When Volkswagen introduced the new 1500 (Type 3), a roofless version was also shown. The new Volkswagen 1500 Cabriolet was presented in brochures but never put into series production.
Better space and bigger engine
As a manufacturer, the factory had a very good name, and most car buyers considered Volkswagen a good buy. A well-developed sales and service network made it easy to be a Volkswagen owner in the 1950s and 1960s. The model selection was concentrated around "Bobla" and the Transporter. The sports cars produced in collaboration with Karmann added a touch of luxury to the brand.
But in Europe prosperity increased, and many car buyers both wanted and could afford a more exclusive family car than the usual "Bobla". After all, it had been on sale since right after the war and was, in terms of the market, an "older" model. Many car buyers also wanted more space and a bigger engine in their new family car than what they got in the "Bobla".
Both with a fixed roof and as a convertible
These were car buyers that Volkswagen did not want to send to its competitors, so a new family car (Type 3) was introduced in 1961 as the Volkswagen 1500. Since the factory already produced sports cars, several new models based on the 1500 were planned. An exciting convertible with a roof that could be completely folded down, was presented at the motor show in 1961. Here, the side windows could also be rolled down, and this gave the car a sporty and elegant appearance. In short, a car many would like to have.
Was featured in brochures
Volkswagen described the new model as follows in a Norwegian brochure:
A sporty and elegant car - whose style and luxury are combined with the same quality, economy and reliability that you find in a VW 1500 Limousine. The canopy can be easily and simply folded - and hidden under a cover in the color of the wagon. The side windows can be cranked all the way down.
With a closed roof, you have an airtight cover, resistant to any influence of the weather. The wide panoramic rear window is made of safety glass and represents a novelty for series-built Cabriolets.
Open or closed: you will enjoy driving a quality product - with elegant lines and excellent driving characteristics.
The car never went into series production. Several different prototypes were built. But the factory eventually found that this car would be too expensive to produce. There are now 2 pcs. back to the museum of the sample series (16 pieces) that were produced.
Data Volkswagen 1500 Cab.
Engine: 1493 ccm – 53 hp. SAE
Top speed: 125 km/h
Acceleration: 0-100 – 28 sec
Length: 423 cm
Width: 161 cm
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