Volkswagen Dasher (B1 1977-81)

Face lifted since the initial launch, this Dasher is the one I was most familiar with growing up.  Boxy, most certainly under powered, and completely forgettable; on second look there really are some nice details, my favorite being the neatly clad bumpers and delicately styled turn indicators.

Seen in NE Portland

Volkswagen Dasher 3-Door Hatchback (B1, 1973-81, this is a ‘73-75)

Similar to the Dasher posted a few months back, this one is in a brilliant shade of turquoise that I couldn’t resist stopping to check out.  Predictably, it’s also mossy and a little beat up, just like the last one, drawing the conclusion that aesthetic upkeep on vintage VW’s is low on the priority list.

Seen in NE Portland

Volkswagen Dasher 3-Door Hatchback (B1, 1973-81, this is a ‘73-75)

The Dasher was the natural evolution of the Type III, a more modern interpretation of Volkswagen’s core family vehicle.  While the engine moved to the front, the styling wasn’t totally compromised; the Guigiaro designed body is still quite simple and stylish- including a nod to BMW with a little Hofmiester kink. Personally, I love the concave sheet metal around the rear glass and the subtle way that VW headlights extend beyond their chrome grille frame.

Looking at this little hatch makes it hard to believe that this platform would eventually evolve into the seemingly gigantic Passat.

Seen in NE Portland

Volkswagen Type III (“Squareback,” 1962-73, this is a ‘62-67)

While the Type III has been well documented throughout this blog, there are times where I can’t help but revisit certain models since it seems there is an endless amount of great examples.

While this particular Baltic Blue Squareback is well preserved in the parking deck at work, it never seems to move.  Tastefully lowered with a beautiful wood-slat roof rack, it seems better suited for the PCH than this lonely spot.

Seen in Beaverton, OR

First generation Volkswagen Jetta GLI (A1, Type 16 1983-84)

To me the GLI was the best of both worlds, the practicality and good looks of the sedan with all the power (90 hp) and performance modifications of the Golf GTI.

This one has had a bit of a makeover with a significantly lowered suspension and the European front clip (eliminating the quad sealed beams of the US-spec).

Seen in SE Portland

Second generation Volkswagen Golf (1983-92, this is a pre ‘88).  I stopped to take these pictures because this version has one of my favorite front ends offered on the Mk2.  

What I didn’t know is that it was unique to the US spec models that were assembled at the Westmoreland, Pennsylvania plant, which is pretty cool.  It’s in great shape with original wheel covers and suprisingly likeable Light Auburn Metallic paint job.

Seen in SE Portland.

Volkswagen Thing (1972-75), complete with hard top, something I have never seen on, but seems like a smart idea in Portland.  Looks good in white, not so sure about that aluminum bumper and drag wheels though.

The Thing, or Type 181, or Kurierwagen -whatever you want to call it- was basically the European equivalent of the US Jeep.  I think Toyota did a better job copying.

Seen in NE Portland.

Volkswagen Type III Fastback (1965-73).  Even with thinning paint on the body, and a little corrosion here and there, the fantastic roof rack and attention to detail shine through.  

Seen in SE Portland

I find most Volkswagens here to be both well loved and well used.  This Type III notchback (1961-73) may be both, but the attention and care it has received is far above the norm.  The beautiful roof rack, unique alloys and period mudflaps are fantastic, and the stance really brings it all together.  Quite possibly the best VW I have seen in the city.

Seen in NW Portland

I am scaling back my VW Type 1 posts…there’s just too many of them that they don’t seem really special.  This on the other hand, is awesome.  Full on dune buggy adventure vehicle.

Seen in NE Portland

Well, that’s nice.

Volkswagen Type II (T1 1950-67) seen in SE Portland

Volkswagen Type II Flatbed pickup (T2 1967-79) single cab, with hinged bedsides removed.  I don’t get too excited about these anymore, but I this one caught my eye.  Though it appears a little front-heavy, I actually really liked the look and the color.

Plus we saw it the next day at the In & Out drive-thru and it sounded great.

Seen in North Hollywood, LA, CA

This is a 1989 Grey Market Volkswagen Caravelle GL, most likely brought over through secondary distribution channels direct from Germany or the UK.  The Caravelle was the domesticated version of the Transporter T3, with side glass and a minivan like interior.  This one appears to be quite well done, with nice wheels and an awesome full length roof rack that would be cooler if I didn’t find out that “Buderus Heiztechnik” is a German company that makes furnaces among other things, not high end German tuning parts.  The sticker on the front windschield would imply it was imported from Eastfalia in the UK, or maybe they just liked the sticker (I can’t blame them).

Seen in SE Portland