Skip to content
Aussieveedubbers

Chopped Fastback

0 likes
Share Share on Facebook Share on X Share on Reddit
Log in to reply

laroche Casual Dubber

38 posts · joined Aug 2010 ·

#813010
VW themselves made a few factory type 3 convertable prototypes based on the notchback

laroche Casual Dubber

38 posts · joined Aug 2010 ·

#813013
When VW announced the Type 3 line up in 1961 at the Frankfurt IAA it included a rather nice four seater convertible built by Karmann. Essentially it is the same as the notch back with its roof cut off, because that is exactly what it is. Anyone that has tried to build a convertible out of a four seater saloon may well spot the immediate problem that this caused for the engineers at Karmann. When you remove the roof of a saloon you affect its torsional stiffness, not even the skills of Karmann could overcome this issue, at least not cost effectively, so the car never went into formal production.

Just eleven of these cars were produced, although VW printed up brochures for the car and a price of 8,200 Deuschmarks had been set. Volkswagen have one on display at their Wolfsberg museum

Phil74Camper Head in the Clouds

2,703 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#813020
You beat me to it! It was Karmann that made a couple of prototypes, one of which was on display at the Type 3's launch at the Frankfurt motor show in 1961. The brochures were already printed, and the purchase price was set at DM 8200, compared with DM 6000 for the standard notch.

However pre-release testing showed that the body didn't have enough torsional stiffness, even with Karmann's custom-built stengthening panels and design expertise. VW cancelled the production plans. One can be seen in the Wolfsburg museum.

Moral - cutting off the roof of a Type 3 is a bad idea.

1 attachment · Log in to view

pete wood 23 Windows of Awesome

6,828 posts · joined Jan 2004 ·

#813072
the guy at the top has got round the torsional strength issue with the T-top option. I can see what he was trying to do, but boy, I don't think it worked.
"stoopid is stronger than axles"
http://drivingnotpolishing.blogspot.com.au/

waveman1500 Also rides a Honda

1,346 posts · joined Dec 2009 ·

#813079
pete wood wrote:the guy at the top has got round the torsional strength issue with the T-top option. I can see what he was trying to do, but boy, I don't think it worked.
If he was trying to keep some strength in the roof panel he should have left the rear part connected to the middle by a T-piece. In all honesty it would probably get the same open roof area and much better looks and structural integrity by just putting in a big fabric sunroof in the middle. Just install the biggest Webasto roof that will fit and it would've been a much nicer car!
1972 VW S-Bug - For Sale!
1968-onwards Beetle panels and glass for sale

AzzA_teu Casual Dubber

44 posts · joined Apr 2005 ·

#813081
Those little notch convertibles look kinda cool, thanks for the pics and info.
That ebay monster is as ugly as sin though. I can't fathom why anybody would buy it.

laroche Casual Dubber

38 posts · joined Aug 2010 ·

#813098
seriously flawed attempt, he should have spent a little more time and effort on it. Two detachable targa tops would have been better and windows in rear quarters that could be wound up and down.
perhaps a travelling circus will buy it as transport for the clowns.