1966 VOLKSWAGEN TYPE 3 SQUAREBACK

This 1966 Volkswagen Type 3 Squareback is a smart example of a lesser-seen classic estate, presented with a crisp Lotus White finish and in excellent condition throughout. It is equipped with a 1.6-litre air-cooled flat-four, coupled with a ‘Freeway Flyer’ manual transmission. The odometer currently indicates 53,473 miles.

First registered in October 1966, this Squareback has been in the hands of its current owner for one year. It was first registered in the UK in August 2011, and there have been two previous keepers since then.

Also available in Notchback and Fastback form, the purpose of the Type 3 was to offer more passenger and luggage space than the Beetle, while holding onto its air-cooled engine, rear-wheel drive setup and all-round torsion bar suspension. The example features twisted axle splines for a more purposeful stance, an aftermarket front brake disc conversion and a ‘Freeway Flyer’ swing-axle transmission for smoother cruising, while its 1.6-litre engine has been detailed and the cabin is now fitted with air conditioning and a three-spoke wooden-edged steering wheel.

The bodywork is in good shape, though the vendor notes one small dent can be seen on the front bumper. It underwent a restoration in 2015, where the car was stripped to its bare metal and floor pan, before being media-blasted and resprayed in Lotus White. The condition of the finish is now described as excellent, presenting with just a few age-related stone chips. The car’s chrome body trims, window glass and headlight lenses are all in good order, while the vehicle rides on a set of 15-inch wheels, which show just a few light blemishes.

Inside, the cabin has been re-trimmed with Teak Brown ‘Fat Biscuit’ vinyl upholstery, which is in good order. The door cards are in excellent shape, while the original headliner has been replaced with an off-white alternative. The aftermarket air-conditioning and ‘Freeway Flyer’ transmission complement the cabin very well, and all of the electrics are believed to work as they should.

The last routine maintenance was undertaken in October 2020, where technicians at Type 2 Detectives in Cambridge carried out a full service, health check and rolling road tune.

The most recent MOT test was on 1 October 2020 at 53,401 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects. The Bridgestone tyres are reported to be nearly new, and are in excellent condition.

Accompanying the vehicle are a vintage VW certificate and corresponding letter, along with a Type 2 Detectives service record, and a spare wheel. The original steering wheel will also be supplied.

This Volkswagen Type 3 Squareback is an increasingly rare classic, which has benefited from an expert restoration and a number of tasteful upgrades. With an enhanced driving experience and quirky ‘60s styling, this Type 3 would make a fun daily runner for its next owner.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.