Log in / RegisterLike loads of classic car enthusiasts across the world, we love classic Volkswagens, whether it be a Beetle, a Bulli a Samba, a Splitty T1 camper van or a T2 Baywindow camper van. They’re always great to see at classic car shows.
What is even better is when you go on holiday abroad and classic cars and to top the lot when you see a rare classic car you’ve never see or even heard of before ! And this was the case when we went to Portugal on holiday a few years ago and we went for a morning walk to the local shops from the hotel. Here was this unusual Volkswagen and when we got closer could see it was a Brasilia.
Looking like a sister car to the Volkswagen 412, it was developed by Volkswagen Brazil in 1970 as an additional model to the range to go with the Beetle. Taking the same 1600cc air cooled engine but with the Karmann Ghia Type 14 chassis, it proved a hit across South America, Mexico and into Europe with Spain and Portugal. Over 1 million models being made before production ended in 1982.
Looking at the front, it’s quite an attractive model and we can’t understand why it wasn’t sold more widely across Europe, especially in Germany and the UK.
With it’s tailgate access to the rear engine would have been excellent, and with the square front end, there would have been a much bigger luggage space than the faithful VW Beetle.
This has been the only time we’ve seen a Brasilia despite visiting loads of shows over the years, including many VW only shows ! We think it’s a pretty looking car and would have been a fantastic hit in Europe.
