1973 VW Type 3 Squareback: The other best selling Volkswagen! - RETRO DRIVE REVIEW

MotoMan drives the most practical car yet of the RETRO DRIVE REVIEW series, a 1973 Volkswagen Type 3 Variant, a/k/a, the VW Squareback!. Yes, it’s slow yet he learns there was a lot of tech that went into the VW Type 3 series from 1961 - 1973, making them reliable back in the day which has an impact in our new game, #OptionsGameSenior
#VW #Squareback #VWType3 #VWSquareback #RETRODRIVEREVIEW
Subscribe AND CLICK NOTIFICATIONS now to experience our adventures in the car world.
www.youtube.com...
Check out our RETRO DRIVE REVIEW Playlist:
• RETRO DRIVE REVIEWS
Follow us at our socials to get behind the scenes video clips, pics and more:
Facebook - / motomantv
Twitter - / motomantv
Instagram - / motomantv
MotoMan. Storyteller of Transport, Travel & Inspired People
Check out our long form interview show, INSIDE THE MOTOMAN STUDIO, where we talk to the key people shaping the car world!
Available NOW on all our streaming platforms as well as a PODCAST!
Subscribe. Rate. Review at:
podcasts.apple...
play.google.co...
open.spotify.c...
tunein.com/pod...
Download our MotoManTV App!
Apple iTunes/iOS:
itunes.apple.c...
Google Play/Android: play.google.co...
Amazon App Store:
www.amazon.com...
MUSIC courtesy of the Kevin MacLeod/incompetech.com, Michael Bliss, Evan Schaeffer - / evanschaeffer & Jahzzar

[@clickynote]

The lack of views on this video is depressing. Excellent video.

[@MotoManTV]

Incredibly disappointing. As I mentioned in our May 2020 show update (kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6vPZYuGbMmoqKs), these episodes need to be doing 100,000 views each consistently in order for us to continue this series. That is for a number of reasons - biggest being is a MUCH higher cost to shooting these. Travel to/from the cars, trickier logistics with old cars and most importantly, crazy high insurance required for shooting these. Yes, others have done better, Ford GT the current high water mark (kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZojTq6OPgKt3d80), yet they are nowhere close to that. In fact, the numbers on this one is far below even our worst projections. This is why I asked our loyal viewers to share these episodes, especially on Reddit - and that, just has not happened. This was the last one we shot and unless something drastically changes, the plan is not to shoot another.

[@DyseProductions]

Motoman I’ve been seeing your Escalade video and they are bomb.

[@rainwaterstudio]

My husband and I owned a 71 square back for our first car after marrying in 1975. We bought it used and drove it until 1995. We’re in Texas and our car had the factory air conditioner. Our vw mechanic tried to get us to disconnect the ac every time we brought it in. He said it was too hard on the engine. Our square back was the same color as the one in the video Clementine Orange. I still miss her. Thanks for the video. I loved that car.

[@scrambaba]

I had a 1969 type 3 coupe in dark green in about 1979 for a couple of years and I loved it. It felt very quick to me at the time!

[@jadney]

There was no factory installed A/C; it was all dealer installed. A LOT of it was installed in southern climates, but your mechanic was right: It was poorly designed and hard on the engine.

[@rainwaterstudio]

@@jadney when you live in Texas.and the car has black vinyl interior it’s pretty miserable without ac. The ac looked incorporated to the dash like it was factory installed. We bought it used so I don’t know who installed it.

[@jadney]

