Anyone else think VW should consider building at least concept versions of Type 3 inspired retro-wagens? The New Beetle was a smash hit for the first couple of years, and the Microbus definitely would have done the same (But then we wouldn't have gotten the awesomeness that is a badge-engineered Grand Caravan...), so why not? And while they're at it, how about a Tiguan-based homage to the Thing?
I haven't seen a fastback in many years up here in New Hampshire. In fact, aside from one or two rogue 181s, air-cooled VWs around here are limited to summer-driver Beetles and Buses. Though there was a lovely yellow Squareback in Marlborough at one point...
@Foozy Ploosh Room: I don't recall ever seeing any old VWs around down here excepting the standard Types 1 and 2 and a smattering of Karmann Ghias. There's also a bus with a, uh, shortened wheelbase, like, about 40 inches.
I drove through High Street in Alameda a couple of weeks ago. I literally saw six to ten DOTS cars within a one mile stretch. That island is a time machine.
I always found the Type 3 was way under estimated, the design has many interesting elements which are missed in many current day VW's. and it is baby blue, my fav. car color.
My buddy's mom had one of these. I looked forward to when it was their turn to drive me to school just so I could ride in the killer squareback. It had an aftermarket tape deck in it (this would have been c. 1988) which ate tapes, so we only listened to the radio.
Wow, I think this car got hit with all the accumulated rust karma of the rest of the cars in Alameda. I'm not really a huge fan of most "classic cars" but this particular specimen for some reason makes me want to get into restoration and bring it back to former, um... glory.
@Ileee: A friend of mine did that when I was in first-year college. They look amazing when they're nicely dropped, and with a retro-style set of slightly-upsized wheels. Very sexy.
Alright, this Squareback is echt Jalop, I'll give you that. But I don't have to like it. Not VW's finest hour, though vastly better than the 411 that replaced them. I don't think I ever heard of a 411 that could be kept in a state of proper repair and operation. It's a blessing they aren't still staggering around anymore
There is something about a car where the nameplate has warped, and I adore the duct tape repair of the headlight mount. Sort of like glamourous false eyelashes. And you can't argue with the rust around trim that's now missing.
I also like how the rear quarter has slowly and deliberately become another color than the door and fender that are the same color as the rest of the car. And that rear bumper has had to earn its keep, repeatedly.
And of course, you can't argue with fuzzy dice. Ah, the stories this car could tell.
@Van Sarockin, rogue trebuchet: Didn't the fuel-injected Type 3s have a nasty habit of catching on fire? I think I remember hearing stories about that.
@Deartháir now campaigns for leavethegun - takethecannoli: Cool as the Iltis is (and it is very very cool), the Schwimmwagen below it is the object of lust for me. Notice the wooden oars clipped to the sides - when was the last time you saw a car equipped with those? Assuming that you could even find a Schwimmwagen for sale, it would be outrageously expensive.
@tonyola: Well, yes, the Schwimmwagen is the obvious winner, but as you said, it's off my wish-list just due to sheer unattainability. I want one, but could never be bothered to spend that much money on one.
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I always found the Type 3 was way under estimated, the design has many interesting elements which are missed in many current day VW's. and it is baby blue, my fav. car color.
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He is planning on lowering it and going for retro-look.
Sounds good!
These are interesting cars.
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And why is it only the blue ones that seem to survive?
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There is something about a car where the nameplate has warped, and I adore the duct tape repair of the headlight mount. Sort of like glamourous false eyelashes. And you can't argue with the rust around trim that's now missing.
I also like how the rear quarter has slowly and deliberately become another color than the door and fender that are the same color as the rest of the car. And that rear bumper has had to earn its keep, repeatedly.
And of course, you can't argue with fuzzy dice. Ah, the stories this car could tell.
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Stay away from the Schnappster, shit makes me hoark.
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The Stoned Age FTW.
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All other VWs = FAIL.
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These are FAIL? Bite your tongue (or your fingers as the case may be)...
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I CAN HAZ MOAR VALIANT?