1971 Volkswagen Type III Fastback from North America - Comments

The engine wore out, and needed a complete overhaul.

Replaced fuel injection system with Dellorto twin carburetor setup.

Replaced rear wheel bearings.

Replaced master cylinder.

Rust and body damage was repaired.

What a neat car. I always liked the unusual and different lines of the fastback VW, and really enjoyed my time with the little car. It always had crisp, smooth handling, a plush ride, and the transmission shifted like new.

The fuel injection system, while not a problem, was replaced upon overhaul because nobody in my area knew how to work on it, and I could deal with the carburetors.

The car had a surprising amount of room, with trunk space both front and back, and a roomy passenger cabin. Typical of cars of this era, there were some problems with rust. The front fenders of Type III's are prone to rust. Still, it was very solid and well built.

I'm looking for one now. They are old now, and comparatively rare, so I expect to pay quite a bit more than I did for my first one. If you have one, don't part with it thoughtlessly...

Good luck. I have been looking for a '72-'73 Type III squareback for over a year now. Hardly anybody drives these on a daily basis anymore, so every one that is now for sale seems to fall into one of two categories:

1) something that has been parked outdoors for the last 12 years, in need of extensive mechanical repairs, with plenty of dents and/or badly rusted out (usually called "restorable" or "project car" by the optimistic seller, or

2) a restored car which the seller would be happy to part with for an amount equal to the price of a new Golf.

These are two extremes, but it does seem that decent condition ones that are at least drivable and with a reasonable price, all vanished years ago. Suspect most of them are now in the second category above. Try some VW enthusiast websites though, you may get lucky.

I have a 1969 type 3 squareback, it has some rust, but its all good, why don't a lot of people drive these on a daily basis? are they a bad car?

Hi guys I'm from Birmingham england UK. i own a 72 type III fastback. its my daily ride.it's a custom and lowered to the max. my gal has nicknamed it flat herbie (cu's it looks like a squashed beetle) it's a well loved car. hope you find one soon! good luck.

Hi, I am from Perth, Australia and own a 71 VW Fastback, it too has a carby engine installed. Mine was in great condition however the paint was cracking. My car is driven daily to uni and everyone loves the shape, the motor and transmission are in great condition however you need to look out for rust under the carpet near the back seat and open the bonnet and check under the cardboard cover near the drain (to the right of the break fluid container) as this is often a problem spot for rust. Good luck finding a new Type III as they are a fantastic car.

Hi I am from Melbourne Australia, and I have a 71 notch back - fastbacks are even more rare around here - although plenty of square backs. I was extremely lucky and found mine on the way to McDonald's. I bought it on the spot and it has been a dream ever since! Just about to redo the paint and chrome work on it. I can understand how people would want heaps of money for their type III's - I would never sell mine in a million years - and the guy I bought it off only sold it because his (new) wife wanted a 4WD! Anyway good luck with the search.

Hello my name is Max and I love my 71 square. I drive it daily around Melbourne, Oz and it, s awesome fun weaving in traffic because its so narrow. It;s a little car with a lot of space. It does have some rust too and minor dents, (can't figure how they get there) but I am planning a paint job and new interior as I think they are worth it, they get cooler every day. (or was that another bit of rust that went through?) But they are strong! and have so much more character than modern cars. Good luck with yours and enjoy. :)

Hey I have a 1970 volkswagen fastback 1600tle automatic brought it this year for a little price of 700 how rare are they?

Hi! I have had my yellow 1971 Fastback since high school in 1973, and I will not give it up. This car has gone through my dating, my marriage, etc...

This car has gotten me places when newer cars I had, failed. It has been so reliable and cheap to repair with the help of the famous "How to keep you VW alive" by John Muir.

It is in the garage until I dare to get it out and drive it. It sure gets people's attention. Especially when they see I have A/C in the summer.

Mine is a 73 fastback. My normal love is the Beetle. The FB sat for 5 years across the street from my house and the owner tried several times to get me to buy it. The reason I did was because of the funky yet similar way it is a beetle, and because the interior-trunk-engine area's are very clean and rust free. I've had it now almost 10 years. New engine and kept the FI. It either flies down the road or runs terrible depending on its mood. Always starts and idle's well. Just put ball joints and lowered the front so it looks more reasonable and level. Even with the orange color and ugly late model hood I really have to say I love it as much as the beetles. There are only two or three in St. Louis where I live. More squarebacks than FB's and almost no notches.

I've had my '71 fastback automatic for about 5 years now. It was given to me as a Christmas Present!! And what a wonderful gift from my nephew! It hasn't run in about 4 years, mainly due to neglect. The previous owner left it in the pasture from '89 till my nephew rescued it in '04. But I'm slowly getting her back in working order. The trany is giving me the most problems. But that's OK. A wonderful labor of love. I wouldn't give her up for the world. She is exceedingly rare 'cuz of the automatic transmission. My nephew told me there were only about 1000 automatics made in '71. Though I have not done the research. Good luck finding one. And when you do I know you will love it as much as I do!