.{{citation needed|date=April 2011}} While the [[long block]] remained the same as the Type&nbsp;1, the engine cooling was redesigned by putting the fan on the end of the crankshaft instead of on the generator. This reduced the height of the engine profile, allowing greater cargo volume and earning its nicknames: the ''pancake'' or ''suitcase'' engine. 1600&nbsp;cc (1584&nbsp;cc) engine options became available starting in the 1966 model year, but the 1500&nbsp;cc options remained available thru the end of Type&nbsp;3 production. Both displacements were available in low compression and high compression versions, so there were low and high compression single carb engines, and low and high compression dual carb engines. The D-Jetronic fuel injection engine was only made in the high compression configuration.

Starting with the 1966 model year, Type&nbsp;3 engine numbers came with a letter prefix that indicated the engine type. For 1500&nbsp;cc (all single carb) engines the low compression prefix was M while the high compression prefix was K. For the 1600&nbsp;cc (all dual carb) engines, the low compression prefix was P and the high compression prefix was T. Fuel injected engines have a U (or X for 1972–73 California cars.)

The Type&nbsp;3 used a similar transmission to the Beetle but with higher ratios (4.125 R&P v 4.375 R&P) and longer axles. Unlike the Beetle (Type 1), the Type&nbsp;3 engine and transmission unit was mounted into a subframe (which contained the complete rear suspension), which was then rubber-mounted to the floorpan and body, thereby isolating vibration and road noise from the passenger space.

The original Volkswagen 1500 used a single side-draught 32&nbsp;mm Solex PHN carburetor. In August 1963 VW introduced twin-carburetor versions, these were, respectively the Volkswagen 1500 'N' (Normal), rated at {{convert|45|PS|kW hp|lk=on|abbr=on}}, and the 1500 'S' (Super), {{convert|54|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} which had high-compression (8.5:1) domed 83&nbsp;mm pistons and twin downdraught 32&nbsp;mm Solex PDSIT carburetors for more power.

1600&nbsp;cc Type&nbsp;3 engine options were added in 1966 (August 1965) and in 1968 the 1600&nbsp;cc Type&nbsp;3 became the world's first volume production car to feature [[electronic fuel injection]]&nbsp;&ndash; designed by [[Robert Bosch GmbH|Bosch]]. The Bosch [[Jetronic|D-Jetronic]] system was offered on the Volkswagen 1600 TE & LE version (E designating "''Einspritzung''" or "injection" in German). A similar Bosch D-Jetronic injection system was used in the later [[Volkswagen Type 4|VW Type&nbsp;4]], and some models of the VW-Porsche 914/4. In mid-1968 a [[semi-automatic transmission|semi automatic 3 speed transmission]] was introduced installed together with the dual carb engine; this automatic transmission was offered together with the fuel injected engine starting with the 1969 model year.

A notable advance from the Type&nbsp;1 to the Type&nbsp;3 was the front suspension. Although similar to the Type&nbsp;1, it was the first Volkswagen front suspension to incorporate transverse round torsion bars, as opposed to the Type&nbsp;1's torsion leaves. The Type&nbsp;3's torsion bars are cross-mounted in the lower tube, so that each individual torsion bar spans the full width of the car, the upper tube containing an anti-roll bar that connects the upper trailing links to each other. The complete front suspension unit is rubber-mounted to the car's floorpan. In 1969 the rear suspension was upgraded to double jointed [[CV joint]] semi trailing arm suspension (sometimes called "IRS" by VW enthusiasts to differentiate it from the previous IRS swing-axle type.)

The Type&nbsp;3 offered both front and rear enclosed luggage areas, with cargo accessible via both the boot (trunk) and the bonnet (hood). In each of the four body styles (Notchback, Squareback, Fastback, and Ghia) the engine is located under and accessed by a panel on the floor of the rear cargo area.

This engine placement was highlighted in a period Volkswagen television [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3RD-hG4nbc commercial] for the American market. It featured a very young [[Dustin Hoffman]] who shows the fastback model and explains its technical features but is unable to locate the engine. The ad closed with the copy, "Come into your Volkswagen dealer. They'll show you where the motor is."

The original Type&nbsp;3 with 5-bolt wheels (5 × 205&nbsp;mm PCD) used twin leading shoe drum brakes at the front. In August 1965 (the 1966 model year) these were replaced by front disc brakes, coinciding with the introduction of the Fastback and 1600 engine (Australian-built models retained drum front brakes until August 1967). These have 4-bolt wheels (4 × 130&nbsp;mm PCD) with 8 cooling slots. Rear brakes were always leading / trailing shoe drums.

