VW type designations

From Vintage Volkswagen Parts & Tech Wiki

From the original prototype until 1980, Volkswagen assigned a unique type designation to identify each model.

Pre-war and wartime (1932-1945) designations

Type # Model Notes
12 Ferdinand Porsche Zündapp-built prototype 1932
34 Ferdinand Porsche NSU prototype 1934
60 VW30 & VW38 prototypes, KdF-Wagen 1935
62 Military KdF-Wagen conversion, Kübelwagen prototype 1939
64 Sportwagen Berlin-Rome racer 1939
82 Kübelwagen
82E 2WD Kommandeurwagen
87 4WD Kommandeurwagen
88 Flatbed KdF-Wagen truck conversion
92 Sunroof Kommandeurwagen
128 Schwimmwagen prototype
166 Schwimmwagen
205 Panzer VIII Maus heavy tank

Post-war British control (1945-1949) type designations

Type # Model Notes
11 Two-door saloon
13 Saloon with sunroof
15 Karmann cabriolet
21 Kübelwagen
25 Kübelwagen fire vehicle with pump
27 Kübelwagen van with canopy
28 Kübelwagen delivery van
51 Saloon on Kübelwagen chassis
53 Saloon with sunroof on Kübelwagen chassis
55 Karmann cabriolet on Kübelwagen chassis
81 Saloon van with canopy
83 Saloon delivery van
91 Open trailer
93 Enclosed trailer
100 Road tractor

German control (1949-1980) type designations

Type 1

Type 1 (1949-1966)
Type # Model Notes
111 Standard Beetle Sedan, LHD


Type 1 (1967-1980)
Type # Model Notes
111 Torsion bar, swing-axle Beetle, LHD

Type 2

Split Window Type 2 codes (1950-1967)
Type # Model Notes
111 Panel van, right-side load doors, LHD


Bay Window Type 2 codes (1968-1979)
Type # Model Notes
211 Panel van, right-side sliding door, LHD

Type 3

Type 3 codes
Type # Model Notes
311 Fastback, LHD

Type 4

Type 4 codes
Type # Model Notes
411 2-door L Sedan, LHD

Water cooled

Water cooled type codes (up to 1980)
Type # Model Notes
15 Golf Mk1 Cabriolet