Volkswagen Brasilia
| Volkswagen Brasília | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen |
| Also called | Volkswagen Igala |
| Production | 1973–1982 |
| Designer | Marcio Piancastelli |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Economy car |
| Doors | 3 - 5 |
| Related | Volkswagen Beetle |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.600 cc |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 millimetres (94.5 in) |
| Length | 4,015 millimetres (158.1 in) |
| Width | 1,605 millimetres (63.2 in) |
| Height | 1,430 millimetres (56.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 890 kg (1,960 lb) |
The Volkswagen Brasília is a rear-engined compact car, manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen in Brazil between 1973 and 1982; in Mexico from 1974-1982; and as knock down kits in Nigeria where it was marketed as the Igala from 1976-1980.
Designed to replace the Beetle (or Fusca) in the Brazilian market and originally available in a three-door and five-door hatchback body style, the Brasília combined the air-cooled engine of the Volkswagen Beetle, the chassis of the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia and styling reminiscent of the Volkswagen 412.
Developed by Volkswagen do Brasil (Volkswagen of Brazil) and internally designated as the Type 321, the Brasília was named after Brazil's capital city and by the end of 1982, over one million examples had been manufactured.
In September 1970, Volkswagen of Brazil's president, Rudolf Leiding, challenged the company's designers to recreate the Beetle with the Brazilian market in mind. At that time, the Beetle, the Bus and the Karmann-Ghia were the only air-cooled VWs that proved successful in Brazil. For Leiding, the new Volkswagen should be practical, economical and larger than the Beetle.
In three months, more than 40 prototypes were developed. The prototypes were expensive and VW was looking for a new cheap car, to compete with the brand new Chevette, from Chevrolet.
Sales began in 1973, following its premiere in May that year. The Brasília was originally marketed as a commercial small van to take advantage of the lower tax rates on "trucks" — a classification and marketing approach that may have hampered initial sales. The Brasília was the first Brazilian hatchback with five doors, a version ultimately manufactured in small numbers and more exported than sold in Brazil.
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Wikipedia