Type 1 - Revision history

WestyMan1971: /* The KdF Wagen and a new factory */

2025-07-24T14:32:00Z

The KdF Wagen and a new factory

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:32, 24 July 2025
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	By 1937, it was decided that a new factory was needed for production of the "people's car." Land was seized in Northern Germany, along the banks of the Mitteland Canal in the village of Fallersleben. Construction of the new factory began in February 1938.		By 1937, it was decided that a new factory was needed for production of the "people's car." Land was seized in Northern Germany, along the banks of the Mitteland Canal in the village of Fallersleben. Construction of the new factory began in February 1938.

	On May 26, 1938, a cornerstone-laying ceremony was held at the site of the new factory with typical Nazi-party fanfare and propaganda photo-ops. In the speech given by ~~Adolph~~ Hitler, he announced the new automobile to be built on the site will be named "Kraft-durch-Freude-Wagen" ("Strength Through Joy Car," abbreviated to KdF-Wagen) after the leisure organization operated by Deutsche Arbeitsfront. He also outlined his plan for construction of a grand factory city known as "Stadt des KdF-Wagens bei Fallersleben" ("City of the Strength Through Joy car at Fallersleben") to be built on the southern side of the canal.		On May 26, 1938, a cornerstone-laying ceremony was held at the site of the new factory with typical Nazi-party fanfare and propaganda photo-ops. In the speech given by Adolf Hitler, he announced the new automobile to be built on the site will be named "Kraft-durch-Freude-Wagen" ("Strength Through Joy Car," abbreviated to KdF-Wagen) after the leisure organization operated by Deutsche Arbeitsfront. He also outlined his plan for construction of a grand factory city known as "Stadt des KdF-Wagens bei Fallersleben" ("City of the Strength Through Joy car at Fallersleben") to be built on the southern side of the canal.

	Production of the KdF Wagen was scheduled to begin in the Autumn of 1939. Nazi propaganda claimed the new factory was expected to produce 500,000 vehicles per year, all for the benefit of the German people. However, only about 200 vehicles were produced prior to the outbreak of war. Most of these early production vehicles were given to Nazi Party officials and few, if any, citizens received their car through the stamp-booklet savings plan.		Production of the KdF Wagen was scheduled to begin in the Autumn of 1939. Nazi propaganda claimed the new factory was expected to produce 500,000 vehicles per year, all for the benefit of the German people. However, only about 200 vehicles were produced prior to the outbreak of war. Most of these early production vehicles were given to Nazi Party officials and few, if any, citizens received their car through the stamp-booklet savings plan.
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	{{Type 1}}		{{Type 1}}

	[[Category:Type 1]]		[[index.php?title=Category:Type 1]]

WestyMan1971: /* History */

2025-07-16T04:50:14Z

History

WestyMan1971: /* History */

2025-07-16T04:49:19Z

History

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:49, 16 July 2025
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	= History =		= History =
	==== Josef Ganz's "Maikäfer" and the Standard Superior ====		=== Josef Ganz's "Maikäfer" and the Standard Superior ===
	[[File:Maikaefer CentralGarage-1.jpg\|thumb\|left\|Josef Ganz's Maikäfer prototype as it is today.]]		[[File:Maikaefer CentralGarage-1.jpg\|thumb\|left\|Josef Ganz's Maikäfer prototype as it is today.]]
	The idea of a "people's car" can traced as far back as 1923, when a young Jewish Hungarian engineering student named [[Josef Ganz]] began sketching concepts for a "car for the masses." Ganz's design featured a mid-mounted engine, independent suspension and a streamlined body.		The idea of a "people's car" can traced as far back as 1923, when a young Jewish Hungarian engineering student named [[Josef Ganz]] began sketching concepts for a "car for the masses." Ganz's design featured a mid-mounted engine, independent suspension and a streamlined body.