Thanks for the coverage of my favorite VW, the VW Type 3. However, I'd like to make a few additions/corrections: The VW Type 3s were the first cars to offer ELECTRONIC fuel injection as a mass produced factory option. FI was introduced as an option for the '68 Type 3s, in the fall of 1967. This was Bosch D-jetronic FI, which was taken up by other makers starting in 1970. D-jet FI lasted into 1976, but was replaced by K-jet and then L-jetronic FI, the latest versions of which are now current. Given how FI has almost completely replaced carbs, the VW Type 3s were the beta test cars, and the grandfathers of the fuel systems on almost everything on the road today. From '61 thru '73, VW built Type 3s with single carbs and dual carbs, adding the FI option in '68, although only the FI versions were imported into the US from '68-on. The first year for the late body style (large square bumpers, long nose, large taillights) was 1970. The wipers switched sides and the dash was redesigned for the 1971 model year. Air conditioning was never a factory option; it was always dealer installed, which entailed butchering the body and compromising the engine cooling tin. I understand that our warming climate makes it seem like AC is essential, but it never was, back in those days. The steel sunroof is a highly desirable factory option these days. There weren't that many of them sold. Lots of Type 3s still around today have the factory 3-speed automatic transmission. While most of us would rather have the manual 4-speed, the ATs have been extremely reliable, and the top speeds are about the same. There were FOUR VW Type 3 body styles: Fastback, Squareback, Notchback and Type 3 Karmann Ghia. The Notch and Type 3 Ghia were never sold in the US. The Ghia you're so familiar with was the Type 1 Ghia, built on a Beetle pan. The Type 3 Ghia, built on a Type 3 pan, was a much prettier car, rare these days. You suprised me with the 52 HP statement, but a check of a '73 Owner's Manual confirms this: 52 HP at 4000 RPM and 77 ft-lbs at 2200. Oddly, my '72 Owners Manual only gives the torque as 86.8 at 2800; no mention of HP. All the earlier FI years are called out as 65 HP. I've owned all those years, except for '70, and never noticed any significant difference in the engines. This video raised a lot of interest on the Type 3 email list and the only explanation for the sudden drop in HP in '73 (and perhaps '72) is that this may have been due to a change in measurement: HP at the drive wheels as opposed to HP at the flywheel. The top speed mentioned in the Owners Manual is quite conservative. I've owned 10 of these cars, both MT and AT, over the years, and each of them has been over 100 mi/hr at some time. Never for long, and it takes awhile to get there, but they can do it. Thanks again for the coverage,

[@nicholasagnew2792]

no air conditioning but they did come with gasoline heaters lol

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

As a DAF 66 fan I have to say, this truly is one of the most beautiful cars I've ever seen in my life, it looks like it could've been made by Porsche

[@jadney]

The gasoline heater was a rather rare factory option. It was something you could order with your US import car starting in '70 or '71. In nearly 50 years of working on these cars, I've only ever seen one of them. I'm in southern Wisconsin, but they were probably more common farther north.

[@davidparnell5743]

Fantastic information!

[@thomasmcmahon400]

Had a 73, orange also, loved it. I made one mistake by not ordering pop out windows in the rear with the sunroof. It created a horrible reverberation.

[@jackbarlow4104]

I had a 71 Squareback, I loved it! I put a 1776 cc engine in it, duel exaust, mirror style sunroof, surf racks, and red paint with gold flakes in the paint. I had it from 1988 through 1995. I still have dreams about that car, always going down to get some surf on the Central Coast of California. Cassette player had the Surf Punks, Beach Boys, Run DMC, and Social Distortion to name a few. "I used to be cool".

[@Dundertaker1]

My first car...yellow...71’.....God bless you for the great review of an amazing all rounder.

[@nplus1watches35]

Yeah, it was my first car as well, a '72, same color. 'Got it with low miles but it had lived in snow country w/ salt. Yeah, I had that special unwritten option, a hole in the rear passenger floorboard... But it was a great car and I was sad to see it go.

[@1ProShooter]

I own an original 1971 squareback. Runs and drives Love this car.

[@unconventionalideas5683]

This is a unique car. These are decent cars. Frankly, many of us should thank not only Ralph Nader, but a lot of others along the way, because otherwise we would not be alive.

[@mtnvalley9298]

My aunt had one. We had 2 bugs and a camperbus that was two tone green with a blue stripe around the middle from factory. It looked like an Easter egg.

[@benificentmillipedius634]

My 1969 Squareback - mechanical FI - got 36 mpg ALWAYS - 70mph hiway, in stop and start city traffic, everywhere everything. It was bored out to 1850cc and otherwise 100% stock original.

[@donjones4719]

I like the insight about the suspension being sophisticated for its time and price bracket. I learned to drive on the the family 1970 VW Bus. When we switched to a new '73 Squareback it felt like a sports car. It wasn't just ~low to the road, it *felt* low to the road. Now I know it wasn't just an illusion in comparison to the Bus.

