Brim's Vintage VW Restorations

1931: There was a versatile, brilliant engineer by the name of Ferdinand Porsche who had an idea and the dream to build a People's Car. ************ 1934: There was a Government, the National Socialist Party, who wanted to produce a vehicle for 1000.00 Marks so everybody could own one, be mobile and utilise the newly built Autobahn or Freeways. ************ On 17 January 1934, Dr Porsche submitted plans for a People's Car to the Government Ministry of Transport which were shortly afterwards approved, and the project commenced. Now 30 prototypes were built by Mercedes Benz, and a batch of a further 30 vehicles followed. They were test-driven day and night, and all performed extremely well. ************ A state-owned company, "Volkswagen Development Corporation", took control and in 1938 the vehicle was called KDF Wagen (Power through Joy). Prototypes were exhibited in 1938 at the Berlin Motor Show. On 26 May 1938 foundation stones of the factory at Wolfsburg were laid, and production started in late 1939 with a 995cc engine. ************ 1940 - 1945 During the war years, 70'000 cross‑country and amphibious vehicles, also designed by Dr. Porsche Design Studio, were produced and proved very reliable in Russia and North Africa.? The factory was badly damaged during the war, but in 1946 the workers were able to assemble 10000 beetles for Government Authorities. ************ Private sales commenced in 1948, with exports starting to Holland, Denmark, Luxemburg, Sweden, Belgium and Switzerland. The Beetle had a 25HP I I 00cc engine 4 speed manual transmission, cable brakes all-round, a small instrument panel, 2 front seats, 1 rear bench seat, a fuel cock underneath the tank with 5 Lt reserve and body colour of grey, black or dark green. ************ 1949 - An Export model was launched, The first luxury version of the Beetle. A VW convertible with bodywork by Karmann introduced to market. New milestone: 50000 Beetles produced since start ************ 1950: Another milestone - The I00000th Beetle runs off the production line. Engine receives major improvements. Hydraulic brake system for export models. Opening sunroof model introduced. ************ 1951: New milestone, The 250'000th. Beetle! ************ 1952: Introduction of synchromesh transmission 2nd, 3rd, 4th gear export model. ************

1953: New milestone - the 500000th Beetle ************ 1954: Upgraded engine to 34hp. ************ 1955: Beetles were now also assembled from factory supplied CKD packs in Brazil, Ireland, South Africa, and Australia. New milestone: The I millionth Beetle produced. Expansion continued into most countries around the world. Production facilities were set up in Brazil, Mexico, South Africa and later in Australia in Clayton, Victoria. ************ 1960/61: The Beetle's success so far is actually based on 2 marketing concepts: Beetle owners became enthusiastic salesmen for the VW company because the Beetle showed ruggedness, reliability and value for money. An enthusiastic and well trained Dealer Service Network committed to offering first class vehicle maintenance and repairs at fixed prices. VW service policy was the benchmark for the industry in those years. ************ 1966: Introduction of 40 hp 1300cc engine. ************ 1967: Upgraded electrical system to 12 Volts. 1500cc engine was introduced and moderate body style changes. ************ 1968: Introduction of Stickshift model with 1500cc engine and velocity rear axle. ************ 1970: Upgraded 1600cc engine with built-in extra durability. ************ 1971: Introduction of Superbug with long nose and McPherson front struts. ************ 1972: New milestone: The 15 millionth Beetle was produced, and a Commemorative Beetle with Plaque was sold in limited numbers. ************