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The Beetle (or Type 1) chassis proved to be too weak to withstand the rigors of truck-use, and so a stiffer (and lighter) unitized body/chassis was developed. Prototype 2 for a “truck” version of the Volkswagen was developed in the post-war production years at the Wolfsburg Factory. VW TYPE 2 (aka T2, TII): Transporter Bus, Van, Vanagon Beetles (Type 11), SuperBeetles (Type 15), Ghias (Type 14), Hebmullers (Type 14A), and Things (formally designated as Kurierwagens – Type 18) were all based on the original Type 1 prototype. Production models that resulted from modification and changes to the original concept of Protoype 1 were also classed as “Type 1” vehicles, and model/version numbers were added to their type designations to distinguish them.

It was based on Porsche’s original “protoype 1”, and so was designated as a “Type 1” vehicle. The first production model of the civilican Volkswagen “sedan” was built in 1945, after the end of WWII. Production VW Type Designations were as follows: VW TYPE 1 (aka T1, TI): Beetle, SuperBeetle, Ghia, Hebmuller, Thing

the Type 82 – the Kublewagen (the forerunner of the Thing).

the Type 82E – 2 wheel drive version of the Kommandeurswagen (used as a staff car by the German army).

the Type 87 – Kommandeurswagen (4 wheel drive).

the Type 166 – the Schwimmwagen (an amphibious 4 wheel drive vehicle).

the Type VW38 (approx 60 prototypes built by Reutter & Company in 1938 for road testing purposes).

the Type VW-3 (3 prototypes were built by Dalmer-Benz – 2 were wooden frame, the third built was the first all metal version of the VW).

When the idea of “the people’s car” was born, Porsche (the creator of Volkswagens, in case you didn’t know) used numbers to describe and differentiate his vehicle prototypes and production models. Early Volkswagen prototype and wartime production models included: The three different VW Type Designations are: Vehicle Model Type, VW Transporter Model Type (unofficial), and VW Engine Design Type (roughly approximates vehicle model type, but differs enough to contribute to confusion). The reason for all the confusion is that there are three different “Type” designations in use, and they have crossover in terminology. A general understanding the VW Type System will both assist you in communicating with your fellow Aircooled VW enthusiasts, and in deciphering many of the numbers (including part numbers) associated with classic Volkswagens. (After reading this, be sure to read our article on the VW Part Numbering System and also on Chassis Numbers). Start hanging around the VW scene and you will shortly be confused by all the references to “Type this” and “Type that”. In written form, you will become even more boggled by a variety of VW Type System abbreviations including terms like “T4”, “Type 4”, or “TIV”.