AUTOMOTIVE RESEARCH LIBRARY OF THE HCFI

Major support by the Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation

Summer 2014 “The Information Place” Volume 16 #3 The : An Enduring Legacy

In our last article titled “Auto Design and Coach Building” we touched upon re- nowned auto designer and engineer Dr. Fer- dinand Porsche, and his many contributions to the automotive industry. After doing all the research for that last article, I thought an article might be in order chronicling one of his most iconic and enduring designs – the VW Beetle, and it’s almost impossible jour- ney - from a simple idea that the average person could afford to drive a car that was both reliable and efficient if engineered cor- rectly - to quite possibly the most recogniza- ble car ever developed. The VW Beetle is no doubt recognized world-wide for its ubiquitous design. It’s been the workhorse for budget-minded col- lege students, ambitious minimum-wage earners who just entered the workforce, as well as creative hot rod enthusiasts who have taken the famous bodies and done eve- rything imaginable to them: from cutting up several of them and welding them into lim- First production VW circa 1939 ousines, to cramming Chevrolet 350 motors conceivable - and still maintain its identity. into them for purposes. They’ve Very few cars are that versatile; even fewer Up Coming Events been adorned with custom paint jobs that are that universally recognizable – not only cost more than some of them were worth; by sight, but sound as well. September 28: Santa Fe some have their suspensions modified to Having personally grown up during the Concorso, at The Club at Las ridiculous proportions to accommodate ex- 1970’s and 80’s, the VW Bug was every- Campanas, Santa Fe, NM treme off-roading (aka the ‘Baja Bugs’ pop- where. Most of my friends that owned them October 8 to 11: Hershey Fall ular in the deserts of the American South- had inherited them from their parents (who Swap Meet, Hershey, PA west.) The truth is the “Bug” design was so hadn’t the heart to get rid of them for nostal- good that it could be modified in every way Continue on page 2 October 26: Car Classic 2014 — Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, CA Library receives another large book donation It’s September, and so far it’s been a say a quick thank you to those who made November 12, 9:00am: Board busy year here at the library. We’ve taken in those generous donations: San Diego Gas & Meeting at the Library. quite a few donations of books, magazines, Electric, B. Rockwood, B. Campbell, G. La Mesa, CA and memorabilia. We’d like to go ahead and Long, J. Windle, L. Shrum, J. Mauleg, P. February 20-22, 2015: BIG 3 Parts Reed, H. Lanahan, and any that we may Exchange, San Diego, CA have overlooked – many thanks to all of Library at Hershey you! It is your generosity that enables us to March 19 & 20, 2015: Pre-War In Chocolate North Field grow and expand each year. Swap Meet, Chickasha, OK Growing and expanding is indeed the case, as the library has been graciously of- April 10 & 11, 2015: Bakersfield C4F5 Swap Meet, Bakersfield, CA Continue on page 6

