Classic Cars
From Germany
THE VOLKSWAGEN GROUP
From
the early cooperation between Dr Ferdinand Porsche and Adolf Hitler, the concept
of a "peoples' car" developed into the 3rd largest car manufacturer in the world
and incongruously maybe, includes 100% ownership of some of the world's top
market marques.
Names like Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, SEAT, Skoda as well as Scania. "VW"
holds a majority equity in Porsche in a mutually protective cross-shareholding.
It all began in 1934 with Porsche's first Volkswagen Beetle. Decimated by
Allied bombing, the factory was allowed to be resurrected after the war under
the management of British Army Major Ivan Hirst who supervised repairs and began
producing Beetles for the post war occupying forces.
(*1)
For the next 58 years, Volkswagen continued producing the Beetle, now well
over the 20 million mark.
If there was ever to be a classic, this it it. Parts readily available; as
many as 30 "different but same" models to choose from;
The 1932 to 1937 Beetles did not have a rear window
(left) and from 1938 to 1953
had an impossible rear window, split into 2 frames. The exterior design however,
is amazing. In the 1970s, we were driving Beetles that looked almost identical
to this model. (*2)
In 1933, the Beetle was sold for a price equal to about 30 weeks wages.
It is incredible to think that even before the Beetle had a respectable rear window,
had no
fuel gauge and a hand toggle choke, 1 million had been sold by 1955.
During its lifetime, the Beetle was only produced with engine sizes of 1100, 1200, 1300, 1500 and 1600cc.
Even in 1937, a cabriolet was available
(left).
Even compared to this Cabriolet of 1979, the basic shape of the 23 millionth
Beetle had changed little.
We could be excused for continuing but there are several others worthy of mention.
Officially the "Type 2" but better known as the Deliveryvan, Hippievan,
Surfervan, Campervan, Kombi Van. Commencing in 1950, the Type 2 will officially
end in 2012 but by then, it's cult status is not expected to diminish.
For most collectors, the older the better, and while there are dozens of
variations to the basic concept, the "Kombi van" remains essentially the same.
Most of us will happily recall our campervan like this well kept model from
1970.
Or to sleep in the back waiting for the surf to come up. Easier to sleep without
the windows but the no-window delivery van was not that comfortable in summer.
Amongst all this madness came some memorable stability with the 445,000Type 14
or Karmann Ghia, first introduced in 1955 and produced through to 1974 in either
coupe or cabriolet. This 1966 coupe differed little from the previous 11 years.
They came with either a 1500 or 1600cc air cooled engine.
Between 1961 and 1973, 2,542,382 Coupe, Squareback and Fastback models, all in 2
door and initially 1.5L, later 1.6L, were produced and called generally Type 3
although most owners referred to them simply as the Fastback etc. The only parts
which differed from those of the Type 1 (Beetle) was the body. Beginning with
the coupe, this 1600 TL Fastback
(*3)
was one of the most popular models. An iconic Australian "Dub", the early models
of the TL were uniquely called TS.
This second generation
1972 TL did not have quite the sleek lines of the
earlier model and the huge front indicator lights were a put off. They were not
as popular as the ealier models.
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References
Also beginning its life in 1961 was the replacement to the Type 14 Karmann Ghia,
now named the Type 34. With new squarish paneling, it began as a 1500cc 4
cylinder air cooled utilising the same platform as the new Type 3. Only 42,505
were built between 1962 and 1969 making these cars excellent collectibles.
Suddenly - Sacrilege.!! Water.!! What is water doing in a VW? Well, it turned
out to be a real success despite the cries from we Beetle fans of the day.
"Never"; we cried.
Resulting from its recent takeover of Audi in 1964,
VW used the same platform to produce this fastback variant beginning in 1973 and
continuing until 1981 and in Brazil (the second biggest production facility)
until today. It came in 2, 3, 4 and 5 door but only with 4 speed manual. 3
engine sizes from 1.3L to 1.6L with a diesel added in 1978. VW's first water
cooled front wheel drive auto sparked 6 generations each bearing little
resemblance to the other. Furthermore, models produced in Brazil, Mexico and
China also had significantly distinguishable features. Hugel ysuccessful
commercially, maybe not the best collectibles but in their contribution to
Volkswagen's future in the auto industry, highly significant. Above is the
Mark 1 produced until 1981.
Beginning in 1974, the smaller water cooled model named "Golf"
(Rabbit) was
equally successful spawning 6 generations to date. So popular, it has easily
outsold the Beetle with over 25 million units at 2007. This Mark 1 was only
available in 3 door until 1984.
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*1 - Wikipedia
*2 -
The Searles Family
*3 -
Bring a Trailer
*4 -
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