== Technical data ==
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!
|colspan="5"| Variant (December 1969)<ref>VDA: [https://datenblaetter.theopold-parts.de/VDA-Typenblaetter/Volkswagen/VW%20Variant%20Lieferwagen%20VDA%20Datenblatt%20148.pdf Volkswagenwerk: TYP Volkswagen Variant als Lieferwagen]. Group 13, No. 148. Frankfurt am Main. December 1969</ref>
|-
!colspan="2"|Engine
!rowspan="13"|
!colspan="2"|Dimensions
|-
!Model
|VW flat four (four-stroke)
!Length
|{{convert|4340|mm|in|abbr=on|1}}
|-
!Operational principle
| [[Otto engine|Otto]]
!Width
|{{convert|1605|mm|in|abbr=on|1}}
|-
! Fuel system
| Carburettor ''Solex 32 PHN''
!Height
|{{convert|1470|mm|in|abbr=on|1}}
|-
! Bore × Stroke
| {{convert|83 × 69|mm|in|abbr=on|1}}
!Wheelbase
|{{convert|2400|mm|in|abbr=on|1}}
|-
! Displacement
| {{convert|1493|cm3|in3|abbr=on|1}}
!Ground clearance
|{{convert|150|mm|in|abbr=on|1}}
|-
! Rated power
| {{convert|45|PS|kW|abbr=on|1}} at 3800&nbsp;min<sup>−1</sup>
!Kerb weight
|{{convert|1080|kg|lb|abbr=on|1}}
|-
! Max. torque
| {{convert|10.8|kpm|Nm|abbr=on|0}} at 2000&nbsp;min<sup>−1</sup>
!Max weight
|{{convert|1485|kg|lb|abbr=on|1}}
|-
! Mean effective pressure
| {{convert|9.1|kp/cm2|bar|abbr=on|1}} at 2000&nbsp;min<sup>−1</sup>
!Turning circle
|{{convert|11100|mm|in|abbr=on|1}}
|-
! Max. piston speed
| 8.74&nbsp;m/s at 3800&nbsp;min<sup>−1</sup>
!colspan="2"|Road performance
|-
! Compression ratio
| 7.5:1
!Max. speed
|{{convert|125|km/h|mph|abbr=on|1}}
|-
! Min. fuel consumption
| {{convert|225|g/PSh|g/kWh|abbr=on|1}} at 2600&nbsp;min<sup>−1</sup>
!Rated fuel consumption<br />(DIN 70030)
|{{convert|8.4|L/100km|mpgimp|abbr=on|1}} at 1980&nbsp;min<sup>−1</sup>
|-
! Mass
| {{convert|124.5|kg|lb|abbr=on|1}}
!Rated oil consumption<br />(DIN 70030)
|{{convert|0.05–0.1|L/100km|mpgimp|abbr=on|0}} at 1980&nbsp;min<sup>−1</sup>
|-
|}

==Production figures==
German production:<ref name="Oswald">{{cite book |title=Deutsche Autos 1945-1990, Band 3 |last= Oswald |first=Werner |year=2003 |publisher=Motorbuch Verlag |location=Stuttgart |isbn=3-613-02116-1 |page=53}}</ref>

*1500/1600 chassis and works prototypes: 311
*Type 351 1500/1600 Convertible (prototypes): 12
*Type 31 1500/1600 Notchback/Fastback: 1,339,124
*Type 36 1500/1600 Variant: 1,202,935

Brazilian production:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.carroantigo.com/portugues/conteudo/curio_NACIONAIS.htm |title=Volkswagen no Brasil |publisher=Carroantigo.com |access-date=2011-07-19 |archive-date=2019-02-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210201415/http://www.carroantigo.com/portugues/conteudo/curio_NACIONAIS.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

*Notchback: 24,475
*Fastback: 109,515
*Variant: 256,760
*Variant II: 41,002

===Australian production===
The Type 3 was manufactured at [[Clayton, Victoria|Clayton]] in [[Victoria, Australia]], from 1963 in [[Sedan (automobile)|sedan]], [[station wagon]] and [[Panel van|sedan delivery]] body styles. In 1965, the [[Fastback]] was introduced, fully imported from Germany.<ref name="VW Chassis Numbers">[http://www.clubvw.org.au/vwchassis Volkswagen Cars in Australia] Retrieved on 17 October 2013</ref>

Panel van versions (based on the 1500 'N') feature a marine ply wood loading area with zinc plated steel protector strips, one sun visor (for the driver), a clock delete panel, and no fixed side windows. All Australian-assembled panel vans were fitted with a metal ID tag behind the spare wheel with a prefix of PV, followed by the number, stamped by hand. There are approximately 10 known surviving panel vans from the estimated original production run of 500 and a further 10 to 15 from German manufacture.

