[T3] Old Type IIIs

[Dave Hall]

Yes, USA generally got the top spec while the rest of us had to do with
lesser trim levels, and usually for more money too!

We had a 1974 Camper with the upright 1600 engine, though the Type 4 engine
was fitted as an option on the higher spec models.  It still managed to tow
a 3/4ton trailer plus the Fastback when I took it up to London for a club
workshop weekend, where it was getting painted with Turquoise metallic
basecoat and clear.  We did nearly 300 miles round trip that weekend, very
slowly at times up the odd steep hill!  Most of the miles were on fairly
level roads though.

Dave.
UK VW Type 3&4 Club
===================

-----Original Message-----
From: type3-vwtype3.org-bounces at lists.vwtype3.org
[mailto:type3-vwtype3.org-bounces at lists.vwtype3.org] On Behalf Of Jim Adney
Sent: 25 February 2011 15:02
To: type3 at vwtype3.org
Subject: Re: [T3] Old Type IIIs

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

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