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53-464: Topped with a highly detailed plastic replica of a Volkswagen Baja Bug , the Sand Scorcher shared many parts with an earlier car, the "Rough Rider". Released a little over a month apart, both cars were constructed from components that were mostly metal, rather than plastic. Though heavy, this meant the Sand Scorcher was extremely rugged. Adding to the model's detail was its suspension system which

106-563: A backbone chassis integrated into the car's floorpan ), as well as torsion bar front and rear suspension. Despite using the Beetle's 2.40 m (94 in) wheelbase, the Type 3 was conceived as a larger car, offering a larger engine and increased cargo and passenger volume—the latter from its increased length and width as well as from its slab-sided, Ponton styling, maximizing the platform's footprint. The Type 3 emulated major features of

159-452: A facelift in 1970, with a revised front end, its nose extended by 115 mm (4.5 in) adding 1.5 cu ft (42 L) to the luggage capacity. At the same time Type 3s received revised square-section bumpers (with integral rubber strips in some markets), as well as larger tail lamps and front indicators. Volkswagen offered the Type 3 in a lower trim level in Europe, marketed as

212-427: A semi automatic 3 speed transmission was introduced installed together with the dual carb engine; this automatic transmission was offered together with the fuel injected engine starting with the 1969 model year. A notable advance from the Type 1 to the Type 3 was the front suspension. Although similar to the Type 1, it was the first Volkswagen front suspension to incorporate transverse round torsion bars, as opposed to

265-402: A 1.5 L (1493 cc) engine based on the air-cooled 1192 cc flat-4 found in the Type 1, but given a 69 mm stroke it became the basis for the 1300 cc, 1500 cc and 1600 cc engines that followed in the later Beetle (Type 1) and Volkswagen Type 2 T1 and T2. While the long block remained the same as the Type 1, the engine cooling was redesigned by putting the fan on

318-542: A 30th Anniversary edition of the Sand Scorcher in March 2010, with only slight modifications to the original design including some die-cast parts and an ESC in place of the mechanical speed controller. The Tamiya Sand Scorcher appears in the 1986 Australian film " Malcolm ", an award-winning comedy about a socially awkward young man living in Melbourne who becomes involved in a series of robberies, and who also happens to have

371-413: A U (or X for '72-3 California cars.) The Type 3 used a similar transmission to the Beetle but with higher ratios (4.125 R&P v 4.375 R&P) and longer axles. Unlike the Beetle (Type 1), the Type 3 engine and transmission unit was mounted into a subframe (which contained the complete rear suspension), which was then rubber-mounted to the floorpan and body, thereby isolating vibration and road noise from

424-418: A black cardboard front trunk liner over the gas tank without a liner on the sides of the trunk or over the firewall, and plain vinyl door panels without door pockets and rubber mats in lieu of interior carpet. While the Type 3 was a more modern design, it never reached the same level of popularity as the Beetle. As Volkswagen started to produce front-wheel-drive water-cooled designs, production ended in 1973 at

477-416: A front and rear bumper, is fitted to the body and floor pan for protection of engine and occupants. Shortened fiberglass fenders both front and rear meant removal of the Beetle's distinctive running boards and the likely addition of more tubular steel parts (side bars) in their place. The rugged torsion bar front and rear suspension standard on the Beetle, allows it to withstand the rigors of offroading and

530-479: A fully automatic transmission. Factory installed gasoline powered heaters were a factory installed option available in some markets. Air conditioning and radios were never factory installed but were often available as dealer installed options. Volkswagen of America began marketing the Type 3 Squarebacks and Fastbacks for the 1966 model year, but they never imported the Notchback or Type 34 Karmann Ghia. The Type 3

583-419: A keen interest in hobbies. In one scene in the film, Malcolm uses his Sand Scorcher to fetch bottles of milk from a nearby convenience store, without leaving the comfort of his home. In another scene he attaches a trailer, camera and a gun to the car, and by remotely controlling the car via the camera, uses it to hold up two security guards at a bank and steal a bag full of money. Baja Bug A Baja Bug