Following the cessation of all local manufacturing by Volkswagen Australasia in 1968, the Type&nbsp;3 was assembled from [[Complete knock down|CKD]] kits by Motor Producers Limited at the same Clayton facility through to 1973.<ref name=Matthews004>[http://www.clubvw.org.au/history/reference/history004.html Phil Matthews, Australian Volkswagen History—1971–1975] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007051926/http://www.clubvw.org.au/history/reference/history004.html |date=2011-10-07 }} Retrieved on 12 August 2011</ref>

==Related models==
===Type 34 Karmann Ghia===
{{main|Volkswagen Karmann Ghia#34|l1 = Volkswagen Type 34 Karmann Ghia}}

In 1961, Volkswagen introduced the VW 1500 Karmann Ghia,<ref name="samba-342">{{cite web|url=http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/historyt34.php|title=Type 3 Ghia (Type 34) History|last=Hedges|first=Lee Thomas|access-date=2007-04-15}}</ref> or Type 34, based on its new Type&nbsp;3 platform, featuring Volkswagen's new flat 1500&nbsp;cc engine design, and styling by Italian engineer [[Sergio Sartorelli]] at [[Carrozzeria Ghia]].<ref name="karmannghia.it">{{cite web|url=http://www.karmannghia.it/Sartorelli.htm|title=Karmann Ghia Italia—Karmann Ghia Italy|date=2008-10-18|publisher=Karmannghia.it|language=it|access-date=2009-10-25}}</ref>

Until it was replaced by the VW-[[Porsche 914]], it was the most expensive, and most luxurious passenger car VW manufactured in the 1960s. 42,505 (plus 17 prototype convertibles) were manufactured from 1962–1969.

Although the Type 34 was available in most countries, it was not offered officially in the U.S., VW's largest and most important export market.

<gallery mode=packed heights="120">
File:1966 Type 34 Karmann Ghia.jpg|Australian-market Type 34
File:1966 Type 34 Karmann Ghia rear.jpg|Rear end
File:Volkswagen Type 34 Classic-Gala 2021 1X7A0098.jpg|Convertible - prototype
</gallery>

==={{anchor|Coffin|Brazil}} Brazilian Type 3===
The [[Three-box styling|three-box]] Type&nbsp;3 was launched in [[Brazil]] in 1968, it was heavily based on Volkswagen's EA 97 prototype of 1960 with some restyling penned by [[Márcio Piancastelli]] and four doors. It met with little success, nicknamed ''Zé do Caixão'' (meaning "Coffin Joe", after a popular Brazilian horror [[José Mojica Marins|movie maker]]) for its boxy shape.<ref name=VoNe>{{cite web | url = http://www.team.net/www/ktud/saspeci/dkwbr08.html | title = DKW-Vemag | last1 = Vogel | first1 = Jason | last2 = Negyesi | first2 = Pal | publisher = KTUD Online Automotive Archive | access-date = 2013-09-08 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061024214104/http://www.team.net/www/ktud/saspeci/dkwbr08.html | archive-date = 2006-10-24 | url-status = dead }}</ref> It was discontinued in 1970.

The fastback version, the Volkswagen TL, fared somewhat better, remaining in production from 1970 to 1976, originally as a two-door and later as a four-door version.

As in Germany, the original [[Volkswagen Karmann Ghia|Karmann Ghia]] was replaced with the Type 3-based Karmann Ghia TC (Touring Coupé), but with a distinct look from the German Karmann Ghia Type&nbsp;34.

