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Volkswagen's history began modestly, with the creation of air-cooled vehicles known for their robustness and simplicity. These models not only conquered the European market, but also left an indelible mark around the world, especially in Brazil, where “Volkswagens” gained popularity and are still seen on the streets. The innovation of the air-cooled boxer engine turned these cars into global phenomena, reaching their peak in the post-war decades.
The appeal of Volkswagen air-cooled vehicles lay in their reliability and ease of maintenance. This type of engine simplified the mechanics, making these cars accessible to a population that needed economical and durable transportation, especially in rural areas. The trajectory of these iconic vehicles, their importance to the automotive industry and how they became a landmark in Brazil and the world.
The origin of the Volkswagen air-cooled engine
In the 1930s, the German government was looking to develop an affordable car for the public, and Adolf Hitler specified a model that would be efficient and capable of transporting a family. He consulted engineer Ferdinand Porsche, who used an air-cooled engine, ideal for rural environments, as a reference. where maintenance was more difficult.
Inspired by the manufacturer Tatra, which already used a similar engine, Porsche developed the first prototype of what would become the Volkswagen, a popular vehicle that would be mass-produced after the Second World War.
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The air-cooled engine technology was particularly effective: the air-cooled system eliminated the need for radiators and coolants, making it resistant to both hot and cold climates. This was essential for rural areas, as the air-cooled engine was simple to repair and in many cases allowed owners to carry out basic repairs themselves.
Conquest of markets and expansion in Brazil
After the war, Volkswagen began manufacturing the Volkswagen Sedan, popularly known as the Beetle, which became a symbol of practicality and durability. In Brazil, the brand established a factory in São Bernardo do Campo in 1957, consolidating its position with the Kombi and the Beetle. These vehicles were well suited to Brazilian conditions, which included dirt roads and long distances, where the air-cooled engine stood out for its strength and simplicity.
Features of Volkswagen with air engine
Air-powered vehicles had unique mechanics. With a four-cylinder boxer engine, these models were compact and lightweight, making them easy to drive and maneuver. The rear engine and synchronized transmission ensured efficiency and reliability. The suspensions were adapted to handle uneven terrain, and the backbone chassis contributed to a balanced weight distribution.
Furthermore, the air engine generated high torque at low revs, ideal for rough terrain. These features made air-cooled Volkswagens valuable on unpaved roads, especially in Brazil, where the Beetle was widely used in rural areas. The simplicity of the design allowed local mechanics to easily perform maintenance, which further strengthened the acceptance of these models.
The lasting legacy
Over the decades, Volkswagen launched several models that maintained the air-cooled engine, such as the Beetle, the Kombi and the Karmann Ghia sports car. These vehicles became symbols of automotive culture, with the Beetle winning over millions of admirers around the world. In 1972, the Beetle surpassed the sales record of the Ford Model T, becoming the best-selling car to date.
In Brazil, the Beetle and the Kombi have established themselves as versatile utility vehicles, and are still used by collectors and enthusiasts. In 1993, then-president Itamar Franco encouraged the production of the Beetle, known as the Fusca Itamar, marking a final phase of success for the air-cooled engine in the country.
Volkswagen, with its air-cooled engine-equipped vehicles, not only conquered the world market, but also established a legacy that continues to this day. These cars were the basis for the brand's growth, which became one of the largest automakers in the world. The simplicity, economy and robustness of air-powered models marked the history of the automotive industry and won over generations of consumers.
In the photo in the headline for the article, the 1st one up there, the engine is water…
I thought it was a different air engine…..🤔🤔🤔🤔