[@macstone9719]

A lot of tech from this one also went into my first car, a 914 2.0 VW/Porsche. I love these old flat fours. The sound is unique.

[@e.l.8824]

Nice video. The rims have to be originally in silk silver - not glossy. If you change that the car will have a nicer, original appearance. The sun-roof was very rare. I drove this from 15 yrs till I was 21. The 54 PS version was tricky to service because the 2 carburetors needed to be synchronized: not easy with ca. 8 worn joints .... Fuel consumption was 12ltr/100km which was far too high but cant be avoided, even not with excellent service....Fuel Injection was not ordered in Germany but in the UK. .....your vid brings back memories.....

[@jrenmo]

My 69 Square has been in the garage and Non-op since the start of the pandemic(save money on registration and insurance). Came close to selling a couple times however, something keeps telling me to hang on to her. Watching this really makes me want to register it and start driving it again. Cheers .

[@MotoManTV]

Put her back on the road and don’t look back.

[@kenglavens6455]

If you decide to sell it, you will never find another person who would appreciate it as much as I. My parents bought a brand new 65 while we were stationed in Germany. I took my driver's test in it after we brought it back to the States. I'd even consider shipping it here if you are not in America. Cheers:: sounds like you're in England. If so, I have relatives in County Durham.

[@BigPJB]

I had to sell mine the car aged 40 because of my disability unable to work on my fastback that my dad bought in 74 it’s the only classic I’d dive given a chance. I couldn’t watch anything Volkswagen related for years I was so heartbroken. So versatile great though floods put a 412 engine in later teen years but would have an original no mods and be happily evermore. So many great memories as a child and later as an adult. Great to see a restored 311 although I’d like the 312 being from UK. Great video many thanks

[@jerrymack6123]

I had a 71 squareback it was a great car really fun to drive and with tons of cargo space. It was great on the snow and it was fun with the windows down during summer. That entire air cooled VW era was cool for sure.

[@antonaiherrion7999]

what type of gas did you use ? im hearing either 100% gasoline or 87 octane , what do you recommend ?

[@jerrymack6123]

@@antonaiherrion7999 Back then it was probably 87. The engine wasn't a "performer" in any respect, and like any volksie of the day you had to really wind the engine out for any useful power! But that was the beauty of the air cooled engines you could wind them way out!

[@Inu91]

I have a 71 automatic that it restored recently. And yeah its slow but its very solid and stable, it forces you to drive well and safely. (and surfers love her)

[@htimsid]

I had a '70 automatic squareback and was very pleased with it. Definitely not 'terrible'!

[@ericinouye803]

Thanks! I loved my '73 square back! Traded it in for a bus, when my family grew to four kids.

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

Had new in 1971..My first new car. I truly loved my VW. Kept till 1981 , bought a new Rabbit.

[@M1911jln]

I drove a friend's Squareback once. Apparently his brakes on the left side weren't working. I was on the highway, hit the brakes, and it changed lanes to the right. Yeesh.

[@albertlira7443]

Watched this for inspiration. I have a 1971 Squareback that i am rebuilding. Cork leatherette and i believe it to be Kansas beige on the dash but somewhere up the line somebody painted it a gnarly yellow. But i love it.

[@garethjudd5840]

My late father used to have one back in the 70s and it always broke down because of over heating, due to insufficient cooling air which also affected the early VW Bus.

[@Entrelanieve]

The car that saved my life due to its solid built. I loved it.

[@paullupton8553]

My first car in 1985 was the family '71 Squareback. My father had even bought the upgraded option of a Blaupunkt FM radio!! Unfortunately, after 15 years of winters in Ontario, Canada, the frame rusted out and the struts came through the rear floor. Would love to find one again someday. Driving around even with the low power was a lot of fun. As he mentions in the video, this car was like a Subaru in Oregon. Funny enough, that is what my father replaced this car with and he and I still drive Subies today!

[@MetoFulcurm]

Rear engine wagon, amazing! This car needs a true successor but even the new beetle is front engine FWD... Is this what progress is?

