This new model, variously known as the Type 3, 1500 or 1600, was produced 1961-1973 (Wikipedia entry here).
Showing posts with label Volkswagen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Volkswagen. Show all posts
Dec 5, 2016
Type 3: The Second-Generation Volkswagen
Volkswagen management wisely realized that the Beetle would not be a top-seller forever. So a larger, more powerful model was planned during the late 1950s. Retained was the Beetle's rear mounted, air-cooled motor layout, but otherwise the new car abandoned 1930s styling for more contemporary features.
This new model, variously known as the Type 3, 1500 or 1600, was produced 1961-1973 (Wikipedia entry here).
Gallery
The first Type 3s features notchback or bustleback styling. I think the greenhouse is too soft in the C-pillar - backlight zone. The wheels are commendably large (I dislike tiny wheels), and the front is sensibly styled.
The rear three-quarter view highlights what I consider the greenhouse weakness. The lower body, thanks to the essentially straight side character line and fender profile is fairly crisp, though tempered by the curved front trunk profile and the slightly rounded bustle seen here. As mentioned, the greenhouse strikes me as being too soft and, at the C-pillar, flimsy looking. A more substantial C-pillar and a bit less back window curvature might have corrected this.
In 1962 the Squareback (station wagon, break) model was introduced. The very nature of this kind of body eliminated the weaknesses of the notchback model's styling.
Then in 1966 a fastback version appeared. Its styling was nice, so I have few quibbles to make.
Actually, the only change I'd be temped to make would be to shorten the aft side windows, most likely employing a dog-leg, BMW-type end treatment. As the photo shows, the window extends abaft of the top of the rear seat, so there would be no adverse effect on back-seat passengers' views.
Rear three-quarter photo. The Type 3 has a nice, trim appearance from this viewing angle.
This new model, variously known as the Type 3, 1500 or 1600, was produced 1961-1973 (Wikipedia entry here).
May 19, 2016
1957 VW Redesigns by Strother Mac Minn and Bob Gurr
The November 1957 issue of Road & Track magazine included an article, "Beauty and the Beetle," showing how the Volkswagen Beetle might be redesigned.
As part of its introduction, the magazine stated: "To meddle with its basic beetleness could be heresy in the face of such success [VW sales were increasing strongly in 1957], unless the advantage and lessons of two decades of sheet metal packaging development [since the VW first appeared] could upgrade its position. Going on the 'successful sales figures do not a perfect design make' premise, Road & Track felt that re-examination of the appearance might, at an appropriate time, help to perpetuate this standard of delightfully efficient motoring. Two industrial designers were asked to participate."
Robert H. "Bob" Gurr (1931 - ) was trained at the Art Center School in Los Angeles, worked as a stylist at Ford, and then spent most of his career with the Disney organization. Regarding his VW redesign, he wrote (in part) "Any new (improved) design would have to correct these [packaging] conditions but would be wise to retain the excellent structural principle of the backbone floor and unexcelled efficiency of sheet design. Of course, the same engine, suspension, etc., should be used. The accompanying illustrations show how all this could look if contained in a contemporary package layout. The styling should be present-day 'acceptable' American design; not austere, and not a cute little designer's dream."
Strother MacMinn (1918-1998) worked at General Motors during the early part of his career, but most of it was as an instructor at the Art Center. As for his VW redesign, "A more contemporary approach to body styling [as opposed to the beetle design] is one wherein the trunk, seating area, and engine compartment are joined or contained in a continuous 'pod' with a super-imposed 'greenhouse' for the occupants' heads, and the wheels project below for support. Although the idea shown here is aimed at a world market, it is prejudiced toward an American point of view in which visible extended masses imply protection and 'more for the money.' ... The canopy (or cab) is intentionally reminiscent of Karmann-Ghia character as a contemporary recognition feature. It also utilizes a graceful side-window outline to emphasize the profile and avoids the undesirable entrance compromises of a wrap-around windshield on a small car."
Click on the images below to enlarge.
Gallery
1957 Volkswagen - Barrett-Jackson photos
Rober H. Gurr Redesign
Aside from lowering the roof, Gurr kept his design to the same package as the Beetle (though note how the spare tire has been repositioned). What we see here is shrunken 1955-vintage American styling (not so much 1957, I think). The wrapped windshield and backlight give the greenhouse a cramped look, making the design seem even shorter than it is.
Strother MacMinn Redesign
MacMinn also reduced the height and might have increased the rear overhang (it's hard to be sure, given the perspectives he used in the renderings). I think his redesign is much more successful than Gurr's. That's because it retains a VW "feeling" or spirit. It also has a more "timeless" appearance than Gurr's 1955-based design.
