The Volkswagen Beetle: An Enduring Legacy
Transcription
The Volkswagen Beetle: An Enduring Legacy
AUTOMOTIVE RESEARCH LIBRARY OF THE HCFI Major support by the Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation Summer 2014 “The Information Place” Volume 16 #3 The Volkswagen Beetle: An Enduring Legacy In our last article titled “Auto Design and Coach Building” we touched upon renowned auto designer and engineer Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, and his many contributions to the automotive industry. After doing all the research for that last article, I thought an article might be in order chronicling one of his most iconic and enduring designs – the VW Beetle, and it’s almost impossible journey - from a simple idea that the average person could afford to drive a car that was both reliable and efficient if engineered correctly - to quite possibly the most recognizable car ever developed. The VW Beetle is no doubt recognized world-wide for its ubiquitous design. It’s been the workhorse for budget-minded college students, ambitious minimum-wage earners who just entered the workforce, as well as creative hot rod enthusiasts who have taken the famous bodies and done everything imaginable to them: from cutting up several of them and welding them into limousines, to cramming Chevrolet 350 motors into them for drag racing purposes. They’ve been adorned with custom paint jobs that cost more than some of them were worth; some have their suspensions modified to ridiculous proportions to accommodate extreme off-roading (aka the ‘Baja Bugs’ popular in the deserts of the American Southwest.) The truth is the “Bug” design was so good that it could be modified in every way First production VW circa 1939 conceivable - and still maintain its identity. Very few cars are that versatile; even fewer are that universally recognizable – not only by sight, but sound as well. Having personally grown up during the 1970’s and 80’s, the VW Bug was everywhere. Most of my friends that owned them had inherited them from their parents (who hadn’t the heart to get rid of them for nostalContinue on page 2 Library receives another large book donation It’s September, and so far it’s been a busy year here at the library. We’ve taken in quite a few donations of books, magazines, and memorabilia. We’d like to go ahead and Library at Hershey In Chocolate North Field C4F5 say a quick thank you to those who made those generous donations: San Diego Gas & Electric, B. Rockwood, B. Campbell, G. Long, J. Windle, L. Shrum, J. Mauleg, P. Reed, H. Lanahan, and any that we may have overlooked – many thanks to all of you! It is your generosity that enables us to grow and expand each year. Growing and expanding is indeed the case, as the library has been graciously ofContinue on page 6 Up Coming Events September 28: Santa Fe Concorso, at The Club at Las Campanas, Santa Fe, NM October 8 to 11: Hershey Fall Swap Meet, Hershey, PA October 26: Car Classic 2014 — Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, CA November 12, 9:00am: Board Meeting at the Library. La Mesa, CA February 20-22, 2015: BIG 3 Parts Exchange, San Diego, CA March 19 & 20, 2015: Pre-War Swap Meet, Chickasha, OK April 10 & 11, 2015: Bakersfield Swap Meet, Bakersfield, CA The Volkswagen Beetle: An Enduring Legacy Continued from page 1 gic reasons) or saved up summer job money and found just the right one out of the classified ads in the newspaper (remember those?) only to spend every penny earned and every spare moment available in the garage working on making their Bug not only an accurate reflection of their personality, but the coolest car in the parking lot at school. Truthfully, the affordability of the Bug and its abundance in the automotive marketplace made it a suitable first vehicle for many, although it should be noted that the Beetle will almost always sell for more to a second owner than it did to the first – an accomplishment few other vehicles can boast. The origins of the VW are well-known to most auto enthusiasts, but to the layman on the street, it might be surprising to find out the extraordinary circumstances of how the “Bug” came to be. At the risk of revisiting Porsche’s past again in too much detail, it’s imperative to note that it had been his goal (even prior to WWI) to create an affordable vehicle ‘for the people.’ He bristled at the seven and eight liter behemoths that were the norm, and seemed to serve only the very wealthy (who were the only people that could afford the enormous costs of maintaining them). As it turned out, the economic impacts felt throughout Europe following WWI forced many to reluctantly switch to cars that were smaller and more economical, which Porsche intended to further capitalize by taking on the design issues head-on and approaching the design of the car (and re-design of the idea of cars in general) Porsche's personal Wanderer prototype circa 1932 from a completely revolutionary standpoint. Intrigued by the ‘small cars’ of the day which included the Austin, Citroen, and Renault, and the problems that arose in small-car design– particularly after many visits and conversations with longtime friend and designer for the Czech firm Tatra, Dr. Hans Ledwinka - he plotted a course to change history. Focusing on maximizing space, minimizing weight, and optimizing performance not only in the engine but also in the suspension and electrical systems, the features of what he deemed ‘The People’s Car’ would sport a rear-mounted air-cooled en- A VW Bug Limo (Courtesy of Flickr.com) 2 gine, independent suspension, the swing axle, and a tube chassis. The Volkswagen would incorporate all of these features. Following the opening of Porsche’s own engineering firm in 1930, the idea then known as ‘Project Twelve’ or “Small Car” was put into motion. It was the birth of the VW Beetle. Much of that early design is still evident in the Volkswagens seen everywhere today. The target top speed was 60mph, so the car had to be light and aerodynamic, minimizing wind resistance. The rearengine design allowed easy production, passengers to have more room between the axles, and the ability to forgo a long driveshaft. To achieve even weight distribution, the tires were set in a “four-corner” configuration, and a ‘flat’ or opposedcylinder engine with an integrated transmission and differential was adopted. To avoid a heavy box frame, he opted for a lighter, more rigid tubular frame with a central backbone and outriggers, as well as a swing axle in the rear and trailing arm/ torsion bar suspension in the front of the car. After initial sketches, Porsche set out to find financing for prototypes. The first to throw their hat into the ring were the Wanderer motorcycle firm, where prototypes (known as the Zundapp type 12 or Volksauto) were drawn up and put into production. Of the three developed (all of which showed little resemblance to what we know now as the Beetle), one actually became his personal car. After poor initial test results, it was decided that Dr. Fritz Neumeyer, The Volkswagen Beetle: An Enduring Legacy Continued from page 2 Last Surviving NSU Type 32 Volksauto Prototype head of Zundapp Motorcycles, would focus on motorcycles entirely due to the surge of interest in them during the Great Depression. He terminated their agreement and released all rights for Project 12 to Porsche. The next to court Porsche was the Bolshevik nation of the USSR, who wined and dined him in hopes of him being the designated state auto designer for the Russian Empire. Tempted by promises of his own factory and unlimited funds and resources, he inevitably chose to turn them down (not wanting to move his life and family to Russia), returning to his homeland. He then turned to another motorcycle firm, NSU, and pitched his ideas to their managing director Herr Fritz von Falkenhayn, who liked what he saw and agreed to produce another three prototypes. Production began on the NSU Volksautos in January of 1934. While the testing of these prototypes went well, Porsche hit yet another roadblock when he found that NSU had agreed to sell its automotive department to Italian Fiat to develop only motorcycles. Under the terms of that agreement, Porsche was again let go, though still retaining his rights. He was confident now that the prototype testing had been successful, and knew he needed to be patient; the right situation would come along. In 1933, it did – under the most unlikely of circumstances. Shortly after becoming Chancellor of Germany in 1933, Adolph Hitler (an avid auto enthusiast himself) began chants in rallies of “a car in every family,” seemingly mirroring Porsche’s idea of a ‘people’s car.’ Hitler also hung national pride on the winning of auto racing competitions. Under these auspices, Porsche was summoned to Berlin for a secret meeting. He was instructed to follow Hitler’s criteria for developing a small car and prepare a memorandum to the Government. Fortuitously for Porsche, his criteria were the following: Speed, economy, room for family, air cooling, and a low price. Refining the NSU design, Porsche submitted his memo in January of 1934. Then he waited. He was commissioned to again create three prototypes for the Nazi Government, 'Baja Bug' (courtesy of flickr.com) 3 and despite inadequate funding and only ten months to complete them, he succeeded in creating the VW series 3 – a full twenty eight months later – a testament to his indifference to the Nazi regime. The prototypes were turned over to the Nazis on October 12, 1936. Testing went well, and all seemed right – with the