WestyMan1971: /* External Links */

2025-07-16T04:47:44Z

External Links

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:47, 16 July 2025
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	{{Type 1}}		{{Type 1}}

	[[~~index.php?title=~~Category:Type 1]]		[[Category:Type 1]]

WestyMan1971 at 04:31, 16 July 2025

2025-07-16T04:31:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:31, 16 July 2025
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	* [[Porsche 356]]}}		* [[Porsche 356]]}}
	\| engine = {{plainlist\|		\| engine = {{plainlist\|
	* 1100 cc [[Type 1 ~~Engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1938-1953)		* 1100 cc [[Type 1 engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1938-1953)
	* 1200 cc [[Type 1 ~~Engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1954-1965)		* 1200 cc [[Type 1 engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1954-1965)
	* 1300 cc [[Type 1 ~~Engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1966)		* 1300 cc [[Type 1 engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1966)
	* 1500 cc [[Type 1 ~~Engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1967-1970)		* 1500 cc [[Type 1 engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1967-1970)
	* 1600 cc Single-port [[Type 1 ~~Engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1970 option)		* 1600 cc Single-port [[Type 1 engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1970 option)
	* 1600 cc Dual-port [[Type 1 ~~Engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1971-2003)}}		* 1600 cc Dual-port [[Type 1 engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1971-2003)}}
	\| transmission = {{plainlist\|		\| transmission = {{plainlist\|
	*4-speed [[manual transmission\|manual]] transaxle		*4-speed [[manual transmission\|manual]] transaxle

WestyMan1971 at 04:28, 16 July 2025

2025-07-16T04:28:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:28, 16 July 2025
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	* [[Porsche 356]]}}		* [[Porsche 356]]}}
	\| engine = {{plainlist\|		\| engine = {{plainlist\|
	* 1100 cc [[Type 1 ~~engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1938-1953)		* 1100 cc [[Type 1 Engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1938-1953)
	* 1200 cc [[Type 1 ~~engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1954-1965)		* 1200 cc [[Type 1 Engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1954-1965)
	* 1300 cc [[Type 1 ~~engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1966)		* 1300 cc [[Type 1 Engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1966)
	* 1500 cc [[Type 1 ~~engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1967-1970)		* 1500 cc [[Type 1 Engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1967-1970)
	* 1600 cc Single-port [[Type 1 ~~engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1970 option)		* 1600 cc Single-port [[Type 1 Engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1970 option)
	* 1600 cc Dual-port [[Type 1 ~~engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1971-2003)}}		* 1600 cc Dual-port [[Type 1 Engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1971-2003)}}
	\| transmission = {{plainlist\|		\| transmission = {{plainlist\|
	*4-speed [[manual transmission\|manual]] transaxle		*4-speed [[manual transmission\|manual]] transaxle

WestyMan1971 at 04:25, 16 July 2025

2025-07-16T04:25:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:25, 16 July 2025
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	* "Epilogue" edition trim package released.		* "Epilogue" edition trim package released.
	* Last year of Cabriolet in the US.		* Last year of Cabriolet in the US.

			= See Also =
			* [[Type 2]]
			* [[Type 3]]
			* [[Type 4]]

	= Notes =		= Notes =

WestyMan1971: /* 1974 */

2025-07-16T04:22:17Z

1974

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:22, 16 July 2025
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	==== 1974 ====		==== 1974 ====
	''Production dates August 1, 1973 to July 31, 1974<br>Chassis numbers 114,2000,001 - 114,2999,000 (Standard Beetle)<br>134,2000,001 - 134,2999,000 (Super Beetle)<br>Engine numbers D 1,115,874 - D 1,284,228 (1200cc 40HP)<br>AR 0,000,001 - AR 0,121,271 (1300cc 44bhp Non-USA)<br>AH 0,114,419 - AH 0,500,000 (1600cc 46HP USA-only) ~~'''~~number rounded up~~'''~~<br>AS 0,000,001 - AS 0,171,566 (1600cc 50bhp Non-USA)''		''Production dates August 1, 1973 to July 31, 1974<br>Chassis numbers 114,2000,001 - 114,2999,000 (Standard Beetle)<br>134,2000,001 - 134,2999,000 (Super Beetle)<br>Engine numbers D 1,115,874 - D 1,284,228 (1200cc 40HP)<br>AR 0,000,001 - AR 0,121,271 (1300cc 44bhp Non-USA)<br>AH 0,114,419 - AH 0,500,000 (1600cc 46HP USA-only) <ref>AH engine numbers for 1974 are number rounded up.</ref><br>AS 0,000,001 - AS 0,171,566 (1600cc 50bhp Non-USA)''

	* Self restoring energy absorbing bumpers introduced.		* Self restoring energy absorbing bumpers introduced.