[@harriettanthony7352]

I owned one, and just one time trying to fix it- I sold it! This would be good for an EV conversion

[@tomwebber5094]

Another great video. You really are ideally suited to this kind of review. I believe my mother and I looked at these in 1972 but she thought it wasn't as practical as the 510 wagon as it had 4 passenger doors and was more practical for 3 kids and a dog. Her 510 did us a great service with little fuss. I would love for you to find an original 510 wagon to review. Everyone is all about the 2 door versions. Anyway, good stuff friend.

[@kyledavis4890]

I had one of these after my first beetle. I do miss it. It was almost exactly like this guy's, but red and no sunroof. And, my insulation on the engine deck lid was shinier. Many fond memories in that car with the back seat folded down.

[@johntuzzio4129]

Great video, my dad bought one new in 1971 green in color, was a manual with a/c and rear defogger, when i turned 17 in 86 my dad handed it down to me, learned to drive a manual in it, also drove it my senior year in high school, shortly after that car was totaled parked outside our house, wish i still had it, thanks for the review and memories.

[@michaeltutty1540]

Very interesting video. My only experience with a Type 3 was a 73 Slant Back that belonged to the mother of a friend. The car drove well, even with 8 teenagers crammed in it. We had 10 in a 75 Dart Swinger that night. 18 people and 2 cars to go see Rocky Horror Picture Show. What sticks in my mind is what was laughingly call a heater. The heat from the engine was, to be kind, pitiful. The air for the "defroster" was unheated, so was pretty useless. The gas heater was as hot as a furnace when on. It was on or off, nothing in between, and if you did turn it on, it had to run for a minimum of 5 minutes, like it or not, or there was the risk of it exploding. At least I fit in it, unlike the Type 1.

[@caseymanley2555]

So awesome to see this review - I had this EXACT spec car (color, year, sunroof - everything down to a T). I was working on restoring it with my dad but sold it while I was in college, around 2013 or so - any chance this car came from Oregon? I miss that little car terribly, you can’t beat these awesome old Volkswagens.

[@MotoManTV]

This car did indeed come from Oregon. One of the Volkswagen folks found it on the streets for Portland and bought it.

[@caseymanley2555]

@@MotoManTV That’s crazy - I bet I owned this car at some point then - there aren’t too many of these running around. It had an original Oregon license plate on it when I had it (the super rad blue and yellow ones from back in the day) If the owner is interested, I’d love to connect with them - I have most of the history on the car since I was the third owner and the car was sold with a ton of Type 3 memorabilia. I don’t have the VIN number anymore since it’s been so long, but I do know the license plate number, or what it used to be.

[@bigrebone]

We had a white VW Squareback growing up in the early 70s. Great car. We ran the ever living hell out of that thing and it kept going. I could the fold the seats down and load a snapper riding lawn more into the back, so that I could mow our church lawn, my grandmother's lawn and a few other lawns in the neighborhood. That car served us well for sure. I would love to have one.

[@alfredearlydmin4395]

My very first automobile was a V W bug in Germany., of which I managed to bring a later model to America. Later I purchased a V W Fastback in America. Loved my V Ws

[@marcnobel3938]

That was a lovely video! Nice classic and still affordable.- Great idea MotoMan! From this area VW I love the SP2 the most. A really cool looking design in my opinion. - I also love the type 181 ( I think in the US they call it "Thing"). More of that content, please!

[@MotoManTV]

There are MANY others . . . please *share* them - especially on Reddit: kzbin.info/aero/PLF6ek7dWy48qhZks8pbQlSyA1wNAiqNC2

[@marcnobel3938]

@@MotoManTV I know the classic car Videos but I meant specific "cheaper" cars in this segment. Where you can maybe still get in for a good price. - Unfortunately, I have no Reddit or Insta Account.I am kind of old.

[@noahmeme2]

I have my grandpa's 1970 in the same color. He changed the engine to a older one that is carbureted so it would be easier to work on.

