1973 VW Type 3 Squareback: The other best selling Volkswagen! - RETRO DRIVE REVIEW

MotoMan drives the most practical car yet of the RETRO DRIVE REVIEW series, a 1973 Volkswagen Type 3 Variant, a/k/a, the VW Squareback!. Yes, it’s slow yet he learns there was a lot of tech that went into the VW Type 3 series from 1961 – 1973, making them reliable back in the day which has an impact in our new game, #OptionsGameSenior


#VW #Squareback #VWType3 #VWSquareback #RETRODRIVEREVIEW


Follow us at our socials to get *behind the scenes* video clips, pics and more:



MotoMan. Storyteller of Transport, Travel & Inspired People


Check out our long form interview show, INSIDE THE MOTOMAN STUDIO, where we talk to the key people shaping the car world!

Available NOW on all our streaming platforms as well as a PODCAST!


Subscribe. Rate. Review at:



Download our MotoManTV App!

[clickynote]

The lack of views on this video is depressing. Excellent video.

[rainwaterstudio]

My husband and I owned a 71 square back for our first car after marrying in 1975. We bought it used and drove it until 1995. We’re in Texas and our car had the factory air conditioner. Our vw mechanic tried to get us to disconnect the ac every time we brought it in. He said it was too hard on the engine. Our square back was the same color as the one in the video Clementine Orange. I still miss her. Thanks for the video. I loved that car.

[jadney]

Thanks for the coverage of my favorite VW, the VW Type 3. However, I'd like to make a few additions/corrections:

The VW Type 3s were the first cars to offer ELECTRONIC fuel injection as a mass produced factory option. FI was introduced as an option for the '68 Type 3s, in the fall of 1967. This was Bosch D-jetronic FI, which was taken up by other makers starting in 1970. D-jet FI lasted into 1976, but was replaced by K-jet and then L-jetronic FI, the latest versions of which are now current. Given how FI has almost completely replaced carbs, the VW Type 3s were the beta test cars, and the grandfathers of the fuel systems on almost everything on the road today.

From '61 thru '73, VW built Type 3s with single carbs and dual carbs, adding the FI option in '68, although only the FI versions were imported into the US from '68-on.

The first year for the late body style (large square bumpers, long nose, large taillights) was 1970. The wipers switched sides and the dash was redesigned for the 1971 model year.

Air conditioning was never a factory option; it was always dealer installed, which entailed butchering the body and compromising the engine cooling tin. I understand that our warming climate makes it seem like AC is essential, but it never was, back in those days.

The steel sunroof is a highly desirable factory option these days. There weren't that many of them sold.

Lots of Type 3s still around today have the factory 3-speed automatic transmission. While most of us would rather have the manual 4-speed, the ATs have been extremely reliable, and the top speeds are about the same.

There were FOUR VW Type 3 body styles: Fastback, Squareback, Notchback and Type 3 Karmann Ghia. The Notch and Type 3 Ghia were never sold in the US. The Ghia you're so familiar with was the Type 1 Ghia, built on a Beetle pan. The Type 3 Ghia, built on a Type 3 pan, was a much prettier car, rare these days.

You suprised me with the 52 HP statement, but a check of a '73 Owner's Manual confirms this: 52 HP at 4000 RPM and 77 ft-lbs at 2200. Oddly, my '72 Owners Manual only gives the torque as 86.8 at 2800; no mention of HP. All the earlier FI years are called out as 65 HP. I've owned all those years, except for '70, and never noticed any significant difference in the engines. This video raised a lot of interest on the Type 3 email list and the only explanation for the sudden drop in HP in '73 (and perhaps '72) is that this may have been due to a change in measurement: HP at the drive wheels as opposed to HP at the flywheel.

The top speed mentioned in the Owners Manual is quite conservative. I've owned 10 of these cars, both MT and AT, over the years, and each of them has been over 100 mi/hr at some time. Never for long, and it takes awhile to get there, but they can do it.

Thanks again for the coverage,

[Dundertaker]

My first bless you for the great review of an amazing all rounder.

[Mjln]

I drove a friend's Squareback once. Apparently his brakes on the left side weren't working. I was on the highway, hit the brakes, and it changed lanes to the right. Yeesh.

[mattmichael]

Back in the 80s I traveled and lived out of a 67 Squareback. That thing held the road amazingly well and was a blast to drive. I called it the poor man’s Porsche. I also drove it off-road a lot doing forestry work. There were times I was the only vehicle to get through a bad section of logging road, leaving lifted four-wheel-drive, pick ups stuck in the mud. Snow was never a problem. Gas mileage was upper 20s lower 30s on a good day. With all but the driver seat removed, a specially configured interior including full length beds, curtains, and a Coleman stove it was an excellent mobile living vehicle. An idea popular now considered insane back then.😅

[unconventionalideas]

This is a unique car. These are decent cars. Frankly, many of us should thank not only Ralph Nader, but a lot of others along the way, because otherwise we would not be alive.

[ProShooter]

I own an original 1971 squareback. Runs and drives Love this car.

[xmeotjz]

I had a yellow 73 and had the “Sleep-in extender” installed which permitted me, 6’3”, to sleep comfortably in the rear. I was studying in Mexico at the time and at customs crossing the border, no one ever looked up front, assuming the engine was there. No a/c, but I loved it!

[geemanbmw]

Gorgeous ride ♥️ so what it takes 18 seconds to 60mph it's not about the speed it's about the smiles 🙂 mph.

[mtnvalley]

My aunt had one. We had 2 bugs and a camperbus that was two tone green with a blue stripe around the middle from factory. It looked like an Easter egg.

[benificentmillipedius]

My 1969 Squareback - mechanical FI - got 36 mpg ALWAYS - 70mph hiway, in stop and start city traffic, everywhere everything. It was bored out to 1850cc and otherwise 100% stock original.

[donjones]

I like the insight about the suspension being sophisticated for its time and price bracket. I learned to drive on the the family 1970 VW Bus. When we switched to a new '73 Squareback it felt like a sports car. It wasn't just ~low to the road, it *felt* low to the road. Now I know it wasn't just an illusion in comparison to the Bus.

[richardwilliams]

I remember this car vividly growing up as a kid 👍

[notchboy]

Yes, nice vid on a car that doesn't get much light. Corrections I caught - no mention of the Type 34 Ghia. Production of the T3 from 61 to 65 did not have the Fastback but did have the Ghia till 69. The Fastback was meant for the American market and brought on in 66. Second, the body change for the front trunk - up to 69 is the older style 70 to 73 is the boat nose.

[jrenmo]

My 69 Square has been in the garage and Non-op since the start of the pandemic(save money on registration and insurance). Came close to selling a couple times however, something keeps telling me to hang on to her. Watching this really makes me want to register it and start driving it again. Cheers .

[ericinouye]

Thanks! I loved my '73 square back! Traded it in for a bus, when my family grew to four kids.

[laurah.]

i drove a 71 type 3 sb for years and i still have dreams about her. Still my dream car

[jerrymack]

I had a 71 squareback it was a great car really fun to drive and with tons of cargo space. It was great on the snow and it was fun with the windows down during summer. That entire air cooled VW era was cool for sure.

[macstone]

A lot of tech from this one also went into my first car, a 914 2.0 VW/Porsche. I love these old flat fours. The sound is unique.