Volkswagen
Type 147 "Fridolin"

Why it matters

The Type 147 "Fridolin" was a small van developed mainly for the German Federal Post Office. It is a mixed-construction vehicle assembled from parts of several Volkswagen models.

How rare is it?

Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.

Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.

Production

Every figure says what it counts.

Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.

History

The Fridolin was officially unveiled on 9 March 1965, and the first vehicles went to the Federal Post Office at the same time to deliver parcels and empty letterboxes. Two sliding doors on the sides made the postmen's work easier. It was built at the Westfalia plants in Rheda-Wiedenbrueck, and 7,340 units were produced between 1964 and 1974.

Technical specifications

Engine

Transmission & drivetrain

Chassis, body & dimensions

Performance

“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.

Identification guide

How to tell an original from a replica or later conversion.

Parts come from several models: engine, axles and transmission from the Type 1 Beetle, floor assembly from the Karmann Ghia Type 14 (low entry height), headlights from the Type 3 saloon and rear body panels from the Type 2 Transporter. Two sliding doors are fitted on the sides.

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   Type 147 "Fridolin" (1964-1974) Level A Volkswagen Newsroom

   • Between 1964 and 1974, 7,340 units
   • engine, axles, and transmission come from the Type 1
   • floor assembly is based on the VW Karmann Ghia Type 14

   Accessed 2026-11-12
2. 2
   Type 147 "Fridolin" (1964–1974) | Volkswagen Newsroom Level A

   • 7340 units of Type 147 produced 1964–1974

   Accessed 2026-11-12