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VW TRIVIA

- By Herschel D. -

DECEMBER’S – ANSWERS

  1. Matchbox’s 1/58th scale VW Microbus is clearly a ’62 – early ’63 replica even though it is identified as a 1967 model. This is told by the pre-mid-’63 narrow rear cargo door, corner windows, outward punched engine vents, angled bumper tips, no backup lights above the taillights and yet has the ’62 and later taillights and front turn signals.

  2. The first post war VW’s were assembled in late 1945 using left over wartime parts.

  3. The earl Beetle’s rear window was a two-piece because it wasn’t until around 1950 that technology to make curved glass was developed.

  4. The VW Rabbit pickup was built from 1981 – 1983. It was built in Westmorland, PA.

  5. The VW Rabbit became a "Golf" in 1984. It had always (begun 1975) been called a Golf in Europe. "Golf" means "wind" in German. It is not a reference to the sport.

  6. The famous self knocking ads began in 1959 for the 1960 model.

JANUARY’S - New Questions

  1. Before Hitler appointed Ferdinand Porsche to build "the Peoples’ Car", he had chosen another man to do so, that did not work out. Why is that and who was that man?

  2. What is the source of the "Ghia" in the Karman Ghia’s name?

  3. What do the Europeans call the VW Microbus?

  4. Did you know that VW built a "limousine?"

  5. Why did car makers, including VW, belatedly switch from 6 to 12 volts back in the 50’s – 60’s? The answer is probably not what you think!

  6. What particular car was the main inspiration for the New Beetle’s prototype – the Concept One?

- Answers next month, along with new questions -