[@PetterPJ3W]

I’ve owned a type 1, type 2, type 3 and type 4. More recently a Caddy and now own a Touran

[@Sevenfeet0]

Hey George. This review is special for me not because of this specific vehicle but because of one of its competitors that my father drove. He passed away suddenly in the spring of 1969 but he purchased what my mother believes was a 1968 Opel Kadett B sedan to compliment the 1967 Buick Riviera that my parents owned (the Riviera had been a replacement for his original 1963 Riviera, a car I really want to have back). He drove the Kadett until he died and then my mother sold it to one of his friends (another doctor) who drove it for many years. Curiously, it's not the only Kadett B in the family. My aunt (my father's sister) bought a 1971 Kadett B wagon to compliment the gargantuan 1970 Buick Electra 225 she also had at the time. The Electra is gone but the Kadett is still in her garage but it hasn't been moved since 1985. (My aunt is sadly, a serious hoarder and the car is literally buried in stuff). The car I'm told needs a new engine fan and obviously some work after sitting for so long. It has a couple of minor dents, but otherwise is complete. It's certainly is an interesting project car.

[@MotoManTV]

You NEVER told me you have such a rich Buick history in your family! LOVE Rivieras. In fact, my mother also had a 1970 Buick Electra 225!!!!!

[@Sevenfeet0]

@@MotoManTV Here's another Buick story...this time on my mother's side of the family. My grandfather and Thurgood Marshall were dear friends throughout their lives. In December 1941, my grandparents, Thurgood and his first wife Buster were vacationing on Martha's Vineyard. The morning of December 7th, my grandmother and Buster were driving when the attack on Pearl Harbor broke over the news. My grandmother immediately began crying because she knew her husband, an Army reserve doctor would likely get called up for an obvious war. He was and left for Pearl Harbor a month later, not to return until the end of the war. My mother was born nine months later. Oh, and the car she and Buster were driving? My grandmother's brand new 1942 Buick Roadmaster. I know it was a '42 due to a single picture I found that had the chrome strips on the rear fenders, a 1942 only detail. The cars went out of production for the war effort a few weeks after the bombing.

[@TKPorsche]

Affordable, reliable, and practical. Such a contrast to the ubiquitous muscle cars of the era, or the number one seller in those years, the Chevy Impala. Great review Mr. Motoman!

[@MotoManTV]

Thank you, sir!

[@mrkrojo]

Great video. I've always been intrigued by these. The casual "Folksfagen" is not easy to pull off.

[@fulminatorc6]

Childhood memories :) we had one. And just found that my dad keept the windshield, it's in the attick, it looks intact :) maybe somebody needs it one day LOL. It would be nice to have it transplanted to a car that lives on :)

[@bavariancarenthusiast2722]

Wow that gives memories back - I remember as a kid one of my uncles had one and it was old then! When traveling in Brazil, you can still see them on the road in service today. Great review and time travel - thank you! Are they still around in the US?

[@MotoManTV]

You do see a number of these floating around California. As a matter of fact, a week after I sadly had to give up this car, I was at the library looking for a parking spot and happened upon the almost twin to this car - just now sunroof. As I stopped and admired it, a stunningly beautiful surfer girl rolls up - just back from the beach. She didn't quite understand my immediate marriage proposal:)

[@bavariancarenthusiast2722]

@@MotoManTV wow that's a nice meeting - better a double-nice meeting. I assume she did not say yes ;)

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

It makes me happy that people's preserve classic cars, specially now in the age of electric and safety over beauty design, they aren't made anymore so they gotta be preserved :) these VW's are history on wheels

[@tower_studios_dave]

My family had one of these. They bought it in Cyprus in around '73. This car saved my life. I was an 8 year old child at the time, and I was packing up the car to get out of the city during a supposed ceasefire, as the Turkish military had invaded the island. The ceasefire was shaky, and as I was putting something in the car, there was a shot. I felt that the bullet didn't miss me by much, and I dived into the back of the car and lay there shaking. I don't know how long I was there, but when I finally emerged, the shooter had gone. In terms of the demographic who bought the car, my dad worked in the British Intelligence Service

[@toddstevens8506]

My mother had a notchback when I was a kid, loved the sounds and smells of that car. I would like to find one as some of these old cars were dripping in character, a real contrast with most modern cars.