WestyMan1971: /* Notes */

2025-07-16T04:20:44Z

Notes

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:20, 16 July 2025
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	= Notes =		= Notes =
	<references/>		<references />

	= External Links =		= External Links =

WestyMan1971 at 04:10, 16 July 2025

2025-07-16T04:10:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:10, 16 July 2025
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	* "Epilogue" edition trim package released.		* "Epilogue" edition trim package released.
	* Last year of Cabriolet in the US.		* Last year of Cabriolet in the US.

			= Notes =
			<references/>

	= External Links =		= External Links =

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:31, 16 July 2025
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	* [[Porsche 356]]}}		* [[Porsche 356]]}}
	\| engine = {{plainlist\|		\| engine = {{plainlist\|
	* 1100 cc [[Type 1 ~~Engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1938-1953)		* 1100 cc [[Type 1 engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1938-1953)
	* 1200 cc [[Type 1 ~~Engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1954-1965)		* 1200 cc [[Type 1 engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1954-1965)
	* 1300 cc [[Type 1 ~~Engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1966)		* 1300 cc [[Type 1 engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1966)
	* 1500 cc [[Type 1 ~~Engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1967-1970)		* 1500 cc [[Type 1 engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1967-1970)
	* 1600 cc Single-port [[Type 1 ~~Engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1970 option)		* 1600 cc Single-port [[Type 1 engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1970 option)
	* 1600 cc Dual-port [[Type 1 ~~Engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1971-2003)}}		* 1600 cc Dual-port [[Type 1 engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1971-2003)}}
	\| transmission = {{plainlist\|		\| transmission = {{plainlist\|
	*4-speed [[manual transmission\|manual]] transaxle		*4-speed [[manual transmission\|manual]] transaxle

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:28, 16 July 2025
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	* [[Porsche 356]]}}		* [[Porsche 356]]}}
	\| engine = {{plainlist\|		\| engine = {{plainlist\|
	* 1100 cc [[Type 1 ~~engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1938-1953)		* 1100 cc [[Type 1 Engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1938-1953)
	* 1200 cc [[Type 1 ~~engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1954-1965)		* 1200 cc [[Type 1 Engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1954-1965)
	* 1300 cc [[Type 1 ~~engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1966)		* 1300 cc [[Type 1 Engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1966)
	* 1500 cc [[Type 1 ~~engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1967-1970)		* 1500 cc [[Type 1 Engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1967-1970)
	* 1600 cc Single-port [[Type 1 ~~engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1970 option)		* 1600 cc Single-port [[Type 1 Engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1970 option)
	* 1600 cc Dual-port [[Type 1 ~~engine~~\|Type 1 H4]] (1971-2003)}}		* 1600 cc Dual-port [[Type 1 Engine\|Type 1 H4]] (1971-2003)}}
	\| transmission = {{plainlist\|		\| transmission = {{plainlist\|
	*4-speed [[manual transmission\|manual]] transaxle		*4-speed [[manual transmission\|manual]] transaxle

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:50, 16 July 2025
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	Due to the antisemitic policies of the Nazi Party, Ganz's influence on the development of the Beetle was largely forgotten and has often been left out of official Volkswagen history. His contribution is still widely debated to this day.		Due to the antisemitic policies of the Nazi Party, Ganz's influence on the development of the Beetle was largely forgotten and has often been left out of official Volkswagen history. His contribution is still widely debated to this day.