exception of the weight of the car, which did not met Hitler’s specifications. By replacing cast iron with expensive alloys however, the price skyrocketed, and Hitler, along with the entire Society of German Automobile Manufacturers balked, fearing bankruptcy or worse if they did not first establish a separate company to develop the people’s car. With Nazi backing from the Party Labor Organization, a Nazi-owned company was commandeered and Porsche was installed as head of the Board of Directors. ‘The people’s car’ was now ready to begin production on a full scale, and the Wolfsburg Factory (which featured tools and machinery secured in the United States as well as American-trained German engineers summoned back to the Fatherland to work for the Nazis) was now a reality. Since there was no budget ceiling, Porsche could perfect all the imperfections, and produce the car he had dreamt about for so long. What was once the Series 30 became the Volkswagen Series 38; it was approved for production by Hitler, and was publicized to the German People as the KDF (the German interpretation of the Acronym “strength through joy,” which was the Labor Front’s slogan). Critics dubbed it ‘the The Volkswagen Beetle: An Enduring Legacy Continued from page 3 ugly duckling.’ But it was not meant to be – yet again. As Hitler plunged the country into World War, the ‘people’s car’ was almost forgotten. Porsche’s focus became allencompassed by the war effort, and the production of the Wehrmacht VW chassis was limited to military applications utilizing many body styles, where it performed unfailingly under the harshest of conditions. It wasn’t until after the war, where reparations and outright looting decimated Germany’s machine-making capabilities, that resourceful Germans – needing cars and trucks – started scavenging from military vehicles left behind and crafting their own bodies around the mighty VW chassis; craftily using fuselages from downed aircraft and abandoned transport vehicles, trading parts, and racing – a temporary diversion from the horrors of post-war reality in Germany and an attempt to resurrect their national sport. It appeared in at least one aspect, the VW was in the hands of the German People, and the VW chassis became the spark that reignited motorsports in Germany. Meanwhile at the Wolfsburg plant, the British had put former employees back to work by converting the factory into a British maintenance depot, and the VW’s that were pieced back together were used by high-ranking British officials for personal use. The Beetle’s performance caught the attention of the British, and samples were sent back to England for consideration of mass-production under British rule. It was agreed that the factory be rebuilt instead of dismantled, but they came to the fantastic conclusion that the VW was not worthy of manufacture. They began searching for someone to spearhead the resurrection of Wolfsburg, and decided on Heinz Nordhoff, arguably the most qualified person for the job – his technical expertise was well-known and renowned in Germany as well as in England as an aero-engineer at BMW and later at the Opel plant, which was owned by the U.S.’s General Motors. Having been trained in the American tradition, Nordhoff was reluctant to take on the job – he disapproved of the concept of small cars and had looked down on the idea of the KDF car as ‘cheap and unfair competition’ – not to mention that he had never even driven one of them. Like Porsche, Nordhoff’s Opel plant produced military vehicles for the war effort reluctantly, and was never a member of the Nazi party, viewing his dealings with them with disdain. He decided to take the job to avoid hard labor in the U.S. zones of occupied Germany, and to prevent his family from living hand to mouth. His ace in the hole was that Wolfsburg had escaped any direct bombing (although looting had reduced the plant’s machinery to little or nothing), and was already producing small amounts of cars for use by British officials. Despite the fact that he was on his own, would be getting no government support in the new free-market system, he jumped in head first, and the scorn that he initially held for the KDF car for challenging all German auto manufacturers in the past faded, and the VW soon became his passion. 