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636-594: A longer engine cowl and longer rear fenders that original VW Bug rear lights could be mounted to. It was this 1971 kit that inspired the Tamiya Sand Scorcher radio controlled Baja Bug. The 1971 update was also due to updated regulations in California regarding engine coverage. In many US states and other countries, the headlight spacing of the Bugeye kits was illegal - the headlights were close together in

689-598: A two-door and later as a four-door version. As in Germany, the original Karmann Ghia was replaced with the Type 3-based Karmann Ghia TC (Touring Coupé), but with a distinct look from the German Karmann Ghia Type 34. Neither enjoyed as much success as its estate-bodied sibling, the Variant. The 3-door Variant was produced from 1969 to 1977, followed by an updated successor with squarer body (similar to

742-637: Is Old Fusca , used for dirt racing in Paraná , Brazil. They are equipped with the AP engine from the early Volkswagen Golf generations, and can be feeded by carburetor or electronic injection . Baja Bugs originated in Southern California in the late 1960s as an inexpensive answer to the successful Volkswagen-based dune buggies of the mid-1960s, especially the Meyers Manx . The building of

795-469: Is a stock VW beetle with modifications limited to ground clearance and strength. Class 5 1600 rules state that a 1600 cc VW engine must be used and the car must have the exterior appearance of a "baja bug" with body modification limited to whatever cutting is needed to install a consumer baja kit. Class 5 unlimited is any 4 cylinder VW-style engine , and it must have Baja-style fenders and side panels, and VW-style suspension . . Another version of Baja Bug

848-499: Is an original Volkswagen Beetle modified as an all-terrain vehicle to operate off-road (open desert, sand dunes and beaches), although other versions of air-cooled Volkswagens are sometimes modified as well. Baja bugs often race in off-road desert races such as the Baja 1000 . There are different classes for bugs, namely class 11, class 5 1600, and class 5 unlimited. According to desert racing association Score International , class 11

901-516: The 1600A . In the US, and for 1973 only, Volkswagen of America offered two trim levels of the Type 3 Fastback in the US, marketed as the Type 3 Sedan and Type 3 Basic Compact . The Basic Compact trim level featured reduced content, including limited color and upholstery availability; deletion of exterior belt line chrome trim, clock, and electric-heated rear window defogger—and using painted vent widow frames,

954-656: The Brasilia ), the Variant II, which was produced from 1977 to 1981. Brazilian Type 3s used the front suspension from the Type 1 with its laminated half-width torsion bars in top and bottom tubes and solidly mounted to the floorpan, unlike the German Type 3's rubber mounted unit with full-width crossed round bars in the lower tube and anti-roll bar in the top one. The only exception among the Brazilian Type 3s

1007-533: The Fastback was introduced, fully imported from Germany. Panel van versions (based on the 1500 'N') feature a marine ply wood loading area with zinc plated steel protector strips, one sun visor (for the driver), a clock delete panel, and no fixed side windows. All Australian-assembled panel vans were fitted with a metal ID tag behind the spare wheel with a prefix of PV, followed by the number, stamped by hand. There are approximately 10 known surviving panel vans from

1060-614: The Squareback in the US) followed, with the first cars produced in February 1962. Twelve prototype convertibles based on the 1500 Notchback were also built, but never entered production. The Fastback , or TL version, a fastback coupé , arrived in August 1965, along with the 1600 engine. Volkswagen's intention was that this model should replace the Notchback, which is what happened in

1113-451: The Type 1 Beetle, using a low-profile version of Volkswagen's rear-engined, 4-cylinder air-cooled engine, as well as body-on-chassis construction (the body bolts to a frame that includes the floor pan), retaining the same wheelbase – but using more contemporary and slab-sided Ponton styling, in contrast to the Type 1's articulated fenders and running boards. VW finalized the design by 1959 with prototypes ready for testing by 1960. Secrecy

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1166-582: The Volkswagen 1600 , in two-door notchback , fastback , and station wagon body styles, the latter marketed as the 'Squareback' in the United States . The Type 3 diversified Volkswagen's product range beyond the existing models—the Type 1 Beetles , Type 14 Karmann Ghia , Type 2 vans and pickups —while retaining Volkswagen's hallmark engineering features: the air-cooled rear-engine, rear-wheel drive train , body-on- chassis construction (with

