Vintage Volkswagen
VW Type 3 Specs – Squareback, Notchback, Fastback & Engine Details
Jan
The VW Type 3 was a game changer for Volkswagen. It was introduced in 1961 as the successor to the iconic Beetle. Type 3 was a compact car available in three different styles: the Notchback, Fastback, and Squareback. Each body style had its distinct characteristics, making it a versatile option for all types of drivers. Whether you were a business professional looking for a stylish sedan, or a family looking for a spacious and fuel-efficient wagon, Type 3 had it all.
In this article, we’ll take a trip down memory lane to discuss the specs and features of every body style and the engine details. So, come with us on this trip to discover why Type 3 has a cult following.
VW Type 3 Models
The VW Type 3 was available in three different body styles to give everyone an option. The three styles are Fastback, Notchback, and Squareback. As mentioned earlier, each body type has its distinct features and specs. Let’s discuss each body type in detail below:
🚗The Squareback
The Squareback, also known as the Variant, was the station wagon version of the VW Type 3. It was launched in 1962 and was designed to be a spacious and practical family car for those who needed a vehicle for hauling cargo. Its main highlight was its spacious cargo area. The Squareback could accommodate up to six passengers.
It was available with a 1.5L or a 1.6L engine and a top speed of 78mph. Another highlight of the Squareback was its unique “paddle” handle that opened the rear gate to reveal its spacious cargo area. It also featured a panoramic window that offered excellent visibility and provided adequate natural light to the cargo area.
Also, the Squareback had a long roofline that extended over the car’s rear, giving it a sleek design. It also featured a split rear and large side windows that help brighten the vehicle and improve air circulation. The car weighs around 1,600 pounds and has a wheelbase of 94.5 inches.
✅ Here is a breakdown of the key specs of the Squareback:
- Engine – Available in 1.5L or 1.6L air-cooled four-stroke, flat-four engine
- Transmission – Four-speed manual or optional automatic
- Horsepower – 60 horsepower for the 1.5L engine or 70 horsepower for the 1.6L engine
- Dimensions – 169 inches long and 63 inches wide
- Seating – Up to 6 passengers
🚗VW Type 3 Notchback
The Notchback, commonly known as the Sedan, was the conventional four-door version of the VW Type 3. It can accommodate up to five passengers and has a more traditional trunk. It was available with a 1.5L or a 1.6 L engine. As with the Squareback, the Notchback also has a top speed of around 78mph. However, it has a shorter roofline.
The Notchback was introduced in 1961 and paved the way for the famous Type 34 Ghia. Like the Squareback, the Notchback also has a large rear window to provide enough natural light. It has a wheelbase of 94.5 inches and weighs around 1,600 pounds.
✅ Let’s discuss the key specs of the Notchback:
- Engine – Available in 1.5L or 1.6L air-cooled, four-stroke, flat-four engine
- Horsepower – 60 horsepower for the 1.5L engine and 70 horsepower for the 1.6L engine
- Transmission – Four-speed manual or optional automatic
- Capacity – Up to four passengers
- Dimensions – 160 inches long and 63 inches wide
🚗VW Type 3 Fastback
The Fastback, also known as the Coupé, is the sport version of the VW Type 3. One of its main highlights is its slopping roofline and unique style. It had a top speed of around 78mph and weighed approximately 1,600 pounds. It also had the same engine options as the other body styles. It was also known for its comfortable seating, smooth ride, and ample leg and headroom. Back in the day, it was the go-to option for weekend trips. Families also loved the Fastback due to its compact size.
✅ Below are some of the key specs of the Fastback:
- Engine – Available in 1.5L or 1.6L air-cooled, four-stroke, flat-four engine
- Horsepower – 60 horsepower for the 1.5 engine and 70 horsepower for the 1.6L engine
- Transmission – Four-speed manual or optional automatic
- Dimensions – 162 inches long and 63 inches wide
VW Type 3 Chassis and Engine Details
When the VW Type 3 was first introduced, it featured a 1.5L engine inspired by the air-cooled engine of the Type 1 Beetle. However, it was later given a longer stroke and became the foundation for the 1,300cc and 1,500cc engines used in the later Beetle and Volkswagen Type 2 T1 and T2 Bus. The engine was famously known as the “pancake” or “suitcase” due to its unique design. Unlike Type 1, the fan on Type 3 was placed on the end of the crankshaft instead of the generator. As a result, the engine’s height was reduced, creating more room for cargo. Additionally, the engine displacement was increased to 1.6L in 1966.
Another significant difference between the Type 1 Beetle and the Type 3 engine and transmission is the placement. The Type 3 engine and transmission were mounted on a subframe that housed the rear suspension. This also helped to reduce the noise and road vibrations. It also has a transverse round torsion bar front suspension that is more advanced than the type 1 Beetle’s torsion reef suspension. Type 3 was also the first volume production car to have an electronic fuel injection, thanks to the Bosch D-Jetronic system introduced in 1968. The vehicle also received its first automatic transmission in the same year. Type 3 also underwent upgrading in 1968.
Its rear suspension was upgraded to double-jointed CV joint semi-trailing arm suspension. The Type 3 variants offered front and rear enclosed luggage spaces with cargo accessibility through the trunk and the hood.
Final Thoughts
The VW Type 3 was a significant upgrade of the VW Type 1 Beetle. It had a larger displacement and innovative designs like the “suitcase” or the “pancake” engine. It also featured a transverse round torsion bar front suspension. The VW Type 3 was offered in three different body styles: the Fastback, Squareback, and Notchback. The Notchback, also known as the Sedan, is the traditional four-door version of Type 3, whereas the Squareback is the station wagon version of Type 3. The Fastback, also known as the Coupé, was the most stylish and sportier version of Type 3.
If you are looking for vintage VW parts for your VW Type 3, check out our extensive selection of vintage VW parts to find exactly what you are looking for.
