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Seen in SoCal: VW Type 3 Squareback

Posted by Jeff Glucker on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:38 PM

VW Type 3
This classic example of the people's car has been painted "Congrats, It's A Boy!" blue.

Here in SoCal we come across high-end exotics all of the time (go back and take a look at the Ferrari F40 and the Morgan Aero 8), but sometimes it is the other end of the scale that catches my attention. Caught in the mid-day sun, perhaps trying to tan it's pale blue skin a darker shade, was this awesome example of the classic VW Type 3, also known as the 1600, or more affectionately, the Squareback.

The VW Type 3 was built from 1961 to 1973, although they were not available in the US until 1966, which is the same year that the Squareback and Fastback were introduced. The engine was a 1.6L air-cooled flat-4, and it was one of the first production vehicles to have electronic fuel injection as an option (starting in 1968, thanks Lou).

VW Type 3 Rear
I wonder why they called this VW the Squareback? I don’t see it …

I would like to believe that this car was rescued from the set of the 1985 film Witness and given a better life than either Harrison Ford or the Amish could offer.

VW Type 3 Front
His cousin is the VW Bug from the Das Auto commercials, but he doesn't get up to LA to see him much these days.

(Special thanks to Ben Headley and Lou Gaz for their VW knowledge.)

At NADAguides.com, you can find a huge amount of information on a wide range of classic cars.

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Reader Comments

peabody3684 8/27/2008 8:48 PM

Back in high school, I had a crush on these things. Just like the long and low yet it's not huge, sporty kinda aspect...

Actually saw a total rusted beater one of these during dinner tonight! It was sweet.

This one looks sharp, even in the powder blue. Maybe someday for a run around...

Jeff Glucker 8/28/2008 8:58 AM

@peabody3684:

It is a great looking car, though that old VW engine might be a bit too slow for me... perhaps something from big brother Porsche might bolt in?

Turn it into a Type 311 or something...

Sam 9/1/2008 7:07 AM

Back in the 60's my uncle was in the navy stationed in Scotland. He returned with a green squareback one of the first in this country. That was the car my older cousin and I would run around town in. It ended it's life on it's roof but at least no one was hurt. Good times.

Jeanne Barnett 9/12/2008 4:55 AM

Jeff, your camera takes awesome photos. Sorry I nothing of cars, but your camera sure takes nice pictures of them! Great blog!

Jeff Glucker 9/12/2008 10:28 AM

@Jeanne:

Thanks, the iPhone is good only when:
a)there is plenty of light because there is no flash
&
b)the object is close enough because there is no zoom.

I try to carry a real camera with me more often now... but the phone works well in a pinch.

Marislea 6/18/2009 9:36 AM

I have been loooking for one of these that I can restore... anyone out there know where one might be? (or am I just dreaming?)

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