The largest automaker in Europe is Volkswagen, however it has not always been
this way. The name Volkswagen means “people’s car”. New cars are not always
considered a “people’s car”. In the early 1930’s simple cars were on the rise.
Automakers were trying to build cars that were simple and affordable. The
average wage back in the 1930’s would be much less than a simple car back then.
In the end, the car would end up costing more than annual salary for most
drivers.
However, back in 1930 Ferdinand Porche was trying to set up an automotive design
company. This was also known as the Porche Buro Company. Porche had the idea of
combining sophistication with independence. Ferdinand began patenting the first
independent front suspension system. With this he transversely mounted torsion
bars and connected them to two trailing arms. This at the time was much lighter
than the standard suspension.
Later on in 1931 a German company by the name of Zundapp asked Ferdinand if he
would help create a car for them. The creation was a two door sedan similar to
the Volkswagen Beetle. This type of car was designated a type 12. Zundapp had
the brilliant idea of placing a 1.2 liter radial motorcycle engine under the
hood. Unfortunately this idea did not catch on immediately. It soon failed and
the idea was scrapped.
After Porche has designed a car for Dunlapp they came upon a company called NSU
in 1933. This car was known as the type 32. The type 32 car had more of a wagon
design to it. A big difference from the type 12 Ferdinand Porche created two
years earlier. Eventually after WWII the idea collapsed after another automaker
believed it’s design had been pirated.
Later on in 1933 Adolph Hitler met with Ferdinand Porche with an idea to create
the first Volkswagen. The proposition included a car that could go in upwards of
62mph, carry 5 adults, and be cost effective on gas. This car would be able to
get at least 33mpg, and only cost 1000 Reich Marks. Ferdinand Porche took this
opportunity to push his idea of a small car forward.
This idea created what was known as the type 60 car, which later was name the
experimental one (or VI) Adolph Hitler then wanted to produce a convertible
version of this same car. This idea would also benefit the citizens of Germany.
The new type 60 convertible was also known as the V2.
Unfortunately Ferdinand Porche was unable to reach the deadline in creating the
prototype for these automobiles. Two factors prevented him from being able to
complete them. The first of the two was the inability to design the cars in the
specified time. The second factor resided in the fact that building these
automobiles was much more labor intensive. Ferdinand was unfortunately unable to
build these two prototypes all together. Regardless in late 1935 he was able to
complete the vehicles, and had them rolling. The first three cars to be produced
was the non convertible version on this automobile the V1. Soon this automobile
name was changed to VW3 (Volkswagen 3). These vehicles were tested throughout
1936.
The Volkswagen 3 had heavy metal doors, rear transmissions with swing axels, and
Ferdinand Porche added his own patented front independent suspensions. They
tested numerous engines, and decided to go with a flat four cylinder engine.
This particular engine was also known as an air cooled engine.
The particular engine that was chosen was not only more cost effective for the
citizens of Germany, but was also more reliable then the previous engines that
were tested. This engine was nicknamed the “Boxer” engine, and put out 22.5
horsepower. Surprisingly enough this same engine, would be incorporated into the
modern day Volkswagen Beetles that are produced today.
Eventually data was collected from the testing of the Volkswagen 3. They decided
the next version of this automobile would be the Volkswagen 30. They decided to
produce thirty Volkswagen 30 models.
DAF was an organization created by Adolph Hitler. Due to Adolph’s régime this
organization was later made a government organization. This gave Adolph Hitler
the ability to control the company and the testing of the Volkswagen 30. In
order to ensure that all problems with the Volkswagen 30 were fixed Adolph
Hitler ordered every member of the SS to drive them daily. Fortunately for
Ferdinand Porche all problems in the earlier models were fixed.
Following the success of the Volkswagen 30 in 1938, Ferdinand Porche then began
working on the Volkswagen 38. Because a new factory was needed Adolph Hitler
also began reconstruction on the town where the factory would reside. In 1939
several demonstration cars, and VW 38 pre production models were produced. This
was proof that the factory did indeed function. It also helped to give insight
on what the final model of the Volkswagen 38 would look like.
These vehicles were far different then the VW3 and VW30. These automobiles had
hinged doors whereas the earlier models had suicide doors. They also had split
windows in the back. Larger hoods were installed, and many other minor
differences. This version was the final version created after the war had ended.
Ferdinand Porche became outraged when Adolph Hitler inquired about a name
change. This name change was from Volkswagen 38 to KdF (“Kraft durch Freude”).
The meaning of Kraft durch Freude was “Strength through Joy”. As stated
Ferdinand Porche was outraged, he was not a nazi and wanted no part of it. He
was infuriated when he later discovered Adolph Hitler using propaganda to
advertise the Volkswagen 38.
A few months later they began selling stamps of the now KdF. These stamps
eventually could be used to purchase it. If the person purchased two-hundred
stamps, they could then use the stamps to purchase an automobile.
Unfortunately for Volkswagen the KdF car was not meant to be. They began getting
sued by people wanting compensation for purchasing the stamps. After all the
deal was purchase 200 stamps, and redeem them for a KdF.
As the KdF factory proceeded with producing these cars it became a prime target
for allied forces. Unfortunately due to the war, it was partially destroyed. The
Britain’s were interested in the factory due to the need of selling smaller
vehicles. They began rebuilding the partially damaged factory. Major Ivan Hirst
of the British Army was given the responsibility of this factory. By the end of
1945 over 2000 cars had been produced under Major Ivan Hirst leadership.
Since the factory had recently been destroyed, the British army was able to
produce some of their 2000 vehicles with spare parts. After a year had passed
the factory had produced well over 10,000 cars. The British army then decided to
name the factory “Volkswagen”. This occurred well after 1945 and into 1946. Not
only did they rename the factory but also the small town that it was in. This
town was named none other than “Wolfsburg”. Interestingly enough this was also
the name of a local castle.
Eventually the British would grow tired of the company and looked to sell it.
Several companies turned down the offer, thinking it would just be a waste of
money. Fortunately in 1949 the German government gained control over the
company. Heinrich Nordoff was deemed worthy as senior executive of the
Volkswagen company. He was a very good asset to this new company.
Since the 1950’s Volkswagen has built factories in several countries Australia,
Mexico, and South Africa. Volkswagen today is a far cry from the company that
used to be. Regardless, in the soul of every Volkswagen lies a 1930’s prototype
created by Ferdinand Porche.
Written by bidbabynet
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