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Welcome to the Type 3 Wiki
The Volkswagen Type 3 (sold as the Volkswagen 1500 and later the Volkswagen 1600) was a compact car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen (VW), introduced at the 1961 Frankfurt Motor Show, Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) and ultimately available in two-door Sedan (Notchback), Variant (Squareback or Station Wagon), Karmann Ghia and Fastback (TC) variants.
The Type 3 diversified Volkswagen's product range beyond the existing models — the Type 1 (Beetle), Type 14 Karmann Ghia, Type 2 (Bus) — while retaining their engineering principles, notably the air-cooled engine and the rear-engine, rear-wheel drive layout.
For more history on on the development please see the Wikipedia entry for Volkswagen Type 3's and our own Type 3 History section.
Latest major changes / updates / conversation for the Type 3 Wiki are being tracked here on thesamba.com.
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1962 Volkswagen 1500 Sedan
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1966 Volkswagen 1600 Karmann Ghia
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1963 Volkswagen 1500 Variant
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1966 Volkswagen 1600 Fastback
To Help Contribute
You are encouraged to help contribute to the Type 3 Wiki! If you have knowledge you'd like to share please register an account and help! It really isn't hard to do!
Please visit the wiki help page.
If you really aren't sure or need help please post in the thread listed above on thesamba.com for assistance.
German Produced Type 3 / 34's
History Development, and production from 1961-1973
Production Numbers for years 1961 - 1973 for Type 3's and Type 34's Courtesy of thesamba.com
Year-by-Year changes How to tell an early from a late, and much more, with pictures, including progressive refinements
Special Models Special German-Made Type 3's with limited or no production
Accessories Catalog of Type 3 / Type 34 Accessories
Toys & Collectibles of Type 3 / Type 34's - Needs Content
Brazilian Produced Type 3's
History Development, and production from 1968-1981
Technical Talk
Aftermarket - Currently available parts or conversion projects - Needs Content
Parts List Type 3 / Type 34 Parts List Books Scanned and converted to JPEG format
Service Manuals Type 3 / Type 34 Official Service Manuals Scanned and converted to JPEG
General Maintenance How to maintain your Type 3
Restoration Advice Restoration articles, tips and advice from experts
Tools of the trade Tools that you need, or need to find a friend who has these
Glossary Type 3 Glossary of terms used
Links Links to other Type 3 resources on the web
Type 3 FAQ / Common Questions Great thread on thesamba.com Type 3 Forums
Type 3 Model Numbers Courtesy of thesamba.com
Type 3 / Type 34 Color and Interior Combinations Courtesy of thesamba.com
Type 3 M-Codes Courtesy of thesamba.com
Type 34 M-Codes Courtesy of thesamba.com
Type 3 Wiring Diagrams Courtesy of thesamba.com
Type 3 VIN Numbers Courtesy of thesamba.com
Type 34 VIN Numbers Courtesy of thesamba.com
Parts Classifcations
For the following, it helps to know the Volkswagen parts classification system as described on vwtype3.org (also see aircooled.net's description, but it may have minor discrepancies with the TCS listing).
- ENGINE - From the clutch to the cover tins
- FUEL, EXHAUST, HEATING SYSTEMS - fuel tank, exhaust, fresh air
- TRANSMISSION - Transmission
- FRONT END - Front axle, shocks and steering
- REAR AXLE - Rear axle, shocks and differential
- WHEELS BRAKES - Wheels and Brakes
- BUMPERS, LEVERS & PEDALS - Frame, bumper, hand and foot controls
- BODY - quarter panels, fenders, dash, windows, seats, mirrors
- ELECTRICAL - generator, coil, starter, lights, fuses, speedometer, windshield wiper, wiring harness
Type 3 Wiki Help Page, Glossary
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