The Volkswagen Beetle: An Enduring Legacy Continued from page 1 gic reasons) or saved up summer job mon- ey and found just the right one out of the classified ads in the newspaper (remember those?) only to spend every penny earned and every spare moment available in the garage working on making their Bug not only an accurate reflection of their person- ality, but the coolest car in the parking lot at school. Truthfully, the affordability of the Bug and its abundance in the automo- tive marketplace made it a suitable first vehicle for many, although it should be noted that the Beetle will almost always sell for more to a second owner than it did to the first – an accomplishment few other vehicles can boast. The origins of the VW are well-known to most auto enthusiasts, but to the layman on the street, it might be surprising to find out the extraordinary circumstances of how the “Bug” came to be. At the risk of revis- Porsche's personal Wanderer prototype circa 1932 iting Porsche’s past again in too much de- tail, it’s imperative to note that it had been from a completely revolutionary stand- gine, independent suspension, the swing his goal (even prior to WWI) to create an point. axle, and a tube chassis. The Volkswagen affordable vehicle ‘for the people.’ He bris- Intrigued by the ‘small cars’ of the would incorporate all of these features. tled at the seven and eight liter behemoths day which included the Austin, Citroen, Following the opening of Porsche’s own that were the norm, and seemed to serve and Renault, and the problems that arose in engineering firm in 1930, the idea then only the very wealthy (who were the only small-car design– particularly after many known as ‘Project Twelve’ or “Small Car” people that could afford the enormous costs visits and conversations with longtime was put into motion. It was the birth of the of maintaining them). friend and designer for the Czech firm Ta- VW Beetle. Much of that early design is As it turned out, the economic impacts tra, Dr. Hans Ledwinka - he plotted a still evident in the Volkswagens seen felt throughout Europe following WWI course to change history. everywhere today. forced many to reluctantly switch to cars Focusing on maximizing space, mini- The target top speed was 60mph, so that were smaller and more economical, mizing weight, and optimizing performance the car had to be light and aerodynamic, which Porsche intended to further capital- not only in the engine but also in the sus- minimizing wind resistance. The rear- ize by taking on the design issues head-on pension and electrical systems, the features engine design allowed easy production, and approaching the design of the car (and of what he deemed ‘The People’s Car’ passengers to have more room between the re-design of the idea of cars in general) would sport a rear-mounted air-cooled en- axles, and the ability to forgo a long driveshaft. To achieve even weight distri- bution, the tires were set in a “four-corner” configuration, and a ‘flat’ or opposed- cylinder engine with an integrated trans- mission and differential was adopted. To avoid a heavy box frame, he opted for a lighter, more rigid tubular frame with a central backbone and outriggers, as well as a swing axle in the rear and trailing arm/ torsion bar suspension in the front of the car. After initial sketches, Porsche set out to find financing for prototypes. The first to throw their hat into the ring were the Wan- derer motorcycle firm, where prototypes (known as the Zundapp type 12 or Volksau- to) were drawn up and put into production. Of the three developed (all of which showed little resemblance to what we know now as the Beetle), one actually became his personal car. After poor initial test results, A VW Bug Limo (Courtesy of Flickr.com) it was decided that Dr. Fritz Neumeyer,

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The Volkswagen Beetle: An Enduring Legacy Continued from page 2 and despite inadequate funding and only ten months to complete them, he succeeded in creating the VW series 3 – a full twenty eight months later – a testament to his in- difference to the Nazi regime. The proto- types were turned over to the Nazis on Oc- tober 12, 1936. Testing went well, and all seemed right – with the exception of the weight of the car, which did not met Hit- ler’s specifications. By replacing cast iron with expensive alloys however, the price skyrocketed, and Hitler, along with the entire Society of German Automobile Man- ufacturers balked, fearing bankruptcy or worse if they did not first establish a sepa- rate company to develop the people’s car. With Nazi backing from the Party Labor Organization, a Nazi-owned company was commandeered and Porsche was installed as head of the Board of Directors. ‘The people’s car’ was now ready to Last Surviving NSU Type 32 Volksauto Prototype begin production on a full scale, and the Wolfsburg Factory (which featured tools head of Zundapp Motorcycles, would focus car.’ Hitler also hung national pride on the and machinery secured in the United States on motorcycles entirely due to the surge of winning of competitions. Under as well as American-trained German engi- interest in them during the Great Depres- these auspices, Porsche was summoned to neers summoned back to the Fatherland to sion. He terminated their agreement and Berlin for a secret meeting. He was in- work for the Nazis) was now a reality. released all rights for Project 12 to Porsche. structed to follow Hitler’s criteria for devel- Since there was no budget ceiling, Porsche The next to court Porsche was the Bol- oping a small car and prepare a memoran- could perfect all the imperfections, and shevik nation of the USSR, who wined and dum to the Government. Fortuitously for produce the car he had dreamt about for so dined him in hopes of him being the desig- Porsche, his criteria were the following: long. What was once the Series 30 became nated state auto designer for the Russian Speed, economy, room for family, air cool- the Volkswagen Series 38; it was approved Empire. Tempted by promises of his own ing, and a low price. Refining the NSU for production by Hitler, and was publi- factory and unlimited funds and resources, design, Porsche submitted his memo in cized to the German People as the KDF he inevitably chose to turn them down (not January of 1934. Then he waited. (the German interpretation of the Acronym wanting to move his life and family to Rus- He was commissioned to again create “strength through joy,” which was the La- sia), returning to his homeland. He then three prototypes for the Nazi Government, bor Front’s slogan). Critics dubbed it ‘the turned to another motorcycle firm, NSU, and pitched his ideas to their managing director Herr Fritz von Falkenhayn, who liked what he saw and agreed to produce another three prototypes. Production began on the NSU Volksautos in January of 1934. While the testing of these prototypes went well, Porsche hit yet another road- block when he found that NSU had agreed to sell its automotive department to Italian Fiat to develop only motorcycles. Under the terms of that agreement, Porsche was again let go, though still retaining his rights. He was confident now that the pro- totype testing had been successful, and knew he needed to be patient; the right situ- ation would come along. In 1933, it did – under the most unlikely of circumstances. Shortly after becoming Chancellor of Germany in 1933, Adolph Hitler (an avid auto enthusiast himself) began chants in rallies of “a car in every family,” seemingly mirroring Porsche’s idea of a ‘people’s 'Baja Bug' (courtesy of flickr.com)

