Glossary

A glossary of Vintage Volkswagen related terms.

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• 11 Window - The standard model of pre-1968 Type 2 Bus. Named for the eleven panels of glass installed in these models, which include three side windows behind the rear doors.
• 13 Window - "Deluxe" trim model Type 2 Bus produced from 1964-1967. In addition to the standard 11 windows, two side windows were added to the rear of the vehicle.
• 15 Window - "Deluxe" trim model Type 2 Bus produced prior to the 1964 model year. In addition to the standard 11 windows, two side windows were added to the rear if the vehicle, as well as two curved windows in the rear corners.
• 21 Window - Top-of-the-line "Samba" model Type 2 Bus produced from 1964-1967. VW took the 13-window Deluxe model and added eight skylight windows (4 per side) along the roof edge.
• 23 Window - Top-of-the-line "Samba" model Type 2 Bus produced prior to the 1964 model year. VW took the 15-window Deluxe model and added eight skylight windows (4 per side) along the roof edge.

A

• Air-cooled - The primary method of engine cooling used on early Volkswagen and Porsche models. Air is propelled by a fan over the cylinders and cylinder heads which feature fins to maximize surface area, dissipating heat and reducing the operating temperature of the engine.

B

• Barndoor - Type 2 produced prior to the end of February, 1955. Name derived from the large decklid.
• Bay Window - Term for the 1968-1979 Type 2. Name is derived from the large front windshield which replaced the split panel windshield of earlier models.

C

• Cabriolet - Alternate word for convertible. Often used to describe Beetle, Karmann Ghia and Golf with a retractable roof. Derived from the name of a lightweight horse-drawn carriage with a folding top.
• Campmobile - Official name of Type 2 camper conversions produced by Westfalia.

D

• Decklid - Rear engine cover on air-cooled models.

E

• Eberspächer - Manufacturer of gasoline powered heaters commonly offered as a factory option in air-cooled models.

F

• Fweem - The distinctive chirping sound of an air-cooled exhaust.

G

• Gas Heater - Supplemental gasoline-powered heater option installed at the factory or dealership. Eberspächer was the most common manufacturer, but models from Stewart Warner (Southwind) and Perfection were also available.

H

• Heater boxes - Heat exchanger units which utilize waste heat from engine exhaust to provide warm air to the passenger compartment.

I

• IRS - Independent rear suspension - Rear suspension design featuring two CV joints per axle in which the left and right axles move independently of one another. Installed on 1969 and later Type 1 and Type 2.

J

• Jalousie Windows - Louvered side windows featured on Type 2 camper conversions.

K

• Käfer - German for "Beetle." The most common German nickname for the Type 1 Sedan and Cabriolet.

L

• Low Light - 1955-1959 Karmann Ghia, which have a headlight mounted 2 inches lower than later models.

M

• M-Code - A numerical code denoting installed factory options or standard export equipment.
• M-Code plate - Identification plate on 1958 and later Type 2 models. Indicates factory options and manufacturing data.

N

• Nose cone - Forward-mounted section of the transmission case which houses the gear selector rod. Detachable from the main housing.

O

• Oval window - 1953-1957 Type 1 Sedan and Cabriolet which features an oval-shaped rear windshield.

P

• Pancake - Slang term for the air-cooled Type 3 and Type 4 engines, which featured a redesigned cooling tin system with a flatter profile.

Q

• Quarter panel - Area of the body immediately aft of the doors.

R

• Razor-edge Ghia - Nickname for the Type 34

• Rear apron - Center-rear body panel on a VW, directly below the decklid.

S

• Samba - Model name for the premium-package 21 or 23-window Type 2 featuring a sliding cloth sunroof.

T

• Transporter - Alternate model name for the Type 2.
• Type designation - The number code which denotes the various models and sub-models of air-cooled VWs. See VW type designations for more information.

U

• Unobtanium - Slang term for rare and/or unavailable parts and accessories.

V

• Variant - Alternate name for Type 3 and Type 4 Squareback models. Commonly used in Canada and Europe.

W

• Wasserboxer - Water cooled flat-four engine used in the Vanagon. German for "water boxer."
• Westy - Slang term for Westfalia.

Z

• Zwitter - Nickname for rare Type 1 Sedan and Convertible models made during the transition period from split-window to oval-window (late 1952 to mid 1953). These models have an oval-window body, but retain the earlier split-window style dash and feature a number of parts exclusive to this time frame.