A TALE OF
TWO
THREES Morgan Inmire’s
Squareback
and Fastback
By Dave Cormack
This Squareback came from the factory as a right-hand-drive car.
Morgan is very happy to have resurrected his mother’s old Squareback. The name of the paint color is Kalahari Beige, but it sure looks orange to us. At any rate, you should see this Type 3 in person!
Morgan had the fuel-injected 1600cc engine rebuilt to stock specs, just as it was when “Mutti” used it.
I
Morgan Inmire’s Squareback makes for a pleasing contrast parked next to a mural of Crescent City’s lighthouses.
48 VW TRENDS • SUMMER ’23
n the 1950s, Volkswagen had a three-model series (Beetle, Bus, KG Type 14) using the same 1100cc 36hp motor. With a worldwide export expansion program at the top of their priorities, VW knew they needed a middle-class series of cars with a larger motor. In 1957, one of VW’s Wolfsburg factory buildings suffered a fire and was gutted. VW engineers secretly began the new 1500 model line development in this building, with the windows covered and access limited. By 1960, three 1500 models were being exhaustively tested: the Sedan (Notchback), Wagon (Variant), and Sports Coupe (KG T34).
Morgan filled the front trunk area with some very stylish period correct luggage.
The new 1500cc engine was redesigned in a flat format to allow a third storage compartment. Compared to the existing product line, the 1500 series had more standard-equipment features, and the interiors were more comfortable. Prices were higher too, with the Notchback costing 35 percent more than the Beetle. VW announced that it would not discontinue the Beetle; rather, the 1500 series (also known as the Type 3) would be an additional model line. Production lasted from 1962 to 1973, with over 2.6 million cars built. Progressive refinements in the Type 3 included a 45hp motor (1962-63), 54hp motor (1964-73),
