Prices, Specifications & 360° Interactive
Volkswagen 1600 Fastback - Price, Specs and 360° Interactive
Volkswagen 1600 Fastback - 360° Interactive
Volkswagen 1600 Fastback - Key Specifications
Volkswagen 1600 Fastback Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Compact Fastback Sedan |
| Released At | 1965 |
| Built At | Wolfsburg, Germany |
| Engine | 1.6L Flat-4, Air-Cooled |
| Position | Rear-Engine, Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Natural Aspiration |
| Block Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Valvetrain | OHV, 2 Valves per Cylinder |
| Fuel Feed | Dual Solex Carburetors / Bosch D-Jetronic (from 1968) |
| Displacement | 1584 cc / 96.7 cu in |
| Power | 54 hp / 40 kW (carbureted) – 65 hp / 48 kW (fuel injected) |
| Specific Output | 34.1 – 41.0 hp per liter |
| Torque | 118 Nm / 87 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm |
| Top Speed | 135–145 km/h / 84–90 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | 16–18 seconds |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 17–19 seconds |
| Body / Frame | Steel Unibody |
| Driven Wheels | RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) |
| Wheel Type | Steel Wheels with Chrome Hubcaps |
| Front Tires | 5.60-15 |
| Rear Tires | 5.60-15 |
| Front Brakes | Disc Brakes |
| Rear Brakes | Drum Brakes |
| Front Wheels | 15 x 4.5 in |
| Rear Wheels | 15 x 4.5 in |
| Front Suspension | Torsion Bar with Upper and Lower Trailing Arms |
| Rear Suspension | Independent Swing Axle with Torsion Bars (IRS in later models) |
| Curb Weight | 895 kg / 1973 lbs |
| Weight Distribution | Front 42% / Rear 58% |
| Wheelbase | 2400 mm / 94.5 in |
| Length | 4220 mm / 166.1 in |
| Width | 1605 mm / 63.2 in |
| Height | 1470 mm / 57.9 in |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual / 3-Speed Automatic (Optional) |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 8.5 L/100 km / 27.7 mpg (US) |
| Fuel Capacity | 40 liters / 10.6 gallons |
Some Interesting Volkswagen 1600 Fastback Facts
- Part of the VW Type 3 Family
The Volkswagen 1600 Fastback was introduced in 1965 as part of the Type 3 series, alongside the Notchback and Squareback, offering a more modern and spacious alternative to the Beetle. - Featured a Rear-Mounted, Air-Cooled Engine
Like the Beetle, the 1600 Fastback used a rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-four engine, giving it simplicity, reliability, and a distinctive sound. - Offered Fuel Injection in the Late '60s
The 1600 Fastback became one of the first mass-produced cars to offer fuel injection, using Bosch’s D-Jetronic system starting in 1968, improving efficiency and drivability. - Dual Trunk Design
Thanks to its rear engine and sloping fastback design, the 1600 featured a front trunk under the hood and additional storage space above the rear engine compartment — unusual and practical. - Independent Suspension All Around
The car used independent rear suspension and torsion bars in the front, offering better ride comfort and handling than many competitors of its time. - Designed to Be More Modern Than the Beetle
Volkswagen intended the Fastback to be a step up from the Beetle — it had a more streamlined body, more interior space, and improved ride quality, targeting buyers looking for refinement. - Had a Unique “Frunk” Layout
The front trunk (frunk) cleverly housed the spare tire vertically, next to the gas tank, to maximize usable luggage space — a typical VW engineering quirk. - Available with an Automatic Transmission
Unusual for small cars of the era, the 1600 Fastback could be ordered with a 3-speed automatic transmission, making it more accessible to a wider range of drivers. - Never Sold as Widely in the U.S. as the Beetle
While available in North America, the Fastback was never as popular as the Beetle, partly due to its higher price and unfamiliar styling — but it gained a cult following over time. - Now a Rare and Collectible Classic
Surviving examples of the 1600 Fastback are becoming increasingly rare, and clean, rust-free models are highly sought-after by vintage VW collectors and air-cooled enthusiasts.
Volkswagen 1600 Fastback Price
In the EU, the Volkswagen 1600 Fastback (Type 3, produced 1965–1973) is a sought-after classic, and prices vary based on condition, originality, and market trends. Here’s a general price range (2024):
Average EU Prices:
- Project car (needs restoration): €5,000 – €15,000
(Rusty, non-running, or missing parts.) - Good condition (drivable, minor flaws): €15,000 – €25,000
(Solid body, running engine, but may need cosmetic work.) - Excellent/restored (concours-ready): €25,000 – €40,000+
(Fully restored, matching numbers, rare colors/options.)
Key Price Factors:
Originality: Numbers-matching engines and factory specs command premiums.
Rust: Floor pans, wheel arches, and spare tire wells are trouble spots.
Model year: Early models (pre-1970) are often more desirable.
Country: Prices are higher in markets like Germany or the Netherlands vs. Southern/Eastern EU.
Where to Buy?
- Classic car platforms: Mobile.de, Classic Trader, Marktplaats (NL).
- VW specialist dealers or auctions (e.g., Catawiki).
Trend:
Prices are rising as the Fastback gains "youngtimer" status, especially for pristine examples.
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