🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Volkswagen

Model:

VW 1500 (Typ 3)

Model Nickname:

Not officially nicknamed, but often associated with its European market positioning.

Generation:

Typ 3 (First Generation)

Generation Years:

1961-1973

Chassis Code:

Typ 3

Engine Code Prefix:

Typ 3

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The VW 1500 (Typ 3) was positioned as a more spacious and slightly more upscale alternative to the Beetle, offering a different body style (notchback, fastback, squareback) while retaining the air-cooled, rear-engine formula. It competed with similar-sized sedans and hatchbacks from European manufacturers.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with vehicles like the Ford Taunus, Opel Kadett, Simca 1100, and Fiat 124 in various markets. Its unique air-cooled engine and rear-engine layout set it apart from many front-wheel-drive or front-engine competitors.

Key Features:

Air-cooled flat-four engine, rear-wheel drive, distinctive body styles (notchback, fastback, squareback), robust mechanicals, focus on practicality and fuel efficiency.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Vehicle operation, maintenance, basic troubleshooting, adjustments, specifications.

Page Count:

Estimated 100-150 pages (typical for owner's manuals of this era).

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual / User Manual

Language:

Spanish

Format:

Printed Document (assumed, as no digital format specified).

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, electrical system (lighting, instruments), braking system, steering system, suspension system, drivetrain (clutch, transmission, final drive), chassis, body controls, comfort features (heating, ventilation), safety features.

Procedures Included:

Normal starting and stopping, driving controls, dashboard indicators and warnings, fluid level checks and top-ups, tire pressure checks and inflation, battery maintenance, basic lubrication points, bulb replacement, fuse replacement, windshield wiper blade replacement, cleaning and care, emergency procedures.

Technical Depth:

Covers essential owner-level operations and routine maintenance. Does not include in-depth mechanical repair procedures or advanced diagnostic information typically found in a factory service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Printed Manual)

Print Quality:

Likely standard black and white print on newsprint or similar paper, typical of manuals from the 1960s/1970s. Illustrations may be line drawings.

Binding Type:

Likely stapled or saddle-stitched.

Paper Type:

Low-grade paper, characteristic of mass-produced automotive manuals of the era.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, horizontally opposed (flat-four) OHV boxer engine.

Displacement:

1493 cc (1.5 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 66.0 mm

Horsepower:

Approximately 50-54 PS (DIN) at around 4000-4200 rpm (varies slightly by year and specific engine tune).

Torque:

Approximately 10.5-11.0 kg-m (DIN) at around 2800-3000 rpm.

Carburetion:

Single Solex 34 PICT-1 carburetor.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (premium or regular, depending on market and era).

Cooling Method:

Air-cooled, forced by a fan driven by the crankshaft.

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 2.5 Liters (with filter).

Ignition Type:

Battery-coil ignition with breaker points and condenser.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed manual transaxle.

Transmission Type:

Optional 3-speed fully automatic transaxle (VW Automatic) available on some models.

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated.

Final Drive:

Located within the transaxle, typically spur gears. Limited slip differential was not a standard or common option.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4050-4170 mm (depending on body style: Notchback, Fastback, Squareback).

Width:

Approx. 1600-1640 mm.

Height:

Approx. 1450-1480 mm.

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2400 mm.

Track Width Front:

Approx. 1320 mm.

Track Width Rear:

Approx. 1340 mm.

Cargo Volume Trunk:

Front trunk approximately 220 liters; rear storage varies by body style (Squareback/Fastback offer more).

Curb Weight:

Approx. 930-1020 kg (depending on body style and equipment).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1350-1400 kg.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings Era:

Safety standards and testing were significantly different in the 1960s/1970s. Formal crash test ratings as we know them today were not widely publicized or standardized.

Active Features:

Hydraulic dual-circuit braking system (front disc, rear drum on later models/variants), independent front suspension, robust body structure.

Passive Features:

Lap seat belts (front often standard, rear optional), padded dashboard, safety glass.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic AM radio (optional), analog instrumentation (speedometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure light, battery charge light).

Driver Assistance Features:

None by modern standards. Features such as power steering, ABS, airbags were not available.

Connectivity Features:

N/A. Vehicles of this era did not have integrated connectivity features.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 km or 6 months (whichever comes first).

Tune Up Interval:

Every 10,000 - 15,000 km (includes spark plugs, points, condenser, carburetor adjustment).

Valve Adjustment Interval:

Every 10,000 - 15,000 km (essential for air-cooled engines).

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (depending on climate), API SF or SG classification recommended for newer oils. Always check manual for specific original recommendations.

Transmission Oil Type:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Coolant Type:

N/A (Air-cooled engine).

Known Issues:

Carburetor synchronization, fuel line degradation, oil leaks from engine seals, potential for rust in common VW areas (wheel arches, sills), worn kingpins (early models), ignition system maintenance. Heater boxes can corrode.

Parts Availability:

Many parts are still available through specialist VW air-cooled parts suppliers.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Volkswagen, a German automotive manufacturer, is renowned for its iconic Beetle. The brand's heritage is built on reliable, affordable, and air-cooled rear-engined vehicles.

Model Evolution:

The Typ 3 was developed as a more modern and versatile offering than the Beetle, utilizing a similar engineering philosophy but with different body styles and a more conventional interior layout. It served as a bridge between the Beetle and the later front-engined, water-cooled Golf.

Production Years:

1961-1973

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Germany (Wolfsburg, Emden), also produced under license in other countries like Mexico and South Africa.

Production Volume:

Over 2.5 million units produced globally.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The VW 1500 (Typ 3) was well-regarded for its practicality and fuel efficiency in its class during its production run. It helped expand Volkswagen's market beyond the Beetle.

Ratings:

No specific award ratings readily available, but consistently praised for its engineering and value in contemporary road tests.