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This sort of thing really annoys me about Volkswagen AG. They mess around with names far too much. For example, the second generation Passat was sold in different countries with totally different names such as Passat (Europe and South Africa), Quantum (USA), Carat (Argentina), Cosar (Mexico), Sanatana (Japan, Brazil and China). They also used the name "Fox" for the Audi 80 in USA and Australia, for the Brazilian-built VW Voyage in USA and for a version of the VW Polo in Europe. There are numerous other examples where Volkswagen names such as Caddy, Caravelle, Carat, Classic, Quantum, Exclusiv, Bus, Kombi, Citi-golf and City-Golf mean different vehicles in different markets. This inconsistency and playing around with names is most frusatrating in a world where global communication and contact is now so easy. Alternatively, refering to VWs by their single digit "Type" code can be fraught with danger. The first generation Passat is also a Type 3: Type 32 for the sedans and type 33 for the wagons or Variants. The old K70 is also a Type 4 (Type 48) as is the VW-Porsche 914 (Type 47). Even refering to vehicles by their two-digit "Type" number can lead one into trouble. A Type 25 is both a T3 (or third generation Transporter, Caravelle, Vanagon) or a first generation (T1 Transporter split windscreen) Microbus with walk-through facility. A Type 28 can be found as both a first generation (T1 or splitwindscreen) Microbus and a second generation (T2 or bay-window) Microbus as well as the much bigger LT series. A Type 15 is both a Beetle Cabriolet and a first generation Golf Cabriolet. When it come s to the "Type 3" as we common know the 1500/1600 notchback, fastback and squareback, I undewrstand that there are only the following Type codes: 311 Fastback (LHD) 312 Fastback (RHD) 313 Fastback sunroof (LHD) 314 Fastback sunroof (RHD) 315 Notchback (LHD) 316 Notchback (RHD) 317 Notchback sunroof (LHD) 318 Notchback sunroof (RHD) 343 Karmann Ghia coupe (LHD) 344 Karmann Ghia coupe (RHD) 345 Karmann Ghia sunroof (LHD) 346 Karmann Ghia sunroof (RHD) 361 Variant or squareback "L" (LHD) 362 Variant or squareback "L" (RHD) 363 Variant or squareback "L" sunroof (LHD) 364 Variant or squareback "L" sunroof (RHD) 365 Variant or squareback "A" (LHD) 366 Variant or squareback "A" (RHD) 367 Variant or squareback "A" sunroof (LHD) 368 Variant or squareback "A" sunroof (RHD) I understand that all the above Type codes are for the basic vehicle configurations to which may be added many of the M-Options and that these M-Options were specified as additions to the basic vehicle by the importer or distributor in each country with a view to tayloring a vehicle to suit the local regulations and consumer tastes for each different market. Thus, for example, British market Type 3s never had front seat head restraints (M-227) as standard while American-spec vehicles did. So, given the above Types codes where do the "Variant I" and "Variant II" that Dave Hall and Per Lindgren refer to fit in to the scheme of things? Or, are the terms "Variant I" and "Variant II" just localised marketing names? (The Brazilian Variant I and Variant II clearly refer to a first and second generations of the uniquely Brazilian Type 3 Variant.) The sort of conern I have is: Would a Type 362 Variant "L" fitted with Option M-263 (heavy duty rear suspension) a Variant I or a Variant II? In fact, such a vehicle was marketed in New Zealand for the 1971 model year. The brand new Variant I saw in the Auckland dealer's showroom in March 1971 was an "L" model with 1600 twin carb motor and heavy duty swing-axle rear suspension. I do apologise for the very long E-mail but I am confused. Regards to all, Simon Glen Toowoomba, Australia. Dave Hall wrote: > The name Variant II is also used by VW for the heavy duty swing-axle version > M-263. The handbooks around the 70s certainly give payloads in terms of > Variants I and II. > > Dave. > UK VW Type 3 & 4 Club > http://www.hallvw.clara.co.uk/ > ------ > > ------------------------------------------------------------------- > Too much? Digest! mailto:type3-d-request@vwtype3.org Subj=subscribe