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The Volkswagen Beetle: An Enduring Legacy Continued from page 3

When Nordhoff took the reins, the British were actually relieved, having at- tempted unsuccessfully to manage Wolfs- burg themselves, then offering it to every Allied country, all of which subsequently turned down the offer. After all, it was a strange-looking car to most, not to mention the fact that it was developed ‘by the Na- zis,’ which garnered it a stigma that would be virtually impossible so shake. Nobody even wanted to touch it. In fact, in March of 1948, two months after Nordhoff took over Wolfsburg, a meeting was held by British Colonel Charles Radclyffe to pitch the plant to Henry Ford II – for free. In attendance was Ford, Radclyffe, and Ern- est Breech, chairman of Ford’s German and British subsidiaries, and Nordhoff. When Ford asked Breech what he thought about Wolfsburg, he replied: “Mr. Ford, I don’t think what we are being offered is ugly duckling.’ But it was not meant to be dismantled, but they came to the fantastic worth a damn.” – yet again. conclusion that the VW was not worthy of Two years later after being released As Hitler plunged the country into manufacture. They began searching for from a French prison, Wolfsburg was visit- World War, the ‘people’s car’ was almost someone to spearhead the resurrection of ed by its father, Ferdinand Porsche, at the forgotten. Porsche’s focus became all- Wolfsburg, and decided on Heinz Nord- request of Nordhoff. He told Nordhoff it encompassed by the war effort, and the hoff, arguably the most qualified person was exactly what he had envisioned all production of the Wehrmacht VW chassis for the job – his technical expertise was those years ago. Nordhoff had turned the was limited to military applications utiliz- well-known and renowned in Germany as vision of Porsche’s Type 38 into a reality ing many body styles, where it performed well as in England as an aero-engineer at at last – now known as ‘Type 11.’ Alt- unfailingly under the harshest of condi- BMW and later at the Opel plant, which hough it was difficult to manufacture cars tions. It wasn’t until after the war, where was owned by the U.S.’s General Motors. with limited machinery and even less mod- reparations and outright looting decimated Having been trained in the American ern manufacturing equipment, Nordhoff Germany’s machine-making capabilities, tradition, Nordhoff was reluctant to take on managed to export enough cars (mostly to that resourceful Germans – needing cars the job – he disapproved of the concept of Switzerland and Belgium, where postwar and trucks – started scavenging from mili- small cars and had looked down on the currency was freely convertible) to finance tary vehicles left behind and crafting their idea of the KDF car as ‘cheap and unfair new machinery a little at a time. Utilizing own bodies around the mighty VW chas- competition’ – not to mention that he had his experience from Opel, he focused on a sis; craftily using fuselages from downed never even driven one of them. Like Por- plan to install service facilities in every aircraft and abandoned transport vehicles, sche, Nordhoff’s Opel plant produced mili- country he planned on selling the trading parts, and racing – a temporary tary vehicles for the war effort reluctantly, Volkswagen prior to the delivery of the diversion from the horrors of post-war and was never a member of the Nazi party, cars – an unprecedented move in the in- reality in Germany and an attempt to resur- viewing his dealings with them with dis- dustries’ history. It was his belief that “a rect their national sport. It appeared in at dain. He decided to take the job to avoid car is no better than its available service least one aspect, the VW was in the hands hard labor in the U.S. zones of occupied facilities.” It was a gamble that paid off, as of the German People, and the VW chassis Germany, and to prevent his family from it proved to be the most valuable promo- became the spark that reignited motor- living hand to mouth. His ace in the hole tion possible for the VW. Despite the ani- sports in Germany. was that Wolfsburg had escaped any direct mosity that most countries held for Germa- Meanwhile at the Wolfsburg plant, the bombing (although looting had reduced the ny, the Beetle became its ambassador of British had put former employees back to plant’s machinery to little or nothing), and goodwill, and the world would soon fall work by converting the factory into a Brit- was already producing small amounts of head over heels for it. ish maintenance depot, and the VW’s that cars for use by British officials. Despite It is ironic that a vehicle with roots were pieced back together were used by the fact that he was on his own, would be firmly planted in socialism would inevita- high-ranking British officials for personal getting no government support in the new bly grow to become the symbol of demo- use. The Beetle’s performance caught the free-market system, he jumped in head cratic free-enterprise. What is miraculous attention of the British, and samples were first, and the scorn that he initially held for about Volkswagen is the fact that it fi- sent back to England for consideration of the KDF car for challenging all German nanced its own expansion under the superi- mass-production under British rule. It was auto manufacturers in the past faded, and or supervision and management of Nord- agreed that the factory be rebuilt instead of the VW soon became his passion. Continue on page 7 4