1219-567: The Wolfsburg plant. The Wolfsburg production facilities were then retooled to build the Golf , known as the Rabbit in the US., which eventually replaced the Type 1 as Volkswagen's best-selling sedan. Production of the Type 3 moved to VW's new Emden plant, which was retooled later in 1973 to build the first-generation Passat (also marketed as the "Dasher"). The Type 3 was initially equipped with

1272-590: The 1600 cc Type 3 became the world's first volume production car to feature electronic fuel injection  – designed by Bosch . The Bosch D-Jetronic system was offered on the Volkswagen 1600 TE & LE version (E designating " Einspritzung " or "injection" in German). A similar Bosch D-Jetronic injection system was used in the later VW Type 4 , and some models of the VW-Porsche 914/4. In mid-1968

1325-581: The American market. It featured a very young Dustin Hoffman who shows the fastback model and explains its technical features but is unable to locate the engine. The ad closed with the copy, "Come into your Volkswagen dealer. They'll show you where the motor is." The original Type 3 with 5-bolt wheels (5 × 205 mm PCD) used twin leading shoe drum brakes at the front. In August '65 (the '66 model year) these were replaced by front disc brakes, coinciding with

1378-605: The Mexican 1000 of 1968 in Baja California . The first fiberglass Baja kit (bug eye kit) was not introduced until 1969 by the Miller-Havens company. The original "Bugeye" kit by Miller-Havens Enterprises was widely copied - Drino Miller estimated that at least 8 of the original 10 kits sold were “Splashed” (used to make copy moulds). Miller-Havens modified the rear panels of the original Bugeye kit in mid 1971 to add

1431-462: The Type 1 Beetle engine. Corvair engine transplants were a common way of achieving a large power hike. Basic modifications are simple. A lightweight, shortened fiberglass front body panel is fitted after the sheet metal from the trunk lid edge forward and rear engine deck lid and everything rearward (rear apron and engine compartment) is removed. The rear treatment leaves the engine totally exposed to aid in cooling. A tubular steel cage, along with

1484-499: The Type 1's torsion leaves. The Type 3's torsion bars are cross-mounted in the lower tube, so that each individual torsion bar spans the full width of the car, the upper tube containing an anti-roll bar that connects the upper trailing links to each other. The complete front suspension unit is rubber-mounted to the car's floorpan. In 1969 the rear suspension was upgraded to double jointed CV joint semi trailing arm suspension (sometimes called "IRS" by VW enthusiasts to differentiate it from

1537-570: The UK market. However, in other markets, including the German domestic market, the number of customers preferring the older Notchback shaped car was higher than foreseen, and in the end both Notchback and Fastback remained in production until July 1973. Type 3s were made in a variety of trim levels with different features for different markets. Top end models featured more chrome, more brite trim, and full carpeting, and, starting in mid-1968, were available with

1590-414: The early days before fiberglass body panels became available, enthusiast and racers simply made their own modification to both the body and mechanicals of a stock VW to develop a machine suited to harsh, off-road environments. The metal fenders and front and rear aprons of the car would be partially cut away to allow more for ground clearance and suspension travel. This came to be known as a "Cut Baja" but at

1643-599: The end of the crankshaft instead of on the generator. This reduced the height of the engine profile, allowing greater cargo volume and earning its nicknames: the pancake or suitcase engine. 1600 cc (1584 cc) engine options became available starting in the 1966 model year, but the 1500 cc options remained available thru the end of Type 3 production. Both displacements were available in low compression and high compression versions, so there were low and high compression single carb engines, and low and high compression dual carb engines. The D-Jetronic fuel injection engine

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1696-596: The estimated original production run of 500 and a further 10 to 15 from German manufacture. Following the cessation of all local manufacturing by Volkswagen Australasia in 1968, the Type 3 was assembled from CKD kits by Motor Producers Limited at the same Clayton facility through to 1973. In 1961, Volkswagen introduced the VW 1500 Karmann Ghia, or Type 34, based on its new Type 3 platform, featuring Volkswagen's new flat 1500 cc engine design, and styling by Italian engineer Sergio Sartorelli at Carrozzeria Ghia . Until it

