Audi A6: DEKRA Champion

VW 1600, VW 1303 S, VW-Porsche 914/6: 3 servings of fresh air

Three relatives with an air-cooled fighting engine

It was like a dream. Meet three cars with air-cooled engines from the golden age of boxing machines. This is exactly what happened in the summer before the rally of antique cars Paul Pietsch Classic.

I find three of my favorite air-cooled models in the meticulously organized Wolfsburg motorway "archive" (a complex in the area of ​​the VW Wolfsburg plant presenting the history of VW brands). At the wheel of a good VW Typ 3, reaching the size of the middle class, I stayed only in the sedan and the later modernized version, called Langschnauzer ("long-nosed"). I remember the first time at the age of seven I saw the Fastback 1600 TL on an advertising page in Bunte Illustrierte magazine. The headline below read, “Don't Let Yourself Be Blinded by His Beauty,” with a little studio photography irony that idealized him. I ripped off a page and framed it, expressing my sympathy for the model, whose acronym TL was often ridiculed as Loesung's injury or "sad decision." Perhaps because the Opel and Ford models had the much cooler Fastback name.

With the VW 1303 S and its modern suspension with MacPherson struts and inclined struts, I met directly only once - I was preparing an article for Motor Klassik, and the model was in the Martian red Cabriolet version. I remember one of my very calm and feminine teachers driving a car that looked like the yellow and black "turtle" described in the current article and looked like she bought a car to match her dress twenty years ago. And although the VW-Porsche 914 was an integral part of my childhood dream, I never imagined that I would actually be able to drive it, and not only in the 1,7-liter version with 80 hp. from VW 411LE. Some of the miniature 914s made by Schuco, Siku, Märklin and Wiking I still keep to this day. In my opinion, the VW-Porsche 914 was a big and unique hero.

The tragedy of not understanding this model, which over the years has received various nicknames as a used car, such as the People’s Militia or Ferrari from Neckerman, upsets me. I accept my new meeting with him as a reward from fate for my respect for this model. This is an exciting option called 914/6. Lemon yellow, six-cylinder, assembled at the Porsche factory and designed for the US market, with a logo and brand name, slightly affected by the long shadow of 911.

The elegance of modesty

My first encounter will be with a really beautiful VW 1600 TL whose lines somehow remind me of the MGB GT. The spacious VW is painted in a soothing Peruvian green that harmonizes with the vehicle's charismatic serenity. The radiance of rounded and balanced body surfaces is an elegant expression of modesty and modesty. However, no one but Pininfarina had a hand in creating fastback shapes based on the "pontoon" design of the original 1961 sedan. In its green paint, the 1600 TL reflects the typical automotive world of the late 60s. years when 55 hp and 1500 cc is slightly below average for the middle class. To get to them, the VW 1600 TL is fitted with twin carburetors, and shortened intake manifolds help curb box engine cravings. The machine in these models has earned the reputation of being "thermally critical" because, thanks to the desire to form a second shaft above it, the cooling fan duct cover has a fairly compact design.

When landing in a TL, the characteristic massive slamming of a solid door is impressive; Despite the small amount of household appliances, the interior does not look meager and radiates quality with its simplicity and cleanliness.

Standing pedals are not typical, but the sound of a boxer in the back is typical and familiar. His melody belongs to another time, which today evokes feelings in its own way. A man loves 1600 TL just as Uncle Hans could not love him in the past. The chatter of the boxer is stimulating, after a few kilometers I begin to shift gears at higher speeds, accompanied by a piercing ring. The engine amazes me with the unprecedented desire and sense of life that it creates. Unfortunately, the front axle overshadows the euphoria to some extent with insensitive and indirect driving, requiring skills to maintain a clean trajectory.

Inclined beams against folding

Switching is also easy, although the lever must travel long distances before taking its fixed positions. Of particular note is the fact that this rear-engine car has relatively neutral cornering behavior. This is due to the introduction in August 1968 for the VW Type 3 with a manual gearbox suspension with inclined beams, supporting a fixed track. This chassis allows you to reduce the load on the steering wheel when cornering, unlike some other models with a classic drive.

The look, ride comfort and brakes are so convincing that I can't wait to switch to the yellow and black "sport" model to compare. The difference is significant - in the "super turtle" 1303 S I put my body as high as in a cathedral, albeit in a narrow sports seat, and despite the "panoramic windshield" (VW advertising jargon), the inside is not as bright as in fastback.

On the other hand, this Volkswagen takes the lead with bait and an equally convincing sound coming from behind. The yellow-black 1303 S received a sporty accent primarily visually - with a matte black front and rear hood, deeper configured and exported Lemmerz steel wheels, a thicker steering wheel and the aforementioned sports seats. The MacPherson strut front axle and fine tuning of the chassis also contribute to the adequacy of behavior in this direction. The shift lever travel is surprisingly short and fixed, and the rack and pinion steering feels almost straight forward. It is a real pleasure to travel with this car. With pleasant shifting, stable cornering and first-class handling, the 1303 S revs up and feels like it has 75 hp. instead of 50 hp We can only ask the VW accountants why there is no tachometer in this equation.

VW-Porsche is addictive

The turtle-style whistle of cooling slots that promises tranquility and relaxation is interrupted by the growl of a six-cylinder boxer. I'm sitting, sorry, I'm reclining just above the road in a narrow, modestly upholstered 914/6 seat. With a devilish smile, I turned the ignition key a few seconds ago. Several gas supplies discipline the idling of a boxing machine whose power seems modest on paper, but whose sound I want to enjoy a little more. I tell myself that the 2002 BMW has more power and I can't believe it. Almost fondly, I grab the small, straight and slender steering wheel with my own hands, which nevertheless seems surprisingly pleasant. I gaze with reverence at the pointed red arrow on the tachometer in the middle, doing some dry exercise with the gear shifting of the five-speed gearbox. I can feel the narrow passages along the lever, and with a light push I lock in first gear. I release the clutch and accelerate.

The fiery flames of the Porsche engine entered the scene from low revs, makes you happy, immediately brings a big smile, generated by a feeling that can be described as “out of this world”. However, its true character becomes a fact when the temperature of nine liters of engine oil reaches the operating range and exceeds the 3000 rpm mark. I carefully move the shifter along its long and slightly vague paths, and I have the urge to do it accurately without overdoing it either. I have to be careful - although it's warm outside, the green light on the oil thermometer only comes on after 20 kilometers.

Sound and handling bribe

When this happens, I gradually reach 4500 rpm, and then increase by another 1000. The pointed sound of the sirens predisposes to a more dynamic ride, as well as a stiffer suspension with inclined struts on the rear axle, originating from the VW 411, and the front axle. 911 guarantee high speed in corners. The concept of an intermediate engine is at the core of the doctrine of real sports cars, but in borderline mode they can be really toxic. I am far from this and allowed the car to move smoothly to its destination. At 2500 rpm in fourth gear, approaching the VW highway. It will be a long time before the memories of the sound of a six-cylinder boxer disappear into my head.

Hack and predictor Aviator

Although the design with opposing cylinders and air cooling is the basis for comparison, the three machines are of a different nature. I am particularly impressed with 914/6 with its unique forms, incredible handling and the fiery spirit of its engine. 1600 TL captivates with the harmony of its forms and already has many friends. The chassis of the yellow-black "turtle" shows an enviable ability, far beyond the capabilities of the engine. 75 h.p. more suitable.