Volkswagen 1600 Super 1967

History and background

The Volkswagen 1600 Super belongs to the last generation of air-cooled Volkswagens from the classic Type 1 line. In 1967, this model received the 1600 engine with a larger displacement and, depending on version and market, a higher degree of refinement than the earlier 1200 and 1500 variants. With this, the Volkswagen 1600 Super took a position as a practical mid-range car within Volkswagen's lineup, while retaining the recognizable platform, rear-mounted engine and simple engineering that characterized the model.

Before the 1967 model year, the Volkswagen 1600 Super was also technically part of a period in which Volkswagen continued to develop the classic Beetle without moving away from its basic architecture. During those years, several detail changes were made in the areas of chassis, braking technology and powertrain, while the bodywork and overall concept remained familiar. As a result, the Volkswagen 1600 Super became a transitional model in the long history of the Type 1, with features that set it apart from the earlier versions.

Within the context of air-cooled Volkswagens, the 1600 Super was prized for its combination of simple construction and broader applicability. The model marked a phase in which the Beetle's technology had been further developed, while production had meanwhile already been outstripped by more modern Volkswagen models. The 1967 Volkswagen 1600 Super thus stands at the end of an important development line within one of the best-known automobile series of the twentieth century.

Characteristics and features

This Volkswagen 1600 Super is executed as a replica of a Porsche Speedster and has been copied in detail from the original. Only the polyester body immediately reveals that this is a replica. The steering column is designed like the original, the handbrake is placed under the dashboard instead of in the center tunnel, and the car stands on five-hole wheels with disc brakes. These are interventions that bring the look and design closer to the Speedster than to the standard Volkswagen 1600 Super.

The car is equipped with a long gearbox, which allows for quiet driving at 120 km/h. The engine has Speedster cooling and is tuned to 90 to 100 horsepower. Since its construction, the car has driven 10,000 kilometers. The tires are of the Vredestein Classic brand. Combined with the familiar base of the Volkswagen 1600 Super, this results in a technically-executed special that differs markedly from the standard version both visually and in construction.

Summary


This 1967 Volkswagen 1600 Super was built as a Speedster replica with detailing close to the original, including modified steering column, relocated handbrake, five-hole wheels, disc brakes and a tuned engine with Speedster cooling. The car has driven 10,000 kilometers since its construction, making it a particularly well-executed application of the classic Volkswagen 1600 Super. To get a good idea of the lot, we recommend coming to the viewing day.