Volkswagen 1200/Volkswagen 1300/Volkswagen 1500 (Typ 1). 1960–80 (prod. 11,916,519 for all Typ 1 at Wolfsburg only to 1974; 2,360,591 at Emden only 1964–78). 2-door saloon, 2-door convertible. R/R, 1192, 1285, 1493 cm³ (F4 OHV). Continuing evolution of people’s car, getting more outmoded as years wear on—though amazingly successful in the US through 1960s. Redesigned engine for 1200; 1968 saw vertical headlamps and wider rear track. Europa bar bumpers for 1300 from 1968; for 1200 from 1974. From 1966, 1300 introduced, with power increase in 1971. In 1967, 1500 introduced, visually similar to 1300, but with standard front disc brakes and twin louvres in engine cover. Semi-automatic 1500 from 1968. Of these models, 1500 deleted first, in 1970; 1300 in 1975. Saloon production ended in 1978 as sales declined and modern Volkswagens (e.g. Golf I) became more successful—Polo I filled 1200’s niche; convertibles, by Karmann, to 1980. Brazilian changes tended to mirror German ones, albeit slightly behind: 1300 from 1967, 1500 from 1970.

Manufacturing locations: Wolfsburg, Germany; Emden, Germany; Osnabrück, Germany; São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil

Marque: Volkswagen | Model: Volkswagen Käfer | Predecessor: Volkswagen 1200 (1954–60) | Successors: Volkswagen 1302, Volkswagen Sedan (1979–83), Volkswagen Sedán (1967–85)

q.v. Volkswagen 1303