	==== Ferdinand Porsche's prototypes ====		=== Ferdinand Porsche's prototypes ===
	[[File:Zundapp.jpg\|thumb\|left\|Porsche Type 12]]		[[File:Zundapp.jpg\|thumb\|left\|Porsche Type 12]]
	In 1931, Zündapp requested Austrian engineer [[Ferdinand Porsche]] design and build a prototype for an "everyman's automobile." This led to the development of three prototypes (two saloons and one coupe) known as the [[Porsche Type 12]]. These prototypes features a U-channel center beam chassis, leaf spring suspension, worm-gear steering and hydraulic drum brakes. The drivetrain consisted of a Zündapp-built five-cylinder radial engine (as opposed to Porsche's preferred [[flat-four engine]]) and a combined gearbox differential transmission joined by a wet single disc clutch. The Type 12 laid the basic design foundation for what would eventually become the Beetle.		In 1931, Zündapp requested Austrian engineer [[Ferdinand Porsche]] design and build a prototype for an "everyman's automobile." This led to the development of three prototypes (two saloons and one coupe) known as the [[Porsche Type 12]]. These prototypes features a U-channel center beam chassis, leaf spring suspension, worm-gear steering and hydraulic drum brakes. The drivetrain consisted of a Zündapp-built five-cylinder radial engine (as opposed to Porsche's preferred [[flat-four engine]]) and a combined gearbox differential transmission joined by a wet single disc clutch. The Type 12 laid the basic design foundation for what would eventually become the Beetle.
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	In 1932, Porsche was contacted by [[NSU Motorenwerke]] to design and build a prototype automobile. NSU wished to return to manufacturing cars after a period of exclusively building motorcycles. While Zündapp has requested use of their radial engine, NSU placed no such restrictions and gave Porsche full control of development. This resulted in the construction of three prototypes, with two different body styles, called the [[Type 32]]. These prototypes featured the rear air-cooled flat-four engine, central tube frame, front axle, rear swing axle and torsion bar suspension that would become quite familiar to Volkswagen owners in the subsequent decades.		In 1932, Porsche was contacted by [[NSU Motorenwerke]] to design and build a prototype automobile. NSU wished to return to manufacturing cars after a period of exclusively building motorcycles. While Zündapp has requested use of their radial engine, NSU placed no such restrictions and gave Porsche full control of development. This resulted in the construction of three prototypes, with two different body styles, called the [[Type 32]]. These prototypes featured the rear air-cooled flat-four engine, central tube frame, front axle, rear swing axle and torsion bar suspension that would become quite familiar to Volkswagen owners in the subsequent decades.

	==== Adolf Hitler ====		=== Adolf Hitler ===
	In 1924, a young Adolf Hitler spent nine months in Landsberg Prison as a result of his Nazi Party's failed coup the year prior. While serving his sentence, Hitler read several books about Henry Ford's development of mass production techniques. Hitler showed great interest in automobiles, despite never having learned to drive. The future chancellor came to admire Ford and made it among his political ambitions to bring affordable transportation to the people of Germany in the same manner which Ford had done in the United States.		In 1924, a young Adolf Hitler spent nine months in Landsberg Prison as a result of his Nazi Party's failed coup the year prior. While serving his sentence, Hitler read several books about Henry Ford's development of mass production techniques. Hitler showed great interest in automobiles, despite never having learned to drive. The future chancellor came to admire Ford and made it among his political ambitions to bring affordable transportation to the people of Germany in the same manner which Ford had done in the United States.

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	The final design added a split rear windshield. In 1938, 44 pre-production models known as the [[VW38]] were built by hand in Stuttgart. The very first convertible model from this batch (chassis 38/31) was presented to Hitler as a gift. Fifty more cars followed in 1939 ([[VW39]]), and though still hand-built, some parts utilized the new stamping dies built for production.		The final design added a split rear windshield. In 1938, 44 pre-production models known as the [[VW38]] were built by hand in Stuttgart. The very first convertible model from this batch (chassis 38/31) was presented to Hitler as a gift. Fifty more cars followed in 1939 ([[VW39]]), and though still hand-built, some parts utilized the new stamping dies built for production.

	==== The KdF Wagen and a new factory ====		=== The KdF Wagen and a new factory ===
	[[File:Cornerstone ceremony 1938.jpg\|right\|thumb\|Laying the cornerstone on May 26, 1938]]		[[File:Cornerstone ceremony 1938.jpg\|right\|thumb\|Laying the cornerstone on May 26, 1938]]
	By 1937, it was decided that a new factory was needed for production of the "people's car." Land was seized in Northern Germany, along the banks of the Mitteland Canal in the village of Fallersleben. Construction of the new factory began in February 1938.		By 1937, it was decided that a new factory was needed for production of the "people's car." Land was seized in Northern Germany, along the banks of the Mitteland Canal in the village of Fallersleben. Construction of the new factory began in February 1938.
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	Production of the KdF Wagen was scheduled to begin in the Autumn of 1939. Nazi propaganda claimed the new factory was expected to produce 500,000 vehicles per year, all for the benefit of the German people. However, only about 200 vehicles were produced prior to the outbreak of war. Most of these early production vehicles were given to Nazi Party officials and few, if any, citizens received their car through the stamp-booklet savings plan.		Production of the KdF Wagen was scheduled to begin in the Autumn of 1939. Nazi propaganda claimed the new factory was expected to produce 500,000 vehicles per year, all for the benefit of the German people. However, only about 200 vehicles were produced prior to the outbreak of war. Most of these early production vehicles were given to Nazi Party officials and few, if any, citizens received their car through the stamp-booklet savings plan.

