I really do think that the whole point is being missed here. :?
So okay, I'll word it this way. I MYSELF do not consider these cars to be true Standard model. I consider the true Standard model to be the continuation of the concept of the German People's Car – Volkswagen, KdF Wagen – and was built in ever smaller numbers up to (I believe) 1962.
The People's Car had to be built to sell at an almost impossibly low price. For this reason it was as basic as absolutely possible. It was crude, tough and cheap with its full crash box and cable brakes. For further cost saving the front seats were just held down with a couple of wing nuts. However, it is worth noting that some of the cars introduced in 1938 did have some body parts plated. There was no money to spend on trim strips, or even proper sound proofing. And that's how the car carried on into 1949, when the new model, the Export (Deluxe) was introduced. The original was of course named the Standard to differentiate it from the new Deluxe, and its production continued.
As changes were made to the Deluxe (items that they shared, like the windows and dash layout for example), they were usually modified for the Standard too. If changes were made to the Deluxe's hydraulics for example, then you would expect the Standard to be unaffected.
So I cannot understand how cars that have been built with Deluxe features which make them MORE EXPENSIVE such as hydraulic brakes, a synchromesh box and unecessary items such as trim strips can be considered proper Standard models.
The are NOT. I would argue that the basic body cars with this stuff fitted, (like these so called Canadian Standards) are down graded Deluxe cars. They have a basic body on a Deluxe pan :!:
My friend, well-known VW buff Harvey Simpson has an excellent knowledge of the Standard model, and like me has owned several Standards and considers them to be far more interesting than the Deluxe.
He owns one of the most interesting base model 'Beetles" around, he has had this car for years, and I have looked after it in the past for him.
It is a 1964 model. with a CRASH BOX, basic interior, and the seats are fixed down with wing-nuts. BUT it also has hydraulic brakes and trim strips from new. It was built for the Belgium market. He rightly loves this rarity, but agrees that it is not a true Standard model, but more of a very unusual base model. :?
So, are we talking about proper Standards or about base models on this part of the forum :?:
The white 1962 car illustrated previous even has the expensive towel rail bumpers fitted. It certainly looks more like a Deluxe than a Standard. I could argue that my all original '49 model Deluxe is more of a Standard than that – being such an early Deluxe it has a 3 spoke (white) steering wheel, Standard chassis – yes a crash box AND CABLE BRAKES. I certainly think my scruffy RHD '56 STANDARD looks the part though :!:
I'd rather be arrogant to than ignorant :twisted:
Edited by user
17 years ago
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Reason: Not specified
Rattletrap – the Volkswagen Beetle that has covered an incredible mileage equivalent to over 35 times around the planet :omg:
Running nifty since 1950… the King of Volkswagens:beer: Why not make friends with this famous little VW – he's on facebook! :d
http://forums.pre67vw.com/default.aspx?g=posts&t=16378