[T3] Old Type IIIs

[Jim Adney]

On 25 Feb 2011 at 13:04, Dave Hall wrote:

> The world-wide marketing strategy of VW kept various out-dated versions
> going.  Some countries only had fairly primitive fuel supplies, so used the
> low compression single and twin-carb engines.  I guess it also supported the
> parts supply for repairs.  I remember someone on the list had one, but I've
> a feeling it may have been fitted with 1600 barrels and pistons at some
> point.  As you remind me, Jim, there were still 1500 engines being supplied.
> Over 200,000 of the K-series 1500 single carb engines were made even though
> the 1600cc engines were available.  The 1500cc remained the basic model.
> We've certainly someone in the UK Club with such a car - imported from
> Thailand I think (and RHD of course!).  I suspect the longevity of the 1500
> Type 3 engine probably has a lot to do with the 1500 Beetle coming out.

The 1500 engine was also an exceptionally durable design, which would make it 
better suited to third world use.

Many years ago I ran into a visitor from Germany who owned a mid-70s VW 
microbus. When I remarked that it must have had the 1800 or 2000 cc engine, he 
said, no, it had the 1600 engine. I started to suggest that he was mistaken, 
but he promptly corrected me and pointed out that VW continued selling the 1600 
engine in buses much longer in Germany and elsewhere. I had mistakenly assumed 
that what we saw here in the US was representative of what was sold around the 
world.

-- 
Jim Adney
jadney at vwtype3.org
Madison, WI USA