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VW Type 3 Parts
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Fastback
Notchback
Squareback
Type 3 Body Styles
The Volkswagen Type 3 has three different body styles: Notchback, Fastback, and Squareback (Station Wagon):
VW Notchback:
The Volkswagen 1500 Notchback was the first Volkswagen Type 3 to be produced. The term Notchback describes the variation of three-box car body styling.
VW Squareback:
The Station Wagon is the estate bodied variant of the VW Notchback. It was first sold in 1962 as the Variant overseas. It was first marketed in the U.S. as the VW Squareback in 1966.
VW Fastback:
The Volkswagen Fastback or TL version arrived in 1965 and is named by its car body style with a roofline that slopes continuously down at the back. It arrived with the Squareback in the US in 1966.
VW Type 3 Parts Tech Tips & Resources
What is a VW Type 3?
The VW Type 3 is a car model produced by VW from 1961 to 1973. It was introduced as a mid-sized car and was available in various body styles, including a two-door notchback, a two-door fastback, and a squareback wagon.
The Type 3 was designed to be a more luxurious and comfortable alternative to the VW Beetle. It featured more advanced features such as a semi-automatic transmission and front disc brakes. It was also known for its distinctive styling, which was designed by Italian designer Ghia.
The Type 3 was designed to be a more luxurious and comfortable alternative to the VW Beetle. It featured more advanced features such as a semi-automatic transmission and front disc brakes. It was also known for its distinctive styling, which was designed by Italian designer Ghia.
What is a VW Notchback?
The Volkswagen 1500 Notchback was the first Volkswagen Type 3 to be produced. The term Notchback describes the variation of three-box car body styling.
What is a VW Squareback?
The VW Squareback is a Station Wagon version of the Type 3. It was first sold in 1962 as the Variant overseas. It was first marketed in the U.S. as the VW Squareback in 1966.
What is a VW Fastback?
The Volkswagen Fastback or TL version arrived in 1965 and is named by its car body style with a roofline that slopes continuously down at the back.
What Years Were VW Type 3s Made?
The Type 3 Notchback was made from 1961 through 1973. The Type 3 Squareback was made from 1962 through 1973. The Type 3 Fastback was made from 1966 through 1973.
Is Type 3 a Reliable Car?
The Type 3 has a reputation for being a durable and well-built car, with many examples still on the road today. With proper maintenance and care, a Type 3 can be a reliable daily driver or a fun weekend car for Volkswagen enthusiasts. Ultimately, the reliability of a Type 3 depends on its age, condition, and how well it has been maintained over the years.
Regular maintenance and proper care are important for ensuring the reliability of a Type 3. This includes routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, tune-ups, brake adjustments, and inspections of the electrical system, suspension, and other components. Rust prevention and restoration is important for keeping your Type 3 in good shape as older vehicles are more susceptible to rust due to their construction materials and design.
Regular maintenance and proper care are important for ensuring the reliability of a Type 3. This includes routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, tune-ups, brake adjustments, and inspections of the electrical system, suspension, and other components. Rust prevention and restoration is important for keeping your Type 3 in good shape as older vehicles are more susceptible to rust due to their construction materials and design.
What Should You Look For When Buying a VW Type 3?
When purchasing a Type 3 the first thing you should do is inspect the vehicle. These are the things to look for:
VIN Number - The longevity of production with few major changes, paired with the interchangeability of air-cooled VW parts can make identifying your classic Volkswagen a challenge. The only sure-fire way to identify your VW is by checking the VIN.
Major Rust - Surface rust will happen at any bare metal spot on metal and is not the end of a restoration project. However, major rust is deeper in the metal and will bubble, flake or completely "eat" away metal. Major rust may indicate a previously repaired accident or other body damage.
Body Condition - When buying a VW we are MOST concerned with the body shell itself first and foremost. Fenders, hoods, seats, wheels, engines and transmissions, doors, bumpers and all the other parts bolted to the car can be changed. The body is the foundation and we will always look for the best foundation possible. Look for overall fit and operation of body parts like creases and folds, cracking paint, door gaps, and fender to tire clearance from one side to the other. Where some misalignment is common, too much can be an indicator of a bad accident.
VIN Number - The longevity of production with few major changes, paired with the interchangeability of air-cooled VW parts can make identifying your classic Volkswagen a challenge. The only sure-fire way to identify your VW is by checking the VIN.
Major Rust - Surface rust will happen at any bare metal spot on metal and is not the end of a restoration project. However, major rust is deeper in the metal and will bubble, flake or completely "eat" away metal. Major rust may indicate a previously repaired accident or other body damage.
Body Condition - When buying a VW we are MOST concerned with the body shell itself first and foremost. Fenders, hoods, seats, wheels, engines and transmissions, doors, bumpers and all the other parts bolted to the car can be changed. The body is the foundation and we will always look for the best foundation possible. Look for overall fit and operation of body parts like creases and folds, cracking paint, door gaps, and fender to tire clearance from one side to the other. Where some misalignment is common, too much can be an indicator of a bad accident.
Is a Type 3 a Good Investment?
Restoring any classic car can be turbulent and time consuming, but it can also bring joy and a sense of accomplishment. If it is done well, it can also bring in some nice profits. Of course there are never any guarantees. What you can count on is that they aren’t making any more Type 3s. The older these cars get, the more rare, and valuable, they become.
Is a Type 3 Expensive to Restore?
The cost of restoring a Type 3 depends largely on its starting condition. Parts are generally available and affordable.
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