Volkswagen - Volkswagen 1500 & 1600
The VW 1500 was produced in strict secrecy and was a much more modern looking car, not using the dated separate wings style of the Beatle, whose platform the 1500 was using. The VW 1500 was the first product of the VW Type 3 range which was made from 1961, which was a much larger car than the earlier Beetle. The "Type 1" Beetle was followed by this Type 3, produced from 1961. The VW1500 was to be offered with 3 body types, consisting of a 2 door fixed head (notchback), a fastback "TL" and an estate version, all with 2 doors. The Karman Ghia Coupe was also made on the Type 3 platform and was called the Type 14. The first of these VW's were the VW 1500 notchback models. By 1965 the 1605cc VW 1600 version was made with the Fastback body style. Type 3 VW production with VW1500 and VW1600 ended in 1973.
VW1500 and VW1600 tyre size was originally the cross ply 6.00x15, and the radial 165R15 tyre is the equivalent tyre size. Blockley makes a superb quality 165VR15 tyre with period correct tread pattern - see full details below.
