Model Variant:
1200 Sedan, 1200 Convertible
Model Codes:
Type 11 (Sedan), Type 15 (Convertible)
Applicable Years:
1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965
Associated Models Covered:
1200 Karmann Ghia Coupe (Type 14), 1200 Karmann Ghia Convertible (Type 34)
Vehicle Segment:
Compact economy car, iconic design
Target Audience Manual:
Enthusiasts, collectors, and owners of vintage Volkswagen Beetles
Competitors Era:
Citroën 2CV, Fiat 500, Morris Minor, Ford Anglia
Design Philosophy:
Simplicity, air-cooling, rear-engine, rear-wheel drive, robust construction
Rarity Value:
Highly sought-after due to the age and vintage status of the vehicle, essential for proper maintenance.
Engine:
Detailed overhaul, tuning, fuel system, ignition, cooling
Clutch:
Removal, inspection, adjustment, replacement
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Solex 26 VFIS/PICT), fuel pump, lines, tank maintenance
Front Axle:
Suspension, steering components, kingpins, bearings
Steering:
Steering box, linkage, adjustment, alignment
Rear Axle:
Reduction gears, half shafts, wheel bearings, suspension
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, drums, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, parking brake
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure, rotation, wheel mounting, bolt pattern
Lubrication And Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, lubrication points, fluid types
Technical Data:
Specifications, tolerances, torque values, engine data
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, starter, generator, battery, lighting, ignition system
Frame:
Chassis structure, body mounting, repairs
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, rust repair (general guidance)
Engine Rebuild:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, reassembly, timing adjustment
Carburetor Tuning:
Idle speed, mixture adjustment, float level checks
Brake Service:
Drum brake adjustment, shoe replacement, fluid bleeding
Suspension Repair:
Kingpin replacement, shock absorber service, axle beam alignment
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Interpreting wiring diagrams, diagnosing faults in lighting, ignition, starting circuits
Transmission Service:
Gear oil change, clutch adjustment, troubleshooting transmission noise
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and procedures for front-end alignment (caster, camber, toe) and steering geometry.
Engine Timing:
Setting ignition timing, valve timing (where applicable, e.g., camshaft timing if changed).
Body Repair Guidance:
General guidance on sheet metal repair, panel fitting, and rust treatment. Specific welding procedures may be implied.
Depth:
Comprehensive: From routine maintenance and adjustments to complete component overhaul and troubleshooting.
Diagnostic Focus:
Emphasizes practical diagnostics based on symptoms and component testing.
Type:
Air-cooled, horizontally opposed (flat-four) boxer engine
Displacement:
1.2 Liters (1192 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
77.0 mm x 64.0 mm (approximate for 1200cc model)
Compression Ratio:
6.1:1 or 6.4:1 (depending on specific year/market)
Horsepower Rating:
34 hp (approx. at 3600 RPM)
Torque Rating:
7.0 kgm / 69 Nm (approx. at 2000 RPM)
Top Speed:
Approx. 115 km/h (71 mph)
Carburetor:
Solex 26 VFIS or Solex 26 PICT
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (historically leaded, but modern unleaded is acceptable with appropriate octane)
Fuel Pump:
Mechanical, diaphragm type
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 6 months; recommended to clean oil strainer with each change.
Valve Adjustment:
Every 6,000 miles (9,600 km) or as needed for performance/noise.
Grease Points:
Periodic lubrication of suspension kingpins, steering joints, and other chassis points.
Engine Oil:
SAE 30 or SAE 20W-50 (depending on climate), API SF/CD or equivalent. Check manual for exact recommendation. Typically 2.5 liters (2.6 quarts).
Transmission Oil:
GL-4 SAE 80W-90 hypoid gear oil. Capacity typically 2.2 liters (2.3 quarts).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Carburetor icing (cold weather), oil leaks (common with air-cooled engines), brake drum expansion/sticking, heater control flap issues, rust on floor pans and body sills, kingpin wear.
Tune Up Points:
Spark plugs, points, condenser, ignition timing, carburetor jetting.
Founder:
Ferdinand Porsche
Brand Philosophy:
Affordable, reliable, and technically advanced automobiles
Origins:
Conceived in the 1930s by Ferdinand Porsche as a 'people's car'.
Design Era:
Original Type 1 design remained largely unchanged for decades, with incremental updates.
Production Start Type1:
1938 (prototype), 1945 (mass production start)
Production End Type1:
2003 (Mexico)
Key Manufacturing Locations:
Germany, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa
