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Originally envisioned as an "up-scale" replacement for the practical bug, Volkswagen's new Type-3
Notchback Sedans finally started rolling off the assembly line in September of 1961. By this time, VW
management realized that this new stylishly boxy 2 door sedan would not replace the classic VW Beetle, but would
instead serve as a great compliment to the VW line-up, for customers who wanted a more "refined" experience than
the spartan bug could offer. The Notchback Sedan was a major departure from the steadfast bug design,
and it debuted with an all new 1500cc "pancake" engine that had a re-designed fan shroud resulting in
an engine with a much lower profile, and enabling the Notch to offer customers a conventional trunk above the
engine compartment, in addition to the storage space up front. In 1962, Volkswagen offered the Squareback
Wagon (or "Variant") which was a 2 door station wagon version of the Notchback, which shared the same new
"pancake" 1500cc engine as the sedan. Regrettably, Volkswagen's initial plans for a "convertible"
Type-III never got beyond the prototype stage, but the few Type-III convertible design studies that did
get made by Karmann are the ultimate in Vintage 60's Volkswagen cool!
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