[@geemanbmw]

Yes definitely dripping in character and I also remember the smells of those volkswagens of that era. A trip down memory lane

[@robertneill3057]

One flaw of the Type 3 was the cooling, relying on a pleated rubber connection duct into the rear fan housing. As this was above the exhaust silencer any failure of this rubber duct meant that hot air was drawn in. Don't know if rearranging the rear side tinware (if any exists at the rear of the engine) below the fan housing aperture much like on the 411/412 Varients will go towards solving this issue. Also standard was the dynamo first with 6v electricals. Nowadays I think there's a aftermarket alternator conversion kit available.

[@chrisst8922]

On the Type 3 there's no rear side tinware whereas on the Type 4 there is.

[@robertneill3057]

@@chrisst8922 Some tinware has to be made in this case. Don't know if a pleat strip of foam can seal the edges like on other models. There's also the oil filler pipe to accommodate.

[@chrisst8922]

@@robertneill3057 On the Type 3 there was no tinware to fill in the space between the engine tinware and the body and no foam strip either whereas on the Type 4 there is. The arrangement for the oil filler pipe is similar on both Type 3 & 4.

[@TheBoomerPlace]

I was in college in the late 70s and had a green 1970 Squareback. My dad still had his 70 bug. The keys were interchangeable 😮. Not sure why this has gone up in value as it was a miserable car that I don’t miss. But that’s just me. To each their own. Great vid though 😊.

[@Santi-dq3cr]

why was it miserable?

[@TheBoomerPlace]

@@Santi-dq3cr No AC, noisy interior and gutless.

[@mikemullay5622]

My family had a 1970 Squareback automatic. 65 horsepower total. It couldn't get out of its own way. And it would never start on a cold morning.

[@melanieenglert931]

They added 4.5 inches in 1970, including the Europa bumpers. In 73 they added a bar beneath the front bumper to comply with the 2.5 mph regulation for 73. The Beetle had a similar bar added, called a strap in that case. While the Beetle gained a large 5 mph bumper for 74, Volkswagen couldn't add the same to the Type 3 without ruining the car's looks and decided to end production a year early. Though not as pretty as the 69 and under models, the Type 3 had it's best selling years after the 1970 change, selling the most in 1970 in the states with over 100K models. One in ten Volkswagens sold in the states was a Type 3. The Karmann Ghia received the Europa bumpers in 72; they didn't take away from the looks of the car as drastically as some domestic small car models and again, Volkswagen decided to pull the plug early rather than comply with the 1974 bumper regulations in the states.

[@laurah.160]

i drove a 71 type 3 in the Ozarks and it was fucking outrageous and fun

[@shoknifeman2mikado135]

My Dad had a 65, it had NO trouble following or passing in HW traffic

[@andysp8845]

Learned to drive in a 1970 Squareback with 3spd auto!

[@donjones4719]

Small hatchbacks with fold down rear seats have been ubiquitous for 30+ years but IIRC Volkswagen was way ahead of the curve on this with the Squareback. The Pinto and Dodge Omni, etc came along but had nowhere near the room in back.

[@slickstretch6391]

Currently shopping for a daily and found a '73 for about $1,500. The tailgate is badly dented, but otherwise it's in great shape. The only thinig holding me back is the lack of power and A/C.

[@romaniageneral6002]

My dad had 2 vw type 3 variant, one from 72' and the one he still has from 69'(model 1970).

[@JSmith-ut7tt]

Had a 1972 Orange VW Squareback! Bought in 1973 with about 24K miles on it, hit the jackpot because IT HAD AIR CONDITIONING on it! I think my loan was $2,200 & my payment was $72.46/month & Ins was $22.??/month, I was in an upstairs apt paying $58 month in Inglewood, TN. My first place, the first car I bought. And I worked for the State of TN; in "Property Assessments", I believe the guy's over the dept was "James Kennedy". My co-workers Sue Jarreld & Patsy ???? Oh well. I was 19 yrs old & living on my own. A great time in my life.

[@JohnDoe-fu6zt]

I had a '73 Squareback just like this one, except without the sunroof. Mine was orange, too.

