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| Volkswagen Type 147 | |
|---|---|
 1972Bundespost design | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles |
| Also called | "Fridolin" |
| Production | 1964–1974 6,139 built |
| Assembly | West Germany:Wiedenbrück (byWestfalia) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Panel van |
| Body style | 2-doorpanel van |
| Layout | RR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Air-cooled 1.2 LH4; 1.3 L H4 |
| Transmission | 4-speedmanual transaxle |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Volkswagen Caddy (1980) |
TheVolkswagen Type 147 (informallyFridolin) was apanel van produced by the German automakerVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles from 1964 until 1974. Thevan was mainly built for the purposes of the state-ownedDeutsche Bundespost.[1][2]
In February 1962 the German Postal Services commissioned Volkswagen to design them a postal van that would suit their needs. To lower costs, VW started off with theKarmann producedBeetle cabriolet (Type 15) as basis for the van due to its strength in build but later turned to theKarmann Ghia (Type 14) for basis as it was wider. The engine, the transmission and axles originated from the VW Beetle Type 1, the headlights from theVW 1500, and the tailgate (scaled-down) from theVW Transporter (Type 2).[1]
It was agreedFranz Knobel & Sohn GmbH (later calledWestfalia-Werke) would build the vehicles at the behest of VW. Several prototypes were designed until production started in 1964. Most cars were sold to the Deutsche Bundespost, but also toSwiss Post Offices (in an upgraded version with a more powerful 1.3 L engine,disc brakes and ablock heater) and to theLufthansa forapron use.[1]
Its official name wasVolkswagen Type 147 Kleinlieferwagen (small van) but due to its funny and badly proportioned shape it was affectionately calledFridolin.[citation needed][3] From 1964 to July 1974, 6139 were produced, approximately 200 are preserved.[1]
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