4 When Nordhoff took the reins, the British were actually relieved, having attempted unsuccessfully to manage Wolfsburg themselves, then offering it to every Allied country, all of which subsequently turned down the offer. After all, it was a strange-looking car to most, not to mention the fact that it was developed ‘by the Nazis,’ which garnered it a stigma that would be virtually impossible so shake. Nobody even wanted to touch it. In fact, in March of 1948, two months after Nordhoff took over Wolfsburg, a meeting was held by British Colonel Charles Radclyffe to pitch the plant to Henry Ford II – for free. In attendance was Ford, Radclyffe, and Ernest Breech, chairman of Ford’s German and British subsidiaries, and Nordhoff. When Ford asked Breech what he thought about Wolfsburg, he replied: “Mr. Ford, I don’t think what we are being offered is worth a damn.” Two years later after being released from a French prison, Wolfsburg was visited by its father, Ferdinand Porsche, at the request of Nordhoff. He told Nordhoff it was exactly what he had envisioned all those years ago. Nordhoff had turned the vision of Porsche’s Type 38 into a reality at last – now known as ‘Type 11.’ Although it was difficult to manufacture cars with limited machinery and even less modern manufacturing equipment, Nordhoff managed to export enough cars (mostly to Switzerland and Belgium, where postwar currency was freely convertible) to finance new machinery a little at a time. Utilizing his experience from Opel, he focused on a plan to install service facilities in every country he planned on selling the Volkswagen prior to the delivery of the cars – an unprecedented move in the industries’ history. It was his belief that “a car is no better than its available service facilities.” It was a gamble that paid off, as it proved to be the most valuable promotion possible for the VW. Despite the animosity that most countries held for Germany, the Beetle became its ambassador of goodwill, and the world would soon fall head over heels for it. It is ironic that a vehicle with roots firmly planted in socialism would inevitably grow to become the symbol of democratic free-enterprise. What is miraculous about Volkswagen is the fact that it financed its own expansion under the superior supervision and management of NordContinue on page 7 Vehicle service information available on the website... These pages are from Automotive Trade Journal, September 1934. These publication were published to keep mechanics up to date with service tips. They are great guide to any mechanic working on vintage vehicles. Other online periodicals include The Automobile, Automobile Industries, Automobile Topics, Cycle and Automotive Trade Journal, Horseless Age, Motor, Motor Age, and Motor World. These periodical are on the website and available to all members of the Automotive Research Library of the HCFI. American Automobile, The Auto-Motor Journal (England), and Motor Traction (England) will be added to the website when scanning is completed. Membership Renewals start in October 5 Library receives another large book donation fered a donation of approximately several offered the entire collection. thousand automotive-themed books from The collection of books (in 122 storage Joel Dethlefs of Berlin, Germany; a former boxes), is now at the Library, waiting to be engineer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory inventoried. A quick sneak-peek in to several boxes indicated that there are many racing books in the collection as well as very rare historical automotive books, and will definitely be yet another great asset to the Library - in both quality and quantity. It appears that in addition to the many wonderful donations we have already received this year, this could be the most significant. It seems that this donation might in fact double the book inventory of the library – much as the John Lothrop donation did a few years ago. Needless to say, we’ve been quite excited by this news – but with that excitement came some apprehension – and the inevitable question: how are we going to fit all of it into the library—and where? Having asked that question, we began preparing for what we knew was coming three months in advance; moving and redis- (JPL) of Pasadena, California, and a former member of the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH). After retiring and moving to Berlin over six years ago, Mr. Dethlefs had placed seven crates of personal items in storage for “a couple of months.” He then decided that the crates needed to be dealt with. To that end, he then sent an email out to SAH members in southern California, informing them that he was looking for a charitable organization to donate his book collection to. I was fortuitously forwarded the message, and sent Mr. Dethlefs an email expressing my interest in it. After exchanging several more emails, the Library was 6 Continued from page 1 tributing everything we could to make room for all the boxes coming our way – even before we knew we were actually going to receive them. In light of this new donation and its size, we also put in a request to expand the now two-year old shelving units we had erected in the library to accommodate the Lothrop collection (which was approved), which means more