Volkswagen
Type 3 Cabriolet prototypes

Why it matters

The four-seater Type 3 convertible was almost ready for series production in 1961 but was withdrawn at the last minute, so the Type 3 range never included an open car.

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

Volkswagen presented the Type 3 at the IAA in Frankfurt in August 1961 as a second series alongside the Beetle. According to the factory page, a four-seater convertible existed alongside the saloon but was withdrawn just before launch.

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.

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   Volkswagen Newsroom – Karmann Typ 3 Cabriolet (1961) Level A

   • 16 Type 3 cabriolets built mostly by hand by Karmann ("16 Fahrzeuge hatte Karmann vorwiegend in Handarbeit gefertigt"); two survive

   Accessed 2026-11-12
2. 2
   Type 3 1500/1600 (1961-1973) Level A Volkswagen Newsroom

   • the wheelbase is again 240 centimetres

   Accessed 2026-11-12