believing is seeing
Volkswagen has developed and refined its factory and motor vehicle products incrementally since its founding in 1938.
Monthly Archives: September 2015
type 1 engine & chassis
Why the engine in the back? In conventional cars, a front engine turns the rear wheels through a long drive shaft. But Volkswagen’s rear engine gives direct power to the wheels, saving weight and power. It is the most efficient and economical design. It means greater visibility when driving–you see over VW’s snub nose. And… Read More »
poor man’s porsche
Type 14 Timeline 1950 Unknown to Karmann or VW, Carozzeria Ghia’s owner Mario Boano designs a VW coupe. The “paper car” refines previous Ghia styling ideas. Ghia tries building the car but VW won’t supply a chassis. Meanwhile, Karmann and VW discuss building a Beetle-based sports convertible. VW’s management… Read More »
vw beetle 1949-1974 chassis numbers
unconventional thinking. intellectual mobility.
There is a living tradition of German car design that is derived from the 17th and 18th century Enlightenment ideals of reason, logic, and systematics. The general aims of this manner of thinking are focused on the everyday activities of people; and how the individual and society, each, could be changed for the better. In… Read More »