- World’s largest vintage car fair takes place on 21-25 March
- Volkswagen showcases its exclusive Karmann prototypes
- World premiere: Volkswagen Type 3 convertible from 1961 is presented for the first time after complete restoration
Lovers of historic Volkswagen models should set aside some time from 21-25 March 2018. At Techno Classica in Essen, the world’s largest vintage car fair, Volkswagen will present fascinating exhibits spanning three decades, including two exclusive convertible prototypes from the Karmann collection in Osnabrück.
Premiere after complete restoration: the Volkswagen Type 3 convertible
This true classic car from Karmann is sure to capture the imagination and is truly exclusive. At the Volkswagen stand at Techno Classica, visitors can marvel at the rare Type 3 convertible which never went into series production and which has a total of just 16 handcrafted bodies in existence. The prototype from 1961 displayed at the fair was once the company car of Johannes Beeskow, technical manager of Karmann’s operations at that time. From a technical perspective, the study is based on the Volkswagen 1500 mode, the medium class (Type 3) which was launched in 1961. The designers were particularly proud of the large panoramic rear window and the fully retractable top, which gave the vehicle a certain elegance when opened. In 1965, the convertible was transferred to the Karmann collection in Osnabrück. A complete restoration was carried out on the vehicle from 2015 to 2017 and it is now presented to the public for the first time in practically new-car condition.
Sheer elegance for two plus two: the Karmann Ghia Type 34 convertible
Another fascinating exhibit which visitors to this year’s Techno Classica can look forward to is the Karmann Ghia 1600 Type 34 convertible. The open 2+2 seater was presented for the first time at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in 1961, in parallel with the Volkswagen Type 3. Like the Type 3 convertible, the open version of the ‘large Karmann Ghia’ is a prototype, of which there are just a dozen in existence. The top can be fully retracted also in this vehicle, preserving its timeless, elegant design. The model showcased at the fair was rebuilt in 1968. Various components were used, such as an original body from 1961 and a chassis from 1968.
Cabriolet expertise from Osnabrück: a long success story
Both exhibits come from Osnabrück, a town in Lower Saxony which boasts a long, successful history in convertible production. The first-generation Beetle convertible came off the conveyor belts of the Karmann plant in 1949. The popular and elegantly styled Karmann Ghia Type 14 convertible (1957 to 1974) as well as all Golf convertible generations also came from Osnabrück. And the success story goes on: from 2020, Volkswagen Osnabrück will produce the first SUV convertible in the company’s history – the T-Roc convertible.
World’s largest vintage car fair draws visitors from all over the world
Techno Classica is the world’s leading fair for historic cars and motorbikes and trade relating to replacement parts and restoration. It features 120,000 m² of exhibition space spread across 21 halls and four open areas. There are also over 200 different clubs and interest groups. In 2017, the organisers recorded around 185,000 visitors from 41 countries. In addition to the two convertible prototypes, all those interested can look forward to a whole host of other exciting exhibits at the Volkswagen stand.
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