Table of Contents

Substantive unseen material on the early Beetle years. Links the Volkswagen Beetle with Ferdinand Porsche and explains why the Porsche 356 and 911 had rear-mounted flat engines - until recently, air-cooled. Chronicles the V1 and V2 prototypes; three V3 cars; W30 Series; V303, VW38/VW39 cars; military versions; and Type 60K10 (Type 64). Previously unpublished pictures of the rear of the first prototype V1, first RHD Beetle, first supercharged Beetle and first hydraulic brake system. Rare Kubelwagen and Schwimmwagen shots, plus the Type 64 VW-Sports. Privileged access to early archives, including designs and minutes of meetings.

About the Author

Chris Barber writes for Volksworld and Volkswagen Driver magazines. A German speaker, he has been able to access original documents, understand anecdotes and study the politics of the day at Stuttgart, Berlin and Wolfsburg. He lives at Ulm, in Germany, has driven air-cooled VWs for 40 years and still owns a Beetle for everyday use.