The Four Different Types of Volkswagens: VW Type 1 to Type 4

Volkswagen Types

Volkswagen is a popular manufacturer for cars, and the early types are now collector's items for those who love the brand. Here are the basic Volkswagen types:

1. Type 1 (Beetle, Bug)
2. Type 2 (Van, Camper)
3. Type 3 (Square, Karmann Ghia)
4. Type 4 (Sedan, Wagon)

Read below for pictures and information for the basic types of Volkswagens.

Type 1: The Original Beetle

The Type one can be found and identified by the engine size: 1100, 1200, 1300, 1500, or 1600. This inexpensive car was manufactured from 1938 until it was discontinued in 2003. The last Beetle to be produced was manufactured in Pueblo, Mexico, No. 21,529,464. The One Millionth Beetle was produced in 1955.

Of the Type 1 Volkswagen, here are some variants:

• Super Beetle: The VW 1302 and VW 1303. These had longer noses and larger back windows.
• VW Cabriolet: Convertible versions of the Beetle.
• Baja Bug: Off-road customizations. Some customizers have turned the old Beetle into new dune buggies for off-road adventures, made for the sandy beach or desert, or other off-roading areas.
• Volkswagen New Beetle: Modern version of the old bug. Concept One was the name of the new concept of re-doing the classic VW Beetle. This version has the engine in the front and trunk space in the back, similar to most vehicles now.

Type 2: Transporter "Van" or "Bus"

The Volswagen Type 2 was the van or bus version of the Volswagen Beetle. The Transporter had many variants and is most notable for being the iconic image during the "Hippie Movement" (the famous van). Here are some variants of the Type 2 model.

• T1: This variant was called the Microbus or Splittie. Splittie nick name came from the fact it had split windowshields, or was in two panels.
   -  T1a: "Barndoor" - was called that because of its large back engine cover
   -  T1b: Slightly smaller version
   -  Kombi: 11 windows
   -  Deluxe: 15 windows
   -  Sunroof Deluxe: 23 windows
• T2: Upgraded version of T1
• T3: "Vanagon" "Caravelle"
• T4: Commercial class

Type 3: Small Cars "Sedan" or "Small Compact"

The Type 3 cars added to the already growing line of Volkswagen cars. The engine was still in the back 'trunk' part and the trunk was in the 'engine' part. The Type 34 Karmann Ghia was a Type 14 (from 1) reformatted and based on a Type 3 platform.

Type 4: "Wagon"

The Type 4 were larger, and we manufactured as sedans and wagons.

• 2 door sedans
• 4 door sedans
• 2 door station wagons

The two different models of the Type 4 were the 411 and the 412.