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?