Teach me about Type 3s

Fastback, Squareback, Notchback, T-3 Karmann Ghia.

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IFBwax
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Teach me about Type 3s

Post by IFBwax » Thu Jan 17, 2008 8:38 pm

I saw a nice Fastback on the way to work today. I was wondering some things about them.

The bug was for cool economical transportation..

The bus was the same except bigger payload and people AND CAMPING

Why the Type 3? Was it kind of the sports car version for VW at the time?

What about the engine.. I assume it's beefier than a bug... is it faster?

What models were Type 3's... fastback...squareback.. anything else?

I read some history on the Type 3 but would like to hear your impressions of them and why you like them.

Thanks!

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Post by vdubyah73 » Fri Jan 18, 2008 7:06 am

There is the hard to find Notch back and a type 34 Ghia, search thesamba gallery for pic's. Squareback and Fastback have more room in the back than a Beetle for doing shtuff! :bounce:

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Post by '55 Ragtop » Fri Jan 18, 2008 7:29 am

The type 3's were thought of as more of a "luxury" type vehicle. The ride is far better than any bug I've riden in. A bit more space and somewhat nicer features. I've always liked the style of Notch's.
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Amskeptic
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Re: Teach me about Type 3s

Post by Amskeptic » Tue Jan 22, 2008 2:51 pm

IFBwax wrote:Why the Type 3? Was it kind of the sports car version for VW at the time?
It was VW's answer to the family car. It did address as many of the drawbacks against the bugs as possible under the limitations of similar chassis specifications. Better trunk space. Larger interior. Smoother ride. Better cruising ability. Better handling.

Then it took off into its own. First car sold in America with electronic fuel injection AND disk brakes AND damn good build quality AND it spanked the hell out of the Chevy II four cylinder with better economy and higher top speed (which is always also cruising speed for VW) of 86 mph.
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BobD - 78 Bus . . . 112,730 miles
Chloe - 70 bus . . . 217,593 miles
Naranja - 77 Westy . . . 142,970 miles
Pluck - 1973 Squareback . . . . . . 55,600 miles
Alexus - 91 Lexus LS400 . . . 96,675 miles

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tristessa
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Re: Teach me about Type 3s

Post by tristessa » Tue Jan 22, 2008 10:37 pm

Amskeptic wrote: and higher top speed (which is always also cruising speed for VW) of 86 mph.
They cruise quite nicely around 80 mph. At 85 the front started feeling a little too light for my comfort, 'specially with the semis on I-80 in Nevada.

Very little traffic after turning north at Winnemucca on Highway 95, though.
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Amskeptic
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Re: Teach me about Type 3s

Post by Amskeptic » Tue Jan 22, 2008 11:20 pm

tristessa wrote:
Amskeptic wrote: and higher top speed (which is always also cruising speed for VW) of 86 mph.
They cruise quite nicely around 80 mph. At 85 the front started feeling a little too light for my comfort, 'specially with the semis on I-80 in Nevada.

Very little traffic after turning north at Winnemucca on Highway 95, though.
After driving the E12 BMW 530s with the shark nose, I am used to the light front end feeling at speed. Alas, my Squareback is limited to 75 until I figure out the engine imbalance issues.
BobD - 78 Bus . . . 112,730 miles
Chloe - 70 bus . . . 217,593 miles
Naranja - 77 Westy . . . 142,970 miles
Pluck - 1973 Squareback . . . . . . 55,600 miles
Alexus - 91 Lexus LS400 . . . 96,675 miles

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