VW TRIVIA

- By Herschel D. -

1. Horsepower European measurement – D.I.N. – stands for "Deutsche Industrie Normen." I translate it as German Industrial Standard. On air-cooled VW, that means the power draw of the engine accessories such as the generator and cooling fan are included in the power draw measurement. Whereas the U.S. standard – S.A.E. (Society of Automotive Engineers) measures at the wheels, creating a higher number. D.I.N., even though German is apparently used all over Europe, including England. This is to their advantage because over there, the government taxes horsepower. So lower numbers are preferred. Thus, the early "25 horse" engine is a D.I.N. rating. But its S.A.E. rating was 30 horses. O one called me with the answer as invited!

2. A "Scheibenwischer" is the German term for windshield wiper.

3. Other than an earlier crude, bare chassis with fenders and a machine gun, the first real prototype for the type 82 Kubelwagen was called the type 62, created in 1939.

4. "Telefunken" was the early radio brand supplied for the first VWs.

5. The New Beetle’s wheel base, at 98.9", is slightly longer than the old Beetle’s 94.5".

6. VW switched from screw connectors on its electrical connectors to slip-on terminals with the 1961 model year. It was probably a cost saving change, but enthusiasts feel that the screw connectors maintained a longer lasting resistance to oxidation and dirt.

1. In German, what is "hupe"?
2. What color are the bumper brackets of a mid-‘60s Beetle supposed to be; black or silver?
3. What was the first model year of the Eurovan?
4. When did the Beetle get a passenger side sunvisor as standard equipment?
5. On what date was the last Beetle sedan built at the original Wolfsburg factory?
6. What was the name of the most famous Beetle drag race car of all?