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Is it really 'super'? The VW 1500S (historical test)

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Created on September 25, 1963

Text:

Eugen K. Schwarz

Photos:

Volkswagen

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Archiv

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Volkswagen

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Archiv

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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 1500S (1963) - versus 1500 - from everyday car to sports car?

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VW 1500 (1964) - outwardly unchanged into the next model year

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

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

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VW 1500 (1961) - simple design without experiments

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

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VW 1500 (1961) - unmistakably a Volkswagen

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VW 1500 S (1964) - Simple design without frippery

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VW 1500 (1961) - coupé-like stature

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VW 1500 (1963) - often ordered in bright colors

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VW 1500 (1961) - Vokswagen Hall designed by architect Franz Schroedter - International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt 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 (1962) at the Geneva Motor Show - the big VW - close to the Beetle, but bigger and with more space

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VW 1500 (1961) - two-door car with rear engine

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

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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 - shown at the Geneva Motor Show

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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 (1961) - the air-cooled 1500 engine

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

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VW 1500 (1961) - the chassis of the new Volkswagen

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VW 1500 (1961) - Front axle

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

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VW 1500 (1961) - View of the interior

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VW 1500 (1961) - optional seat belts, standard rear and front fastening points

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VW 1500 (1961) - Access to the rear

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VW 1500 (1961) - Comfortable rear seat with fold-down armrest

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VW 1500 S - 1964

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

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VW 1500 S (1964) - Advertising - conventional?

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

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VW 1500S (1963) - in advertising - what do all VW models have in common?

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Summary

hobby tester Eugen K. Schwarz got to the bottom of the 'S' on the rear of the big VW in 1963 and drove the normal VW 1500 and its more sophisticated brother, the VW 1500 S, on the same route and under the same conditions. In this report, he describes the results he came to. He also lets a few everyday drivers get behind the wheel and have their say. This article reproduces the original wording of the test report and shows the mid-range Volkswagen in historical pictures.

This article contains the following chapters

The technology of the 1500S
Weak point transmission
Relatively economical
Not for beginners!
Too much power required
Proven VW quality
Just short of Super
Comparison of performance figures
And this is what the VW owners think

Estimated reading time: 7min

Preview (beginning of the article)

A chrome S on a black emblem on the license plate light is part of the calling card of the 'powerhouse' from Wolfsburg. And the new model also flashes and shines in other ways. Chrome trim, decorative caps, handles and panels adorn its exterior somewhat lavishly, making it a 'fine brother' of the VW 1500. But even more impressive than the finery is the performance and driving character of the new model. It's not just the 9 hp more power than the 45 hp standard version, but rather the transformation from the well-behaved, bourgeois 1500-Volkswagen into a spirited and fast vehicle whose perfect engine can be compared with that of the tamest four-cylinder boxer in a Porsche.

Welcome to Zwischengas!

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