As part of its introduction, the magazine stated: "To meddle with its basic beetleness could be heresy in the face of such success [VW sales were increasing strongly in 1957], unless the advantage and lessons of two decades of sheet metal packaging development [since the VW first appeared] could upgrade its position. Going on the 'successful sales figures do not a perfect design make' premise, Road & Track felt that re-examination of the appearance might, at an appropriate time, help to perpetuate this standard of delightfully efficient motoring. Two industrial designers were asked to participate."
Robert H. "Bob" Gurr (1931 - ) was trained at the Art Center School in Los Angeles, worked as a stylist at Ford, and then spent most of his career with the Disney organization. Regarding his VW redesign, he wrote (in part) "Any new (improved) design would have to correct these [packaging] conditions but would be wise to retain the excellent structural principle of the backbone floor and unexcelled efficiency of sheet design. Of course, the same engine, suspension, etc., should be used. The accompanying illustrations show how all this could look if contained in a contemporary package layout. The styling should be present-day 'acceptable' American design; not austere, and not a cute little designer's dream."
Strother MacMinn (1918-1998) worked at General Motors during the early part of his career, but most of it was as an instructor at the Art Center. As for his VW redesign, "A more contemporary approach to body styling [as opposed to the beetle design] is one wherein the trunk, seating area, and engine compartment are joined or contained in a continuous 'pod' with a super-imposed 'greenhouse' for the occupants' heads, and the wheels project below for support. Although the idea shown here is aimed at a world market, it is prejudiced toward an American point of view in which visible extended masses imply protection and 'more for the money.' ... The canopy (or cab) is intentionally reminiscent of Karmann-Ghia character as a contemporary recognition feature. It also utilizes a graceful side-window outline to emphasize the profile and avoids the undesirable entrance compromises of a wrap-around windshield on a small car."
Click on the images below to enlarge.
Aside from lowering the roof, Gurr kept his design to the same package as the Beetle (though note how the spare tire has been repositioned). What we see here is shrunken 1955-vintage American styling (not so much 1957, I think). The wrapped windshield and backlight give the greenhouse a cramped look, making the design seem even shorter than it is.
MacMinn also reduced the height and might have increased the rear overhang (it's hard to be sure, given the perspectives he used in the renderings). I think his redesign is much more successful than Gurr's. That's because it retains a VW "feeling" or spirit. It also has a more "timeless" appearance than Gurr's 1955-based design.
Nov 12, 2015
Not-Quite Badge Engineering: Audi Fox, VW Dasher
Classical "badge engineering" usually is a matter of taking a basic car platform and extending it over more than one brand by varying a small number of styling details to provide a smidgen of differentiation. The present post presents a case where a platform (Volkswagen's B1) was altered at the rear for Audi and VW variants, so changes were not as minimal as they might have been.
The cars in question are the Audi 80 Fox (1972-78), details here, and the Volkswagen Passat / Dasher (1973-81), Wikipedia entry here. The names "Fox" and "Dasher" were used in America for marketing purposes.
The Audi design is a clean, classical 1970s "three box" theme featuring large amounts of glass. The main aesthetic flaw so far as I'm concerned is that the wheels are too small.
The VW version is a 5-door "hatchback" with sail panels providing a fastback feeling. I'm not certain of this, but it looks like the backlight windows are the same for the Fox and Dasher, keeping costs down. The only other visible differences besides the sail panels and fifth door are the brand symbol ensembles on the grilles.
Although styling was basically well done, I wasn't totally pleased with my Dasher (yes, I actually bought a 1974 model) due to valve problems in the motor.
Gallery
Audi 80 "Fox" - ca. 1974
Volkswagen B1 "Dasher" - ca. 1974
I owned a '74 Dasher that looked like the ones shown in the first two VW photos.
The cars in question are the Audi 80 Fox (1972-78), details here, and the Volkswagen Passat / Dasher (1973-81), Wikipedia entry here. The names "Fox" and "Dasher" were used in America for marketing purposes.
The Audi design is a clean, classical 1970s "three box" theme featuring large amounts of glass. The main aesthetic flaw so far as I'm concerned is that the wheels are too small.
The VW version is a 5-door "hatchback" with sail panels providing a fastback feeling. I'm not certain of this, but it looks like the backlight windows are the same for the Fox and Dasher, keeping costs down. The only other visible differences besides the sail panels and fifth door are the brand symbol ensembles on the grilles.
Although styling was basically well done, I wasn't totally pleased with my Dasher (yes, I actually bought a 1974 model) due to valve problems in the motor.
I owned a '74 Dasher that looked like the ones shown in the first two VW photos.
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