Vehicle service information available on the website...

These pages are from Automotive Trade Journal, September 1934. These publication were published to keep mechanics up to date with service tips. They are great guide to any mechanic working on vintage vehicles. Other online periodicals include The Automobile, Automobile Industries, Automobile Topics, Cycle and Automotive Trade Journal, Horseless Age, Motor, Motor Age, and Motor World. These periodical are on the website and available to all members of the Automotive Research Library of the HCFI.

American Automobile, The Auto-Motor Journal (England), and Motor Traction (England) will be added to the website when scanning is completed. Membership Renewals start in October

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Library receives another large book donation Continued from page 1

tributing everything we could to make room for all the boxes coming our way – even before we knew we were actually going to receive them. In light of this new donation and its size, we also put in a request to ex- pand the now two-year old shelving units we had erected in the library to accommo- date the Lothrop collection (which was ap- proved), which means more construction, more expansion, and more items for all of our members to research and enjoy. There should also be a significant num- ber of duplicate books that will be placed up for sale (to our members first, of course) as well. We plan on having the inventory on the fered a donation of approximately several offered the entire collection. new book donation and the shelving in- thousand automotive-themed books from The collection of books (in 122 storage stalled before Thanksgiving (a herculean Joel Dethlefs of Berlin, Germany; a former boxes), is now at the Library, waiting to be task indeed) provided all goes according to engineer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory inventoried. A quick sneak-peek in to sever- plan. Seeing as how we began our prepara- al boxes indicated that there are many rac- tions so far in advance, we should be right ing books in the collection as well as very on schedule. Even with all of this going on, rare historical automotive books, and will there is the Hershey Meet in Pennsylvania definitely be yet another great asset to the in October, where Mac will be present and Library - in both quality and quantity. representing the HCFI, fundraising and It appears that in addition to the many gaining financial supporters and more new wonderful donations we have already re- members. ceived this year, this could be the most sig- As for existing members, all will bene- nificant. It seems that this donation might in fit from the new additions to the library. fact double the book inventory of the li- However, with all this new expansion brary – much as the John Lothrop donation comes quite a substantial price tag. It is did a few years ago. Needless to say, we’ve estimated that the additional shelving we been quite excited by this news – but with got approved to build in the library is going that excitement came some apprehension – to run around $9,000, not to mention the and the inevitable question: how are we man-hours it will take to do the inventory, going to fit all of it into the library—and appraisal, data entry and labelling of the where? Dethlefs donation that will soon be filling Having asked that question, we began this new shelving. Only a fraction of that preparing for what we knew was coming will be covered by proceeds from all of the three months in advance; moving and redis- swap meets, car shows, and club meets we

