…and I’m not talking about calling someone in Pittsburgh. While the 70s weren’t kind to anyone, but prior the Polo/Golf/Passat Renaissance Volkswagen went through a bit of an awkward phase with the K70, Super Beetle, Type 181 “Thing”, “VW” 914 and this: the 411/412 “Type 4”. The Type 4 was essentially an updated version of the standard VW formula: air-cooled rear flat 4, but now with fuel injection and updated independent/strut suspension. This is, by the way, should not to be confused with the similar-looking South-America (and Nigeria!) only Brasilia, which was pretty much just a re-bodied Beetle.
Overall, the condition looks decent: there’s no rust or obvious cosmetic issues beyond a split driver’s seat cushion, and there are lots of new parts and claims it runs excellently. The Oregon plates on a Southern California car raise questions, but maybe no one told this guy ’75-and-earlier cars are smog test exempt. Looking over this example’s photos, it looks a bit like a 911’s frumpier half-sister: the rough shape is the same, but the beauty’s entirely absent. I can see how these might get a notch sexier with the giant bumpers trimmed back and a new stance/wheel/tire combo. Oh, and a Subaru swap, just to make everyone angry.
The auction’s got five days to go, so we can assume it’s going to climb past the current $2,025 price towards a mystery reserve. Any idea what these are worth?
1974 Volkswagen 412 – eBay Motors
Jeff Glucker
A friend of mine in High School had one of these. It was one of the slowest cars I’ve ever driven. We timed it from 0 to 60 mph, albeit using just a wristwatch and the car’s speedometer, and it took 24 seconds. But all in all not a bad car for a young kid. It was real reliable, safe, and not fast enough to let you get in trouble.
I’ve wanted to get an old air-cooled VW for my now 50 mph top-speed car needs.
The only time I get on the interstate is with family, so that means using the minivan. My daily commute is back roads under 50 mph, and even then in the warmer months I do that drive on only Mondays and Fridays.
So I’m thinking of getting a cheaper, less-loved by the market, old car that has quirks and character that I can use and enjoy while not really counting on.
The scary part is that this dependence would almost justify driving an Alfa.
I found an old Checker that is in great shape and being from Kalamazoo, like myself, that holds my interest.
When I was a teenager, the neighbors across the street had a 411 wagon (and a new ’73 Chevy C-20 with a big ass slide-in camper). I can still hear the lopey idle on that 411.
I’m thinking yes. That’s so funky it’s cool.
Needs a WRX engine.
I think it would be awesome if I could have this 412 in my life!
That rear styling was reprised on a few cars
The first R5, before the Renault, The Ferguson R5
https://primotipo.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/fergy-road-car-1.jpg
Fiat 127
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dc/Fiat_127_1_h_sst.jpg
Jensen Interceptor
https://autogaragem.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/jenseninterceptor3.jpg
If you say that the SP2 is somehow Porsche little half sister I could agree with that but the 412 not really.
http://mlb-s1-p.mlstatic.com/vw-sp2-1974-azul-19861-MLB20179222398_102014-F.jpg
I agree with Tim, and SP2 looks more like a 924/944’s half sister.
I first thought it was a SAAB from the styling. I have to wonder what it has 412 of though.