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The VW 1500 S in the (historic) test - the Wolfsburg company's great talent for compromise

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Created on September 1, 1963

Text:

Clauspeter Becker

Photos:

Volkswagen AG

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Archiv

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Volkswagen AG

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Archiv

44

VW 1500 S (1964) - the car seems to be a real heartthrob

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VW 1500 (1963) - hardly any changes during the construction period

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VW 1500 S (1963) - International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt 1963 - the 1500 S sedan raised to the podium

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VW 1500 S (1964) - World record drive in Monza with 12 Austrian journalists

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VW 1500 S (1964) - with rear display windows and modified tail lights for the 1500 S - Geneva Motor Show 1964

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VW 1500 S (1964) - with higher compression ratio (8.5 to 1 instead of 7.8 to 1) 9 hp higher final output of 54 DIN hp at 4200 rpm - Geneva Motor Show 1964

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VW 1500 Type 3 (1963) - the Beetle with notchback

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VW 1500 (1961) - unmistakably a Volkswagen

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VW 1500 (1962) - the saloon was based on the technology of the Beetle

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VW 1500 (1961) - front view

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VW 1500 (1961) - coupé-like stature

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VW 1500 S (1964) - Simple design without frippery

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VW 1500 (1961) - Door handle, seen at the IAA Frankfurt

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VW 1500 (1961) - with practical door lock button, seen at the IAA Frankfurt 1961

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VW 1500 (1961) - easy access to the rear

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VW 1500 (1961) - Back seat

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VW 1500 (1961) - Fastening device for seat belts

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VW 1500 (1961) - a small lever locks the backrest in place

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VW 1500 (1961) - stowage options at the front and rear

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VW 1500 (1962) at the Geneva Motor Show - instructive cutaway model

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VW 1500 (1963) - cutaway model shows the accommodation of the spare wheel in the front - at the Geneva Motor Show 1963

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VW 1500 (1962) at the Geneva Motor Show - cutaway model gives an insight into the use of space

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VW 1500 (1962) - cutaway model shows the car's innards

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VW 1500 (1961) - Front axle

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VW 1500 (1962) at the Geneva Motor Show - compact arrangement of engine parts for more trunk space

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VW 1500 (1962) - the flat boxer engine

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VW 1500 (1962) - cut through the engine from the front

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VW 1500 (1962) - cut through the engine from the side

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VW 1500 (1961) - Gearbox

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VW 1500 S (1964) - Advertising - You have exactly 51 seconds

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VW 1500 S (1964) - Advertising - conventional?

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VW 1500 (1961) - View over the Volkswagen hall at the IAA 1961

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VW 1500 (1961) - in the Volkswagen hall at the IAA 1961, designed by Frank Schroedter

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VW 1500 (1961) - Nordhoff - Head of VW - during his speech - International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt 1961

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VW 1200 (1963) - the Beetle takes center stage - Volkswagen Hall at the IAA 1963

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VW 1500 (1963) - various models lined up at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show

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VW 1500 Cabriolet (1962) - with closed roof

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VW 1500 Cabriolet (1961) - elegant open-top car

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VW 1500 Variant (1963) - the estate version at the Geneva Motor Show

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VW 1500 Variant (1961) - Estate rear end of the Variant

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Estate cars in 1965 in comparison - Ford Taunus 17M Turnier, Vauxhall Victor Estate Car, VW 1500 S Variant and Opel Rekord Caravan

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Estate cars demonstrate their load capacity in 1965 - Ford Taunus 17M Turnier, Vauxhall Victor Estate Car, VW 1500 S Variant and Opel Rekord Caravan

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VW 1500 (1961) - sensible car doors allow relatively easy entry

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VW 1500 (1961) - Access to the rear

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Summary

In 1963, Volkswagen felt compelled to improve its range of mid-range cars. Two years earlier, the 1500 had been added to the range, a simple car that was intended to be a step above the Beetle. However, the appeal and price were not quite congruent and the competition was not sleeping either, so the 1500 was spiced up. It was given an "S", chrome, a second downdraft carburetor and 9 extra horsepower, but was still only able to shed the image of the somewhat staid everyday car to a limited extent. Perhaps it was just a little too well thought out to arouse real emotions among buyers... The original test report on the VW 1500 S from back then is accompanied by historical images.

This article contains the following chapters

The apparent paradox of the second carburetor
How hot is the "S"?
Neutral handling, despite the rear engine...
Delayed deceleration and impressive equipment
A breath of fresh air

Estimated reading time: 17min

Preview (beginning of the article)

The Wolfsburg-based company gave its competitors a two-year grace period, because up to that point their 1500 had been a factor on the market, but not a serious threat. It was a car for pessimists who put VW service and quality above external appearance and driving performance, because apart from these characteristics and good road holding, the saloon at least had hardly any charms that it could play off against the public. There was even a certain disparity between driving performance and price, as faster cars were much cheaper. This has now changed in one fell swoop. The old 1500 has been replaced by two new models that seriously threaten the competition in two price categories. The normal 1500 for 5990 marks will give the small middle class a run for its money. The 1500 S, with its slight performance advantage and sporty chassis, becomes a serious threat to the "large" mid-range class. Due to its power, even the arguments against the smaller interior and trunk space and its plain appearance became less important.

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