construction, more expansion, and more items for all of our members to research and enjoy. There should also be a significant number of duplicate books that will be placed up for sale (to our members first, of course) as well. We plan on having the inventory on the new book donation and the shelving installed before Thanksgiving (a herculean task indeed) provided all goes according to plan. Seeing as how we began our preparations so far in advance, we should be right on schedule. Even with all of this going on, there is the Hershey Meet in Pennsylvania in October, where Mac will be present and representing the HCFI, fundraising and gaining financial supporters and more new members. As for existing members, all will benefit from the new additions to the library. However, with all this new expansion comes quite a substantial price tag. It is estimated that the additional shelving we got approved to build in the library is going to run around $9,000, not to mention the man-hours it will take to do the inventory, appraisal, data entry and labelling of the Dethlefs donation that will soon be filling this new shelving. Only a fraction of that will be covered by proceeds from all of the swap meets, car shows, and club meets we Library Continued from page 6 are about to undertake in the next several months. While we will always graciously accept book, magazine, and memorabilia donations, the rubber really meets the road with monetary donations – it’s what keeps the gears turning and the library running like a well-oiled machine. Monetary donations are what allow us, the Automotive Research Library, to be the premier automotive research library west of the Rockies, and following this donation, possibly the entire country. This is where we must appeal to you, our members, for your tax-deductible donations, to help fund this new ambitious project (and any future projects) that will set the bar even higher for research excellence, as well as our goal to be the biggest and best automotive research library in the world. Volkswagen Continued from page 4 hoff without any support from government or stockholders – an accomplishment unique in corporate history. When asked about his ‘National Miracle,’ Nordhoff replied “It annoys me greatly when people speak of the miracle of the Volkswagen factory. It doesn’t have anything to do with miracles – only with work, consideration, and the knowledge how to go about doing something. Work hard, don’t boast, and be bigger than you appear.” – Kevin J Parker Bibliography & Photo Credits: (1) Nitske, Robert W. - “The Amazing Porsche and Volkswagen Story,” ©Comet Press Books, 1958 (2) Nelson, Walter Henry – “Small Wonder: The Amazing Story of the Volkswagen,” ©Little, Brown & Co., 1965 (3)Post, Dan R. – “Volkswagen: Nine Lives Later,” ©Horizon House, 1966 (4)Elfrink, Hank – “The Volkswagen Complete Owner’s Handbook of Repair and Maintenance,” © Clymer Publications, 1957 Note: All publications listed in the above bibliography are available for research purposes and viewing on premises here at the Automotive Research Library of the HCFI. Next Board Meeting The next Board Meeting will be on Wednesday November 12th, 2014 9:00 AM at the Library Office: 8186 Center Street, Suite F La Mesa, CA 91942. So, if you have benefitted from using the research library for any of your research needs in the past, we’re asking if you would now help us, so that we will still be here to provide for your research needs in the future. We know times are tough, but with your help in the past, we’ve not only weathered many a storm, we’ve prevailed. You’ve never let us down before, so whatever you feel you can do to help would be most appreciated. We want to keep moving forward, and we’re betting you want us to as well. If you are able and want to make a donation to the library, do not hesitate to call us, email us, or write us regarding the particulars. We look forward to hearing from you, and look forward to continually providing you with the best research library facility we possibly can. There will be more information on the Dethlefs Collection in the next newsletter after we have completed the inventory and evaluation – a process that we’ve been reluctantly putting off in anticipation of cooler conditions to work (as it has been 100+ outside for several days this week and 85 degrees or higher in the warehouse area with very high humidity due to the remnants of Hurricane Odile.) Thank you all for your consideration – we will keep you posted on our progress in the newsletters to come. COMPLETE SETS GAZETTE & VINTAGE FORD FOR SALE. The HCFI has available for sale complete sets of the above magazines. We also have many duplicates so if you need to fill in your collection give us a call. Duplicates run 1939-1949 $15.00 1950-1959 $10.00 1960-1969 $ 5.00 1970-1979 $ 3.00 1980 up $ 1.00 HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Philip & Joy Reed Marian Teague Jeanne Deringer Peggie Eccles* Bill & Loraine Cuthbert Paul & Dorothy Kettenburg* Jack* & Gail Garrison Mr. & Mrs. Ross Bewley David & Sondra Gast Donald & Margaret Miller *deceased 7 Gifts In Memory Of: Eileen Simpson Gail Garrison Emeral Lee Hill George & Frances Sherman Northern California RG HCCA Robert Schneider Gordon & Carolyn McGregor Bill and Frances Pyle State of Jefferson Antique Car Club Walter Kuhn Modesto RG HCCA Edward Monson George & Frances Sherman Northern California RG HCCA Louise Schneider Northern California RG HCCA John Hottel San Diego RG HCCA Gifts in Kind: Joel Dethlefs Santa Fe Concorso Larry Schrum Jean Harshaw Cash Donation: Don Sable Nick Fintzelberg, Ph.D. New HCFI Members: Daniel Birch, Edmonton, Alberta Colin Fort, Encinitas, CA Mark Hunnibell, Yellow Springs, OH Cindy Ionita, Los Angeles, CA Bob McCoy, Danville, CA Kenneth Parrotte, West Monroe, NY Roberto Rodriguez, Mount Desert, ME John C. Vander Haag, Sanborn, IA Warren Westerholm, La Crescenta, CA LIFE MEMBERS Dr. Merl* & Joy Ledford Philip & Joy Steve & Blanche Gordon Paul* & Dorothy* Kettenburg Thomas & Kris Kettenburg George & Frances Sherman Jack* & Gail Garrison Edward* & Jean Johnson Don & Becky Sable Nicholas Fintzelberg Edward Meanley* Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation * deceased LIBRARY INFORMATION Horseless Carriage Foundation 8186 Center Street, Suite F, La Mesa, CA 91942 Correspond to: PO Box 369, La Mesa CA 91944-0369 619-464-0301 Phone/Fax E-mail research@hcfi.org Web site www.hcfi.org HCFI 2014 Board of Directors President Donald Sable, OK Vice Pres. Greg Long, CA Treasurer Thomas Kettenburg, CA Secretary Gordon McGregor, CA Public Relations Reid Carroll, CA Director David Gast Ed. D., CA Director Roberta Watkins, CA Director Gail Garrison, CA Director Nick Fintzelberg Ph. D., CA Executive Director D. A. “Mac” MacPherson Additional Volunteers & Consultants Jay Watkins, Sr. Diane MacPherson Boyd Goddard Gail Wilson Newsletter Editors D. A. “Mac” MacPherson Established 1984 Chronicles of the Automotive Industry in America, For 1934 Production for the year: 31,573,512 passenger cars, 346,545 trucks and buses. Wholesale value of replacement parts and accessories produced this year: $299,879,633 — a 28% increase over 1933 Chevrolet produced its 10-millionth car to celebrate its 223rd anniversary. Chrysler and DeSoto introduced Airflow design, with automatic transmission overdrive. Roy Faulkner returned to Auburn as President. Name of National Automobile Chamber of Commerce changed to Automobile Manufacturers Association. Graham offered a supercharger-equipped car. Studebaker emerged from receivership. Cadillac was the first to use a generator with current to keep battery fully charged for loads. D. E. Bates became President of REO. Fred and Charles Fisher retired from General Motors. M. M. Gilman became Pacard general manager. REO offered gear shift on the dash. Radio controls, built into instrument panel, appeared on several makes of cars. “Wild Bill” Cummings averaged 104.865 mph. to win the Indianapolis Sweepstakes. New Make this year: Lafayette. From: A Chronicle OF THE Automotive Industry IN AMERICA, Published 1949. Automotive Research Library of the Horseless Carriage Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 369, La Mesa, CA 91944-0369 Horseless Carriage Foundation, Inc. Membership Application or apply online at www.hcfi.org. The Horseless Carriage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public educational foundation. Please fill out this form and mail it to Automotive Research Library of the HCFI, PO Box 369, La Mesa CA 91944-0369 Please include check or credit card number and expiration date or pay on our secure web site. We accept Mastercard, Discover and Visa. Name ________________________________________________________________________Date ________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________City ________________________ State ____ Zip or Postal code ____________ Country ______________________ E-mail _______________________________ Phone # __________________________________ Fax # ____________________________ Form of payment Check: ____ Credit card # __________________________________________________ Exp__________ Signature___________________________________ Obtained this brochure at or from __________________________________ Please circle the membership level that you are joining. 1 year Patron $35 Century Club $100 Benefactor $250 3 year Patron $85 Century Club $240 Benefactor $600 8 Life Member: $5000 ($1,000 per year for five years) Platinum Life: $10,000 ($2,000 per year for five years) Internet $50 per year