Neither enjoyed as much success as its estate-bodied sibling, the Variant. The 3-door Variant was produced from 1969 to 1977, followed by an updated successor with squarer body (similar to the [[Volkswagen Brasilia|Brasilia]]), the Variant II, which was produced from 1977 to 1981.<ref name=VariantII>{{cite web | last1 = Kleiser | first1 = Jairo | url = https://motortudo.com/variant-2-1981-o-fim-da-saga-da-ventosa/ | title = Variant 2 1981, o fim da saga da ventosa | trans-title = 1981 Variant 2, the end of the story for the "windy lady" | date = 2020-04-20 | publisher = Carros Antigos | work = Motor Tudo | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210513010236/https://motortudo.com/variant-2-1981-o-fim-da-saga-da-ventosa/ | archive-date = 2021-05-13 | language=pt-BR }}</ref>

Brazilian Type&nbsp;3s used the front suspension from the Type&nbsp;1 with its laminated half-width torsion bars in top and bottom tubes and solidly mounted to the floorpan, unlike the German Type&nbsp;3's rubber mounted unit with full-width crossed round bars in the lower tube and anti-roll bar in the top one. The only exception among the Brazilian Type&nbsp;3s was the Variant II, which was equipped with a front [[MacPherson strut]].<ref name=VariantII/>
<gallery mode=packed heights="120px">
File:VW 1600 4P 1969 ftl.JPG|1969 Brazilian Volkswagen 1600 notchback, 4 door
File:Early Volkswagen TL.jpg|Brazilian Volkswagen 1600 TL fastback
File:1970-1971 VWB Variant.jpg|Brazilian Volkswagen 1600 Variant
File:1971-1973 Volkswagen TL.jpg|Brazilian Volkswagen 1600 TL fastback (new front)
File:VWB Variant.jpg|Brazilian Volkswagen Variant (new front)
File:Variant2.jpg|Brazilian Volkswagen Variant II
File:Karmann-Ghia TC 1.jpg|Brazilian Karmann-Ghia TC
File:Karmann-Ghia TC 3.jpg|Brazilian Karmann-Ghia TC
</gallery>

==Argentinian Dodge 1500-based Volkswagen 1500==
{{main|Hillman Avenger#Argentina}}
[[File:Volkswagen 1500 Argentina.jpg|thumb|left|Argentinian Volkswagen 1500]]

A "Volkswagen 1500" unrelated to the Type&nbsp;3 model 1500 was sold during the 1980s in [[Argentina]] based upon the Dodge 1500 manufactured in that country.

In 1980, Volkswagen bought the Argentinian company ''Chrysler Fevre Argentina SAIC'', inheriting some [[Dodge]] / [[Chrysler]] models and renaming the company ''Volkswagen Argentina SA''. One of the models was the Dodge 1500 (also the Dodge 1800) which the newly taken-over company re-badged as '''Volkswagen 1500''' for the Argentinian market. The estate was known as the '''Volkswagen 1500 Rural'''. Both variants continued to be sold until 1988.

The car, which was based on the [[Hillman Avenger]], had also been sold in Brazil, where it was known as the [[Dodge Polara]]. This version ceased in 1981, shortly after Volkswagen's purchase of the tooling in Argentina. The same car was available earlier in the 1970s in North America as the [[Plymouth Cricket]].

No parts of the Dodge 1500/"Volkswagen 1500" overlap with the Volkswagen Type&nbsp;3 model 1500, or any other Volkswagen product. Furthermore, the 1500 is the only front-engine, rear-wheel drive passenger car line ever sold as a Volkswagen.<ref>{{Cite web | title=Has Volkswagen Ever Built A Front-Engine/ Rear-Drive Car? The Answer Isn't Clear - The Autopian | url=https://www.theautopian.com/has-volkswagen-ever-built-a-front-engine-rear-drive-car-the-answer-isnt-clear/ | access-date=2025-08-18 | website=www.theautopian.com | date=17 January 2025 }}</ref>
{{Clear}}

==References==
* {{cite book | ref = Oswald | last = Oswald | first = Werner | title = Deutsche Autos 1945-1990, Band (vol) 3 | publisher = Motorbuch Verlag | language = de | year = 2003 | isbn = 3-613-02116-1 }}
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Volkswagen Type 3}}
*[http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/car_info_volkswagen_type_3.htm Unique Cars and Parts (Australia) Volkswagen Type 3]
*[http://www.type3registry.com Type 3 Registry] for Volkswagen Type 3 Vehicles (1961–1973)
*[http://type3wiki.com Type 3 Wiki] for Volkswagen Type 3 Vehicles (1961–1973)

{{Volkswagen (Europe) timeline 1950-1979}}
{{VW}}

[[Category:Cars of Brazil]]
[[Category:Rear-engined vehicles]]
[[Category:Volkswagen vehicles|Type 3]]
[[Category:Cars powered by boxer engines]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1961]]
[[Category:Compact cars]]
[[Category:Sedans]]
[[Category:Station wagons]]
[[Category:1970s cars]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Coupés]]