	==== Wartime production ====		=== Wartime production ===
	On September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany invaded Poland. Two days later, France and Britain declared war on Germany, signaling the start of World War II.		On September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany invaded Poland. Two days later, France and Britain declared war on Germany, signaling the start of World War II.

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	In early 1945, the tide of war had turned. American troops were advancing deeper into Germany and over two thirds of the factory lay in ruin. Some workers, many of whom were foreign forced laborers, began destroying as much as they could of what was left.		In early 1945, the tide of war had turned. American troops were advancing deeper into Germany and over two thirds of the factory lay in ruin. Some workers, many of whom were foreign forced laborers, began destroying as much as they could of what was left.

	==== Allied occupation ====		=== Allied occupation ===

	KdF-Stadt was captured by US troops on April 11, 1945. Over 7,700 forced laborers were liberated from the factory. On May 25, 1945, the city was renamed Wolfsburg, after the nearby Wolfsburg Castle. The Americans occupied Wolfsburg until June 1945, at which time it became part of the British Occupation Zone.		KdF-Stadt was captured by US troops on April 11, 1945. Over 7,700 forced laborers were liberated from the factory. On May 25, 1945, the city was renamed Wolfsburg, after the nearby Wolfsburg Castle. The Americans occupied Wolfsburg until June 1945, at which time it became part of the British Occupation Zone.
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	In March 1948, the British offered the company to Ford, free of charge. Henry Ford II and Ford chairman Ernest Breech travelled to West Germany to tour the factory. When Ford asked Breech for his opinion, Breech said, "Mr. Ford, I don't think what we're being offered here is worth a damn!"		In March 1948, the British offered the company to Ford, free of charge. Henry Ford II and Ford chairman Ernest Breech travelled to West Germany to tour the factory. When Ford asked Breech for his opinion, Breech said, "Mr. Ford, I don't think what we're being offered here is worth a damn!"

	==== Returning Volkswagen to German control ====		=== Returning Volkswagen to German control ===

	After the British-led restart of production and failing to find a buyer for the company, Hirst began to look for a successor to return day-to-day operations back to the Germans. Former Opel director [[Heinrich Nordhoff]] was offered a position as manager. Despite being highly critical of the Volkswagen's unconventional engineering in the past, Nordhoff had few other opportunities. Though he was never a member of the Nazi Party, he had been barred from work in the American sector due to his position at the Opel factory building German military vehicles. Nordhoff accepted and took control of the Wolfsburg plant on January 1, 1948.		After the British-led restart of production and failing to find a buyer for the company, Hirst began to look for a successor to return day-to-day operations back to the Germans. Former Opel director [[Heinrich Nordhoff]] was offered a position as manager. Despite being highly critical of the Volkswagen's unconventional engineering in the past, Nordhoff had few other opportunities. Though he was never a member of the Nazi Party, he had been barred from work in the American sector due to his position at the Opel factory building German military vehicles. Nordhoff accepted and took control of the Wolfsburg plant on January 1, 1948.
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	Under Nordhoff's leadership, the British Military Government slowly took a backseat to operations. On October 8, 1949, ownership of Volkswagenwerk GmbH was transferred to the newly-formed West German government.		Under Nordhoff's leadership, the British Military Government slowly took a backseat to operations. On October 8, 1949, ownership of Volkswagenwerk GmbH was transferred to the newly-formed West German government.

	==== Expansion and export ====		=== Expansion and export ===

	Upon joining Volkswagen, Heinrich Nordhoff brought years of managerial, technical, and mass production experience to the young company. Nordhoff settled on a "one model" plan, where the product would retain a similar outward appearance, with minor changes made to improve performance and efficiency. Right away, he saw the need to expand the market. Though under British control, a strong export market had been created in a handful of European countries, Nordhoff realized that in order to survive, Volkswagen would have to break into the American market. At the time, The United States had the strongest post-war economy and most stable currency in the world.		Upon joining Volkswagen, Heinrich Nordhoff brought years of managerial, technical, and mass production experience to the young company. Nordhoff settled on a "one model" plan, where the product would retain a similar outward appearance, with minor changes made to improve performance and efficiency. Right away, he saw the need to expand the market. Though under British control, a strong export market had been created in a handful of European countries, Nordhoff realized that in order to survive, Volkswagen would have to break into the American market. At the time, The United States had the strongest post-war economy and most stable currency in the world.