(JPL) of Pasadena, California, and a former member of the Society of Automotive His- torians (SAH). After retiring and moving to Berlin over six years ago, Mr. Dethlefs had placed seven crates of personal items in storage for “a couple of months.” He then decided that the crates needed to be dealt with. To that end, he then sent an email out to SAH members in southern California, informing them that he was looking for a charitable organization to donate his book collection to. I was fortuitously forwarded the message, and sent Mr. Dethlefs an email expressing my interest in it. After exchang- ing several more emails, the Library was

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Library Continued from page 6 are about to undertake in the next several So, if you have benefitted from using Gifts In Memory Of: months. the research library for any of your research Eileen Simpson While we will always graciously ac- needs in the past, we’re asking if you would cept book, magazine, and memorabilia now help us, so that we will still be here to Gail Garrison donations, the rubber really meets the road provide for your research needs in the fu- Emeral Lee Hill with monetary donations – it’s what keeps ture. We know times are tough, but with George & Frances Sherman the gears turning and the library running your help in the past, we’ve not only weath- Northern California RG HCCA like a well-oiled machine. ered many a storm, we’ve prevailed. Monetary donations are what allow us, You’ve never let us down before, so what- Robert Schneider the Automotive Research Library, to be the ever you feel you can do to help would be Gordon & Carolyn McGregor premier automotive research library west most appreciated. We want to keep moving Bill and Frances Pyle of the Rockies, and following this dona- forward, and we’re betting you want us to State of Jefferson Antique Car Club tion, possibly the entire country. This is as well. where we must appeal to you, our mem- If you are able and want to make a Walter Kuhn bers, for your tax-deductible donations, to donation to the library, do not hesitate to Modesto RG HCCA help fund this new ambitious project (and call us, email us, or write us regarding the Edward Monson any future projects) that will set the bar particulars. We look forward to hearing George & Frances Sherman even higher for research excellence, as well from you, and look forward to continually Northern California RG HCCA as our goal to be the biggest and best auto- providing you with the best research library Louise Schneider motive research library in the world. facility we possibly can. There will be more Northern California RG HCCA information on the Dethlefs Collection in John Hottel Volkswagen Continued from page 4 the next newsletter after we have completed San Diego RG HCCA the inventory and evaluation – a process Gifts in Kind: hoff without any support from government that we’ve been reluctantly putting off in Joel Dethlefs or stockholders – an accomplishment anticipation of cooler conditions to work (as Santa Fe Concorso unique in corporate history. When asked it has been 100+ outside for several days Larry Schrum about his ‘National Miracle,’ Nordhoff this week and 85 degrees or higher in the Jean Harshaw replied “It annoys me greatly when people warehouse area with very high humidity speak of the miracle of the Volkswagen due to the remnants of Hurricane Odile.) Cash Donation: factory. It doesn’t have anything to do Thank you all for your consideration – we Don Sable with miracles – only with work, considera- will keep you posted on our progress in the Nick Fintzelberg, Ph.D. tion, and the knowledge how to go about newsletters to come. New HCFI Members: doing something. Work hard, don’t boast, and be bigger than you appear.” – Kevin J Daniel Birch, Edmonton, Alberta Parker COMPLETE SETS GAZETTE & Colin Fort, Encinitas, CA VINTAGE FORD FOR SALE. Mark Hunnibell, Yellow Springs, OH Cindy Ionita, Los Angeles, CA Bibliography & Photo Credits: (1) Nitske, Robert W. - “The Amazing The HCFI has available for sale com- Bob McCoy, Danville, CA Porsche and Volkswagen Story,” ©Comet plete sets of the above magazines. We Kenneth Parrotte, West Monroe, NY Press Books, 1958 also have many duplicates so if you Roberto Rodriguez, Mount Desert, ME (2) Nelson, Walter Henry – “Small Won- need to fill in your collection give us a John C. Vander Haag, Sanborn, IA der: The Amazing Story of the Volkswagen,” call. Warren Westerholm, La Crescenta, CA ©Little, Brown & Co., 1965 Duplicates run 1939-1949 $15.00 (3)Post, Dan R. – “Volkswagen: Nine Lives Later,” ©Horizon House, 1966 1950-1959 $10.00 LIFE MEMBERS (4)Elfrink, Hank – “The Volkswagen 1960-1969 $ 5.00 Complete Owner’s Handbook of Repair and 1970-1979 $ 3.00 Dr. Merl* & Joy Ledford Maintenance,” © Clymer Publications, 1957 1980 up $ 1.00 Philip & Joy Note: All publications listed in the above Steve & Blanche Gordon bibliography are available for research pur- Paul* & Dorothy* Kettenburg poses and viewing on premises here at the HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Automotive Research Library of the HCFI. Thomas & Kris Kettenburg Philip & Joy Reed George & Frances Sherman Marian Teague Jeanne Deringer Jack* & Gail Garrison Next Board Meeting Peggie Eccles* Edward* & Jean Johnson Bill & Loraine Cuthbert The next Board Meeting will be on Don & Becky Sable Wednesday November 12th, 2014 Paul & Dorothy Kettenburg* Jack* & Gail Garrison Nicholas Fintzelberg 9:00 AM Mr. & Mrs. Ross Bewley Edward Meanley* at the Library Office: David & Sondra Gast 8186 Center Street, Suite F Donald & Margaret Miller Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation La Mesa, CA 91942. *deceased * deceased

