Volkswagen 1500 Technical Specifications

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Volkswagen 1500
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A Lot Of Cars Appear To Change And Don't



A Volkswagen doesn't appear to change and does. Take the Volkswagen 1500. The bug. Same familiar shape but with 78 changes to make it work better.
The '69 VW is the safest Volkswagen ever built.

It has front-end disc brakes and a dual braking system. If one stops, the other stops you. Vertical headlights so you can see where you're going, better and bigger tail lights so others can see where you're going better.

There are non-tilt safety locks on all seats. Soft plastic dashboard control knobs, the point is there are no points. Recessed door handles inside have a safety lock (you have to unlock it before you can open a door).

The steering column is collapsible. If you bump something it won't bump you. Volkswagen's big wheels are still big but now you have new safety rims, so a sudden flat doesn't have to mean a tyreless rim. Rear wheels track wider so they stick to their job better.

Two new big rear vision mirrors let you know what's going on behind your back and side. Push the inside mirror and it pops out.

The bug has lap and sash seat belts on the front seats and anchor points all round, and there are new bigger windscreen washers to wash the bigger windscreen and new two-speed wipers to wipe it quicker.

But safety is only half the story. The '69 Volkswagen is the most comfortable VW ever made. Take the bucket seats. Over the years they've been changed fifty times.

Now they're softer and more adjustable. You actually get more head and leg room than cars feet longer. The Volkswagen's suspension has been improved.

All four wheels are independently sprung and, on the back torsion bar, an equaliser spring has been added to keep the bug flat on the road. The torsion bars keep the ride softer, even fully laden. A new, fresh-air system makes the Volkswagen a little less air-tight and a heater demister works through six outlets.

Among the other important changes in the '69 VW is a more powerful 1500 cc engine. It will take you 0-50 in 12 seconds flat and has a top speed around 80 that you can cruise at al/ Yes, it's also the fastest bug ever.

Some things haven't changed. Like the slick, smooth 4-speed all-synch gearbox. Or the ideas about rear engine traction, the aerodynamic body shape, or the reputation for dependability and economy.

You still get 32 miles a gallon and around 30,000 miles from a set of tyres. Volkswagen still believe that sometimes a change isn't always a improvement.
  • Years of Manufacture:

    1969 - 1974
  • Number Built:

    500,000+
  • Price at Introduction:

    • n/a
  • Date of Introduction:

    • 1969
  • Chassis/Body:

    • Unitary construction (Monocoque)
  • Kerb Weight:

    • n/a
  • Fuel Tank:

    • n/a
  • Turning Circle:

    • 26.1ft
  • Instruments:

    • Speedometer
    • Petrol gauge
  • Transmission (Manual, 4 Speed):

    • Maximum climbing ability with two occupants:
      • 1st Gear: 46.0% (1:2.25)
      • 2nd Gear: 24.0% (1:4.3)
      • 3rd Gear: 13.0% (1:7.4)
      • 4th Gear: 8.0% (1:7.4)
  • Transmission (Automatic, Stick Shift):

    • Hydromatic torque converter with three stage gearing, housed together with rear axle drive.
    • 1st: 2.06:1
    • 2nd: 1.26:1
    • 3rd: 0.98:1
    • Reverse: 3.07:1
    • Axle shafts, each with two constant velocity joints
  • Clutch:

    • Single cushion disc, dry plate clutch
  • Rear Axle Ratio:

    • Hypoid bevel differential, final drive n/a
  • Maximum Speed:

    • 78 mph
  • Performance:

    • 0 - 50mph: 13 seconds
  • Fuel Consumption:

    • 32 mpg
  • Engine (4 Cylinder):

    • Capacity: 1500cc
    • Type: 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, Thermostatically controlled air cooling by fan.
    • Configuration: Rear mounted, flat four
    • Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder
    • Fuel System: Single downdraft type carburettor with automatic choke, accelerator and oil bath air cleaner. Mixture pre-heating and automatically regulated air-intake pre-heating. Pressure lubricating with oil cooler.
    • Bore and Stroke: 83mm x 69mm (3.27" x 2.72")
    • Power: 53 bhp @ 4200 rpm
    • Torque: 78 ft. lb. @ 2,600rpm
    • Compression Ratio: 7.5:1
  • Ignition and Electrical:

    • 12 volt
    • Coil and alternator
  • Exhaust:

    • Single tail-pipe
  • Suspension:

    • Front: Independent type with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers
    • Rear: Independent type with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers, torsion bar with equaliser spring
  • Steering:

    • Ball and nut type
  • Brakes:

    • Hydraulic duo-servo
    • Front: Fadeless Disc
    • Rear: Drum, leading and trailing shoes
    • Parking brake mechanically operated on rear wheels



    Some time ago, the Volkswagen people went to see one of Italy's most famous automobile designers. They gave him this assignment, what changes would you recommend in the design of the Volkswagen.

    He studied it, and studied it.

    Then he said, "Make the rear window larger".

    That's all? Thats all. We did, starting with the '58.

    A Volkswagen is never changed to make it look different, only to make it work better.

    Also see:
    Volkswagen Beetle Review
    Volkswagen Beetle Production Numbers
    Volkswagen Heritage

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