1749-627: The first Baja Bug is generally credited to Gary Emory (now of Parts Obsolete), circa 1968. Gary and his hot rodder father, Neil Emory, built the car in the bodyshop at the Chick Iverson Volkswagen dealership in Newport Beach, California; Gary worked in the parts department there after leaving school and Neil was working in the bodyshop. The first Baja Bug in racing is credited to Dave Deal, the Californian cartoonist, in

1802-503: The front apron (see picture below); while, the Wide Eye has the headlights on the front fenders in more or less the stock location. Volkswagen Type 3 The Volkswagen Type 3 is a compact car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen from 1961 to 1973. Introduced at the 1961 Frankfurt International Motor Show, the IAA , the Type 3 was marketed as the Volkswagen 1500 and later as

1855-535: The front panel, similar to early Land Rovers. In mid-1972, Don Rountree of the Sandwinder Company/R&;H Fiberglass launched the first wide-eye Baja bug kit (Designed by Barry "Burly" Burlile) - the headlights of the Sandwinder kit were mounted in the front fenders and the rear panels were much longer. The Sandwinder one-piece flip front was then used on the majority of Baja racers cars. In

1908-402: The increase in suspension travel, provide more damping control over bumps giving more driver control and comfort. Some people eliminate the torsion bar suspension and install coilover-type springs that mount to a roll cage, allowing extreme amounts of travel with a very comfortable ride. There are two basic styles, The Narrow and Wide Eye Baja Bug. The Narrow Eye (Bugeye) places the headlights on

1961-552: The introduction of the Fastback and 1600 engine (Australian-built models retained drum front brakes until August 1967). These have 4-bolt wheels (4 × 130 mm PCD) with 8 cooling slots. Rear brakes were always leading / trailing shoe drums. German production: Brazilian production: The Type 3 was manufactured at Clayton in Victoria, Australia , from 1963 in sedan , station wagon and sedan delivery body styles. In 1965,

2014-727: The models was the Dodge 1500 (also the Dodge 1800) which the newly taken-over company re-badged as Volkswagen 1500 for the Argentinian market. The estate was known as the Volkswagen 1500 Rural . Both variants continued to be sold until 1988. The car, which was based on the Hillman Avenger , had also been sold in Brazil, where it was known as the Dodge Polara . This version ceased in 1981, shortly after Volkswagen's purchase of

2067-552: The passenger space. The original Volkswagen 1500 used a single side-draught 32 mm Solex PHN carburetor. In August 1963 VW introduced twin-carburetor versions, these were, respectively the Volkswagen 1500 'N' (Normal), rated at 45  PS (33  kW ; 44  hp ), and the 1500 'S' (Super), 54 PS (40 kW; 53 hp) which had high-compression (8.5:1) domed 83 mm pistons and twin downdraught 32 mm Solex PDSIT carburetors for more power. 1600 cc Type 3 engine options were added in 1966 (August '65) and in 1968

2120-418: The previous IRS swing-axle type.) The Type 3 offered both front and rear enclosed luggage areas, with cargo accessible via both the boot (trunk) and the bonnet (hood). In each of the 4 body styles (Notchback, Squareback, Fastback, and Ghia) the engine is located under and accessed by a panel on the floor of the rear trunk. This engine placement was highlighted in a period Volkswagen television commercial for

2173-437: The rear ride height to easily be raised slightly and stiffened to make clearance for larger heavy-duty off-road tires and wheels. The relatively light front end of the Beetle allows some compensation for the lack of four wheel drive. The taller sidewall tires provide more flexible ride comfort and rocky road ground clearance. The Beetle suspension "stops" can be moved to allow more suspension travel. Longer shock absorbers , for

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2226-556: The time these cars were referred to as “Choppers” in magazines. As much as California gained the reputation for inventing the Baja Bug, Choppers/Cut Bajas were also widespread in Michigan from the early 1960s; they were called "Muckers" in Michigan - Reference Petersen Complete Volkswagen Book No. 2 (1971). More power was attained by fitting dual port heads and modifying fuel injection systems from Volkswagen Type 3 engines to work on