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LIBRARY INFORMATION Chronicles of the Automotive Industry in America, For 1934

Production for the year: 31,573,512 passenger cars, 346,545 trucks and buses. Horseless Carriage Foundation Wholesale value of replacement parts and accessories produced this year: 8186 Center Street, Suite F, $299,879,633 — a 28% increase over 1933 La Mesa, CA 91942 Correspond to: Chevrolet produced its 10-millionth car to celebrate its 223rd anniversary. PO Box 369, La Mesa CA 91944-0369 Chrysler and DeSoto introduced Airflow design, with automatic transmission over- drive. 619-464-0301 Phone/Fax E-mail [email protected] Roy Faulkner returned to Auburn as President. Web site www.hcfi.org Name of National Automobile Chamber of Commerce changed to Automobile HCFI 2014 Board of Directors Manufacturers Association.

President Donald Sable, OK Graham offered a supercharger-equipped car. Vice Pres. Greg Long, CA Treasurer Thomas Kettenburg, CA Studebaker emerged from receivership. Secretary Gordon McGregor, CA Cadillac was the first to use a generator with current to keep battery fully charged Public Relations Reid Carroll, CA for loads. Director David Gast Ed. D., CA Director Roberta Watkins, CA D. E. Bates became President of REO. Director Gail Garrison, CA Fred and Charles Fisher retired from General Motors. Director Nick Fintzelberg Ph. D., CA M. M. Gilman became Pacard general manager. Executive Director D. A. “Mac” MacPherson REO offered gear shift on the dash. Additional Volunteers & Consultants

Jay Watkins, Sr. Boyd Goddard Radio controls, built into instrument panel, appeared on several makes of cars. Diane MacPherson Gail Wilson “Wild Bill” Cummings averaged 104.865 mph. to win the Indianapolis Sweep- stakes. Newsletter Editors D. A. “Mac” MacPherson New Make this year: Lafayette.

Established 1984 From: A Chronicle OF THE Automotive Industry IN AMERICA, Published 1949.

Automotive Research Library of the Horseless Carriage Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 369, La Mesa, CA 91944-0369

Horseless Carriage Foundation, Inc. Membership Application or apply online at www.hcfi.org. The Horseless Carriage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public educational foundation. Please fill out this form and mail it to Automotive Research Library of the HCFI, PO Box 369, La Mesa CA 91944-0369 Please include check or credit card number and expiration date or pay on our secure web site. We accept Mastercard, Discover and Visa.

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