[@IceDree]

Why I'm not surprised that the current demographic for the type 3 is surfer dudes? Air-cooled VWs & surfers go hand in hand. I bet the rally was fun. Hope you enjoyed it. As always, excellent work M.

[@MotoManTV]

That rally was an incredible experience . . . VWOA brought this one, a STUNNING Samba as well as some others . . .

[@IceDree]

@@MotoManTV that is so cool!

[@pfink70]

I had a '70 Squareback in orange in the late '90s...only car I regret selling.

[@OMENAHILLOKFGHT]

ONE OF MY DREAMCARS

[@chrisst8922]

I prefer the Europa bumpers (with their rubber inserts) on 1970's VW's to the rounded bumpers on earlier cars. I don't like over-riders on any cars. Notice that the anodised aluminium strips around the windows are missing on all six fixed windows. The wing piping wouldn't have been black originally, it would have been in body color. Also of note is the heater lever illumination light on the dashboard. Seen clearly at 14:02, just below and to the left of the lower rotary fresh air knob; it is a small spotlight that may be angled to illuminate the heater controls between the front seats that have been fitted with yellow covers.

[@jeffhughes1862]

We had this car. When my brother was driving it the wheel came off! Apparently the cotter pin broke and fell out. No lug nuts just one pin per wheel.

[@007JHS]

I had a type 3 wagon in Australia... mine wasn't fuel injected it had two carbies.

[@djblackjackshellac]

I can almost smell it, riding in the back, grandma at the wheel.

[@ssnoc]

Why was your seat back in recline ?

[@kresimirmilisa5560]

nice review on old car ve type 3.

[@richardcline1337]

I have always wanted the notchback version of this car but they are hard to find and notchback in good condition is very pricey.

[@edcolins5498]

Good old Passat !

[@chrisst8922]

This isn't a Passat, this is a Type 3.

[@aaaaachew]

You need to do more of these videos. Maybe call it Future Legends. Cars such as the 964/993 Porsche’s, the E30/46 M3, B7 RS4, Subaru 22B etc

[@MotoManTV]

Already have . . . take a look . . . and if you want more, *please* share them: kzbin.info/aero/PLF6ek7dWy48qhZks8pbQlSyA1wNAiqNC2

[@BanjoLuke1]

These are lovely, but they are of their time and they are flawed. Most lovely cars are flawed. It was actually a pretty swift car from point to point on European roads. 0-60 has little to do with journey time. It had unusual, but highly predictable, handling. It was easy to drive when grip was limited. They were thirsty for their size and power. All these VW flat fours were thirsty. But for four youngsters who wanted to get around Europe on the early-to-mid 80s, these little beasties were just about perfect. They didn't have the cool of the Type 1, but they got the job done and made you smile.

[@1g2002541]

WoW, The largest Frunk I've ever seen. Packaging is execellent in this car. Love it! I think Tesla is able to build something like this. They have the E-motor mounted in the same location as this engine.

[@joeylantis22]

Tesla is starting to put another E-motor in the front of their cars for 4WD and the frunks are getting smaller and smaller….

[@aaronchilders9827]

i daily a type 3 here in colorado

[@scrambaba]

Have to distinguish between the 411 (which this one is) and the boxier more luxurious 412

[@chrisst8922]

No, this isn't a 411. This is a Type 3, that is the VW1600. Both 411's and 412's are Type 4's, the 411 before the facelift in 1972 and the 412 afterwards.

[@stopvoris8635]

1:10 if you put it in neutral, you don't need to keep the clutch depressed.

[@snugbug5067]

Very interesting to learn all this !! I would like to own a fastback some day, and a bus. I'm on my 3rd bug. 😀

[@antonaiherrion7999]

what type of gas is recommended? im hearing either 100% gasoline or 87 octane

[@motoflyte]

Always the ridiculous prices... I bought a 71 squareback for $1500 !

