Recently a friend saw an 'Imported 1500S" advertised on flebay and decided to ask some questions as the ad did say "the German model, not the Australian one". From the initial photos, it wasn't clear but the externals which were there didn't ring true.

Following a snooty email in answer to some of the questions there were some more pics confirming the initial independant ID of the car. It is in fact, a 1963 1500 manufactured around March/April, some 4 months before the 1500S was marketed. The chasis number confirms this. However, the seller still insisted he knew what he was talking about.

For those who may want to look for one of these now very rare cars in Australia this is actually what you are looking for!

From a small distance, it looks like a 1969 Notch externally with all the good bits like overriders and wraparound indicators and long reflectors as well as having popouts. It also has a shorter bonnet strip than the 66-69 Fastbacks and 69 Notch and Square.

Internally, look for the wraparound dash to upper door trim, one piece Z armrests on front as did the 1963 1500. No doubt the seller knew a few bits of info but doesn't know what the seat material should be! The one on fleabay had the old white upper and ragged material seats in it. The S should have a rear backrest with the centre armrest. The heater control in the ad also was the old turn knob one rather than the levers but I can't argue as to what was in the very first release in August 1963 but I would expect it was the levers as that was a 1964 thing. And yes, the S on the numberplate light and wide aluminium side trim. Other bits too but that'll do for now.

If these sellers are going to be snooty with people asking legit questions, they had better get their facts right!!

At least I've educated Toby (Type3lover) on what they look like.

DH

To clarify, are you saying that the car advertised is a March 1963 1500 built in Germany or Australia ? ie. was it ragged ? cloth salt & pepper seat material which would make it a German import.
My understanding is that the overseas market had the 1500 S option from the 1964 model year, but the Australian made version was only made after August 1964.
In terms of rarity, would there be more German made 1963 year cars or German 64/65 1500S cars in Australia ?
thanks, Pat

Hey D I love your notch and was fortunate enough to see it in the flesh recently. Truly a lovely example of a classic original early Type 3 Notchback!
I was especially blown away by all the "luxury" factory fitted accessories.
A very special car and easy to see why people would try to copy it and pass theirs off as an S.
I see what you mean about people trying to pass theirs off as an S model. Kinda like ppl trying to make their VC commodore into a SS Brock with a few add ons.
Maybe that was a bad analogy....maybe not...xcept Volkswagens are a heck of a lot classier!!