2279-584: Was also used in two other Tamiya models, namely the Monster Beetle and the Blitzer Beetle , making it Tamiya's longest-running R/C body shell design. However the original Sand Scorcher edition of the body can be identified by the wider fenders, the separate door handles and the words "1/10 RC VW BUGGY" moulded into the inside of the roof. Later versions lack this detail, making the original version highly sought after by collectors. Tamiya released

2332-446: Was closely patterned after that of a full-scale Volkswagen. All on board electronics were protected by a water-resistant clear plastic case, meaning the car could be driven through water without damage. Of interest to both R/C and VW enthusiasts, mint-in-box examples of the Sand Scorcher command prices from US$ 2900 to US$ 5100 as certain original parts for this model are nearly impossible to find in brand new condition. The basic body shell

2385-625: Was competing in the market with the Chevrolet Corvair that had been previously introduced in the United States in 1960, which incorporated a 6-cylinder rear-mounted air-cooled engine in notchback and station wagon body style, as well as a compact van and pickup derived from the platform . It also competed in the US with the Renault 8 which also offered a rear engine and rear drive sedan. A unique feature of all four Type 3 models

2438-534: Was heavily based on Volkswagen's EA 97 prototype of 1960 with some restyling penned by Márcio Piancastelli and four doors. It met with little success, nicknamed Zé do Caixão (meaning "Coffin Joe", after a popular Brazilian horror movie maker ) for its boxy shape. It was discontinued in 1970. The fastback version, the Volkswagen TL, fared somewhat better, remaining in production from 1970 to 1976, originally as

2491-531: Was only available in conjunction with the dual carb 1600 cc Type 3 engine. For 1969, the CV-jointed rear axle became standard with both automatic and manual transmissions, and the automatic transmission was also offered combined with the D-Jetronic 1600 cc fuel injection engine. The swing axle rear suspension remained available for some markets that had poorer quality roads. Type 3 models received

2544-431: Was only made in the high compression configuration. Starting with the 1966 model year, Type 3 engine numbers came with a letter prefix that indicated the engine type. For 1500 cc (all single carb) engines the low compression prefix was M while the high compression prefix was K. For the 1600 cc (all dual carb) engines, the low compression prefix was P and the high compression prefix was T. Fuel injected engines have

2597-521: Was replaced by the VW- Porsche 914 , it was the most expensive, and most luxurious passenger car VW manufactured in the 1960s. 42,505 (plus 17 prototype convertibles) were manufactured from 1962–1969. Although the Type 34 was available in most countries, it was not offered officially in the U.S., VW's largest and most important export market. The three-box Type 3 was launched in Brazil in 1968, it

2650-439: Was standard equipment for all Type 3s sold in the US for model years 1968 thru 1973, but single and dual carb engines remained as available options for many markets around the world until the end of Type 3 production. In mid-1968, a three-speed fully automatic transaxle became available. With the automatic came a CV-jointed independent rear suspension (IRS), replacing the swing axle (also IRS) set-up. This 1968 mid-year introduction

2703-696: Was such that even at the 1960 Geneva Auto Show, VW denied they were readying a new design. In 1961 VW announced the new line as the "VW 1500". Production began in August 1961, a month before launch, of the Volkswagen 1500 Notchback, encompassing three-box styling in a Notchback saloon body. Production of the Karmann Ghia 1500 (also known as the Type 34 Karmann Ghia ) with a coupé body commenced in November 1961 and deliveries started in January 1962. The station wagon/estate -bodied Variant (marketed as

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2756-610: Was that configuration of the flat 4 engine gave the cars both front and rear luggage volumes; a fact highlighted in VW's advertising. For the 1968 model year, the Type 3 1600E ( Einspritzung ) models were the first mass produced automobiles with electronic fuel injection available as optional equipment. This was the introduction of the Bosch D-Jetronic ) fuel injection, which was available only in VW Type 3s for its first two years. The 1600 cc D-Jetronic fuel injection engine

2809-471: Was the Variant II, which was equipped with a front MacPherson strut . A "Volkswagen 1500" unrelated to the Type 3 model 1500 was sold during the 1980s in Argentina based upon the Dodge 1500 manufactured in that country. In 1980, Volkswagen bought the Argentinian company Chrysler Fevre Argentina SAIC , inheriting some Dodge / Chrysler models and renaming the company Volkswagen Argentina SA . One of

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