1972 Volkswagen Squareback

Dubbed the Squareback in the U.S., Volkswagen's Type 3 wagon offered remarkable practicality by combining a rear-mounted air-cooled engine with both a spacious rear cargo area and a front trunk, creating one of the most versatile compact cars of its era. This 1972 Volkswagen Type 3 Squareback 1600 LE is powered by a 1,584cc air-cooled flat-four engine paired with a fully synchronized 4-speed manual transaxle. Originally finished in Texas Yellow and delivered new to San Francisco, California, it has since been refinished in Brilliant Orange and benefits from a reupholstered interior, new 15" GT wheels with replacement tires, recent servicing by a respected air-cooled Volkswagen specialist in Tampa, and accompanying Volkswagen Birth Certificate documentation. Having spent time in California and Texas, this well-presented VW Squareback is now being offered for sale in Tampa, Florida.

Finished in Brilliant Orange (Leuchtorange), this Squareback was professionally repainted in early 2023 and has since been stored indoors in a climate-controlled environment. Exterior details include dual chrome side mirrors, chrome bumpers, front vent window, bright trim, and a polished chrome exhaust tip. The car rides on newly installed 15" GT-style wheels mounted with new Premiorri Solazo S Plus tires measuring 185/65R15. The seller notes the finish continues to present with excellent gloss and has been preserved by limited fair-weather use, primarily for local car shows. Minor rust is noted in the typical lower front door areas on driver's side, while the underside, battery compartment, front luggage compartment, and spare tire well are solid and intact. Detailed images documenting the exterior and underbody are provided in the gallery.

The cabin was reupholstered in black and grey under previous ownership in late 2024 and features custom Volkswagen-logo embroidery on the seat backrests. The upholstery remains in excellent condition, while all major accessories and instrumentation, including the fuel gauge, warning lights, turn signals, high beams, windshield wipers, and other electrical equipment, are reported to function properly. The odometer is currently inoperative, and the total mileage is unknown.

Power comes from a naturally aspirated 1,584cc air-cooled flat-four engine driving the rear wheels through a fully synchronized 4-speed manual transaxle. Braking is provided by front disc brakes and rear drums. Upon acquiring the car approximately two years ago, the seller focused primarily on mechanical upkeep, including lubrication of the steering linkage, ball joints, and driveshaft fittings. The seller reports the engine starts easily, idles smoothly, and shifts cleanly through all gears. Recent maintenance performed by Fisher Buggies, a respected air-cooled Volkswagen specialist near Tampa, Florida, included a brake service, carburetor synchronization, valve adjustment, a tune-up, engine oil and filter service, and a compression test.

Accompanying the sale are a Volkswagen Birth Certificate, recent maintenance records, spare keys, a fitted Sea Skin car cover, and a clean Florida title. We have truly enjoyed owning her, but it is time to turn the page and let someone else enjoy the nods and thumbs up; also need the space in garage for the next project! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll do my best to respond promptly and provide any additional information you may need.

Having owned many classics in the past, this wagon gets more attention than any of them. People wave, smile, ask questions at gas stations, and is talked about everywhere she goes. This is one of those cars that make people happy! It's simple, reliable, unique, and getting harder to find in this condition. Award winner at each of 3 shows taken!

Lastly, this wagon is 55 years old, so expect to tinker and have things come up; however, there is no reason it can't be driven daily as is.