[@damieg82]

It's always hilarious hearing North Americans talk about acceleration figures. 4:13 he mentions 18 seconds as if that's abysmal, but that's obviously, and only, within a North American context. There are still LOTS of brand new cars sold around the world (Europe, India, China etc) with 0-100 times averaging 14-15 seconds, and no one bats an eyelash. So being only 3 seconds off that mark ain't that bad when you consider this VW is 50 years old

[@knitterscheidt]

In Europe VW had to compete against Citroen, the handling and ride king of the road. I had a 72 Beetle and at that time the max speed limit in NJ was 55 mph and it was adequate. My friend had an early Falcon and let me say on long grade climbs my VW beat that Falcon.

[@j.f-ou812]

They use to catch on fire

[@martinzepeda5234]

Hi 😂 I had a 64 65 and 69 I beg your pardon is there a way that I can have a beautie like this man ? ?

[@alexcarrillo5510]

Do not care, I love my Squareback, and miss it, drove it on my senior year in high school, and a year at city college, WHY did I sold it, I was Stupid..... Now these little babies are now worth 6 times than they were selling originally when I got it in 1973....

[@peterhatch1583]

Have e30 and 69 square body yes started to skin 69 on e30

[@nowayout8773]

I owned a 1968 Fastback in 1988, a 1969 VW Bug ( Automatic) around around 1990 and I paid around 500 dollars for Fastback and about same for Bug. The Fastback was really fun to drive and I remember the very interesting way the suspension worked. I live of all places in Germany and rarely see a Carmen Ghia, and never have I seen during my 21 years living here a squareback( Viliant) Fastback or notchback. If it explain or ask Germans where these cars are and I show photos, they have zero idea or knowledge of the car. I knew what type motor was in each. I don't know what the reason is. I thought maybe these models were produced only in South America or Mexico for the USA market. I saw a Karmen Gia the other day in sad condition.

[@BigPJB]

Who needed air conditioning just twist the quarter lights the other way more air than any aircon even if hot outside still enough to keep you’re face dry apart from conjunctivitis it was the 70’s 😄

[@markbuchholtzSacramentoCAUSA]

I loved my 1969 Squareback! It got sided by a drunk driver in '79.

[@samogasa7554]

My father have this car, green

[@mokonindyatmoko9175]

Wow wow...

[@dickstueland4009]

My German American grandparents had a light blue colored one. The motor in the back kept the back seat warmer. The St Christopher statue on the dashboard and the Rosary wrapped around the visor. A shrine to German Catholics.

[@terrybaptist795]

Is the spare tire being stored in the very front nose of the car some how suppossed to increase the odds of surviving a head on collision?😆

[@philipatoz]

When I was 18 (I'm 65 now), I bought a '68 Squareback, my first car. And I'd be a rich man today if I'd not bought it (which my dad warned me not to, LOL), considering the amount of repair it required. I put two engines in it. Must have had to do with the fuel injection, but it never got good mileage like it should have. Around town the engine got blazing hot. It didn't have a lot of power. To tell the truth, I can't even remember the last time I saw one on the road. It blew its third engine after a snowstorm, as a massive cumulus cloud came out of it. Good riddance!!! 😂

[@konbini_Goblin]

I'd drive it

[@Gnofg]

vw beetle stayed the same. Toyota should not be included

[@joeylantis22]

My thinking as well

[@keithwalker6892]

Between front wheels is only place for engine. Air cooled engines wrong in cars

[@bjorn2290]

Hi The 1600 TLE come in europe 1967

[@michaelclark2872]

I had the 3 speed auto in a Karmann ghia. It was terrible!

[@DyseProductions]

Is it still good to use reply pls

[@DyseProductions]

Cuz I want it.

[@og-greenmachine8623]

REASON I own a 72 Fastback😎 👉🏽Were “NOT” 2,000,000 built💡 = RARE VW

[@melesmelesfaber3866]

Please Please ! When you give out the weight of this car also give it out in kilos!

[@andrewbarten7347]

Corolla is cheating with it's sales figures. The Corolla is a series of completely different vehicles that replaced the previous ones but continued to use the same name. If VW called the Golf 'Beetle' it would eclipse Corolla.

[@FranklinYvette]

Taylor Anthony Williams Steven Rodriguez George

[@danielsee1]

Coment?

[@gblan]

Even Volkswagen gives its cars the same makeover job as private owners. Spiff up the interior and exterior, dirty, greasy, cruddy engine and transmission