Volkswagen knew it needed a more modern model series by the late-1950s. A burned-out building in Wolfsburg was secretly renovated for the development of this series. It needed a 1500cc engine and more space for luggage and passengers, so a three-compartment design was created. The Type 3 series was introduced in September 1961 at the Frankfurt Auto Show.
Models in the series included a sedan (Notchback), 4-seater cabriolet (Notchback cabrio), station wagon (Variant), sports coupe (Type 34), and sports cabriolet (Type 34 Cabrio). The Cabriolets did not make it into mass production. The introduction of the Variant/Squareback would wait until February 1962. The price, listed at DM6700 (US$1675), was 5% more expensive than the Notchback sedan.
Although America would absorb
