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While early Volkswagens were certainly interesting from an engineering standpoint, you wouldn’t quite call the Beetle and Type 1 styling powerhouses. When Volkswagen decided to expand the lineup to include the Type 3, things got a bit more interesting. Along with its contemporary, the Karmann Ghia, these cars injected a bit of life and diversity into the VW range. My favorite of the lot was one we never received in the US, the Type 3 Notchback. This was a handsome two-door sedan with humble Beetle underpinnings, but it showed the world that VW was eager to appeal to a wider audience. Many Notchbacks have made their way stateside via enthusiast channels and this example for sale in California, while not stock, is a real minter with modifications sympathetic to the original design.
Two weeks ago, we saw a pan-off restored Volkswagen Type 3 Notchback, a car that rekindled my interest in these rare air-cooled VWs. This week we’ll take a look at another restored Notchback, this time from our reader Ben in North Carolina. While not stock, this Notchback has been modified tastefully, with selective accessories that lend a clean, period look. With an extensive record of receipts and photos from the restoration process, this is one Type 3 air-cooled fans won’t want to miss.
Every time I see a Volkswagen Type 3 Notchback, I’m reminded just how good a basic three box design can look. The Notchback was never intended to be a flashy machine, nor overtly stylish like its Karmann Ghia siblings. Mainly, it was meant to expand the Volkswagen lineup, providing customers with something a little bit larger than the Beetle for those seeking more space. This car had a grace all its own, however. We’ve seen a few modified Notchbacks pass through GCFSB over the last year or so, but this example for sale in California has been kept pretty true to the original formula, having undergone a recent restoration.
Curiously, the Volkswagen Type 3 Notchback was never offered in the US market. It was never quite clear why VW decided to bring just the Variant and Fastback versions to our shores, but intrepid enthusiasts have since filled the void throughout the years, importing these two-door sedans to satisfy an unmet need. This Notchback for sale in Miami has been modified a bit, but with a period look and not to an extent that may have the purists shy away.
My father owned a few Beetles in his day and used a 1967 model as his daily driver while I was growing up. I know…
