VW Fastback Type 3 TL 

Production period:	1965 to 1973
Class:	Motor Car
Engines:	1.6 litres air cooled
Length:	166.34 in, 4,225 mm
Width:	63.19 in, 1,605 mm
Height:	58.07 in, 1,475 mm
Wheelbase:	94.49 in, 2,400 mm
Curb weight:	2,029 1b, 920 kg

The Type 3 TL (Touring Sedan) Fastback is a car model from Volkswagen built from 1965 to 1973.

History

The car was presented as VW 1500 at the 40th IAA in Frankfurt in September 7, 1961 to the VW trade organization followed in 1965 by the fastback variant. 

The 1600 TL, which was presented in the summer of 1965, represents attempt by the German firm to re-absorb the recent negative fluctuation in the sales of the indomitable Beetle.

The VW Type 3 did not break with the pre-war concept of the VW Beetle. The wheelbase as well as the now outdated central tube frame instead of a self-supporting body were retained as well as the principle of the fan-cooled rear engine.

The model is technically a 1500, revised, corrected and with a different body and original lines. Even given, "fastback coupé" lines of the the name of 1600 TL do not echo this the design with lighter coachwork which has however, entailed no loss of space inside and no reduction in accessibility for passengers. The 1600 TL is the first model on which the Wolfsburg concern has mounted disc brakes as standard, on the front wheels. On the road this car is every bit a Volkswagen. There is, however, much less oversteer than on the earlier models and rolling on bends is greatly reduced the distribution of weight is 40.8% to front axle, and 59.2% at rear axle.

The engine, mounted as ever at the rear, has four horizontally opposed cylinders and is air-cooled with the fan placed horizontally. This arrangement has made it possible to provide a luggage locker above the engine as well to the main one under the bonnet. As is the case in all Volkswagens, maximum speed is also the cruising speed, this being made possible by keeping the maximum power at little over 4,000 rpm. Also, though the ratios are so well selected that good performance figures can be obtained even over varied types of roads. Another difference was the engine. The designated as a flat motor drive had in comparison to that of the beetle more displacement and a modified air cooling: The radial fan was flanged to the rear end of the crankshaft and "stopped" on the engine. The oil cooler was now installed horizontally and no longer hindered the cooling of the third cylinder (left front), which was prone to overheating in engines with standing fan box and could cause a serious engine damage. The flat engine was a bit longer, but with 40 cm height significantly lower, thus the TL the externally accessible rear trunk. For maintenance, the engine was reached through a flap in the boot floor. Later, there was another progressive aspect in the VW Type 3: From the end of 1967, the VW 1600 E was the first German production car with an electronic intake manifold injection (Bosch D-Jetronic).

PERFORMANCE

• Engine capacity: 96.66 cu in, 1,584 cu cm
• Fuel consumption: 34 m/imp gal, 28.3 m/US gal
• Max speed: 83.9 mph, 135
• Max power (SAE): 65 hp at 4,600 rpm
• Max torque (SAE): 87 1b ft, 12 kg m at 2,800 rpm
• Max engine rpm: 5,400
• Specific power: 41 hp/l
• Power-weight ratio: 31.3 lb/hp, 14.2 kg/hp
• Acceleration: 0—50 mph (0—80 km/h) 12.5 sec
• Max speeds: 28.6 mph, 46 km/h in 1st gear; 52.8 mph, 85 km/h in 2nd gear; 68.3 mph, 110 km/h in 3rd gear; 83.9 mph, 135 km/h in 4th gear

The chassis is the usual box platform with central backbone running back into a fork on which the engine is mounted. The all-independent suspension
is typical of this make: twin longitudinal trailing arms and swinging semi-axles at the front and a swing-axle and transverse torsion bars for elasticity at the rear. The normal large wheels, unusual for a vehicle in this category, have no unpleasant effects on passenger comfort and they guarantee magnificent handling even over difficult terrain.

Much care has been taken in the planning of the interior and the imitation leather upholstery is elegant. The facia. which has anti-shine padding across
the top is boldly designed with three circular instruments in front of the driver: The clock: a tachometer and a petrol gauge which incorporates warning lights for
petrol and oil levels. There are only two pull-out knobs. one for the windscreen wipers and one for the lights.

• 09.1961 - The VW 1500 appears as a sedan and Variant (station wagon).
• 08.1963 - VW 1500 S with dual-gas engine and 54 hp, changes to turn signals and rear lights, "S" - models with chrome trim, VW 1500 renamed to 1500 N, "N" - models without chrome trim and with simpler features.
• 08.1965 - VW 1600 TL (T ouren- L imousine) with hatchback, a larger engine, footwell heating and a luggage compartment of 260 litres for 6690 DM factory, further renamed with 54 hp, 1500 N in 1500 A, with flat-flow carburettor and 45 hp, notchback sedan initially only available as a standard model. Introduction of disc brakes on the front axle, associated conversion to four-hole rims with a smaller bolt circle.
• 1966 - Electrical system in 12-volt version, notchback sedan with better equipment also as VW 1600 L available, since the 1600 TL with hatchback body not met with undivided approval. All models were now called VW 1600; the VW 1600 A with 45 hp still has a 1.5 litres engine.
• 1967 - Automatic model with modern semi-trailing arm rear axle. The 54-hp engine was also optionally available with Bosch intake manifold injection D-Jetronic. From August 1967 (model year 1968), the filler neck of the fuel tank as well as the beetle (type 1) can be reached via an external flap and not only after opening the front hood.
• 08.1969 as the 1600 - Optical revision of the body, wide bumpers, large front indicators and rear lights, different position of the plate at the TL. Omission of the rear swing axle; also, the manual transmission cars got the trailing arm suspension.
• 07.1973 - Production of the 1600 series is discontinued.