REF: VW-AUS-TYPE3TYPE 3
Type 3
Clayton, Victoria · 1963–1973
The sophisticated sibling — three body styles, a flat engine, and a decade of Australian production.
1963–1973 · Clayton, Victoria
Overview
Volkswagen's Type 3 brought a more refined proposition to the Australian market when Clayton assembly began in 1963. The pancake (Typ 4) engine sat beneath a usable front boot, giving the Type 3 genuine luggage capacity in both ends. Three body styles were offered locally — Notchback, Fastback, and Squareback (Variant) — with the Notchback discontinued in Australia after 1971. Fuel injection arrived on some variants from 1969.
Engines
| Code | Displacement | Power |
|---|---|---|
| 1500cc | 1493cc | 37 kW (50 hp) |
| 1600cc carb | 1584cc | 40 kW (54 hp) |
| 1600cc FI | 1584cc | 44 kW (59 hp) |
Key Changes by Year
1965Squareback (Variant) body style introduced in Australia
19671600cc engine; revised front end with larger indicators
1968ADR compliance fitments; revised interior
1969Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection available on Fastback and Squareback
1972Notchback discontinued in Australia; Fastback and Squareback continue
Production Notes
The Type 3 was discontinued in Australia after the 1973 model year, three years before the Clayton plant closed. It remains the rarest of the four Clayton-assembled models.
Quick Reference
- Type
- TYPE 3
- Production Years
- 1963–1973
- Factory
- Clayton, Victoria
- Body Styles
- Notchback (1963–1971), Fastback (1963–1973), Squareback / Variant (1965–1973)
- Transmission
- 4-speed manual, Semi-automatic (Autostick, from 1968)