Roshake found this VW 411 in Budapest; it’s the first one found and posted at CC since 2016. Jeez; are they getting a bit rare, or? No love for VW’s near-deadly sin?
It was pretty roomy and comfortable, and rode nicely, but it was lethargic and had a thirst for fuel at the same time. That was deadly combination for Europeans, and its high price and modest attractions made it DOA in the US.
But I do have a bit of a soft spot for the Variant wagon, for one reason or another. It reminds me of a slightly smaller Corvair. It just needs a six cylinder engine out back, like one from a 911.
Of course it’s been done.
Related CC reading:
Curbside Classic: 1971 Volkswagen 411 – Searching For Its Niche
Vintage R&T Review: 1971 Volkswagen 411 (Type 4) – Old Habits Die Hard
Curbside Classic: 1974 VW 412 – VW’s Deadly Sin #1
Curbside Outtake: VW 412 Variant – A Rare and Deadly but Intriguing Night Visitor
Indeed. This is one of those cars that I never realized were all gone until one day, and then they were.
I do see a nicely-preserved 412 around my town every so often when the weather is nice, but really, that’s it.
Jeff, that’s a Type 3 “Squareback” or 1600. They were sold here for almost a decade and were very common. And there’s a fair number still around. They have an enthusiastic following.
Ah, whoops. Although I totally never see these around either!
Not much hope in the looks department, for the 411 Fastback. It made the Chevrolet Citation appear alluring. And the Olds/Buick Aerobacks, seem sophisticated. As I thought the five door Citation, looked like an insect.
Hopelessly ugly cars, with their short tails, and long snout. Combined with the non-hatchback fastback.
How about a Subaru boxer ? Plenty of room for a “bottom breather” radiator up front. My brother in law found this one in Sunnyvale, CA last year, apparently in drivable condition.
Lots of room for a Passat B3 “bottom breather” grille/radiator.
Weren’t the 411/412 engines the ones used in Porsche’s 914, more or less? I always kind of liked those big aircooled VWs, so rare now.
Yup, and also used in second and third generation VW buses. Ceck out the last two of Paul’s links to this posting