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The Volkswagen 1600 TL Was an Iconic Model That Won Many Admirers With Its Sporty Design and Unique Features. However, Its Production Was Interrupted Due to the Arrival of a Powerful Competitor.
The history of Volkswagen in Brazil began in 1953 with the assembly of the Kombi and the Beetle. In 1970, the brand launched the Volkswagen 1600 TL, a two-and-a-half-volume fastback that stood out for its sporty appearance and various innovations. Despite its initial success, its production lasted a short time due to a crucial factor: the arrival of the Volkswagen Passat.
In August 1970, the Volkswagen 1600 TL was launched in Brazil. This model, also known as TL, featured a sporty and elegant design. The high front, with four circular headlights surrounded by chrome frames, and the long hood with the Volkswagen logo in the center, gave the car a distinctive look.
The Volkswagen 1600 TL Had a Rear Engine, Leaving Space in the Front for One of the Two Trunks, With a Capacity of 267 Liters
In the rear, the second trunk accommodated 344 liters. The 1600 engine, air-cooled, developed 65 horsepower and 12 kgfm of torque, allowing the car to reach 135 km/h.
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Inside, the TL offered great finish, with anatomical seats covered in vinyl and capacity for five people. The dashboard featured details such as soft-touch material, plastic inserts mimicking wood, and an instrument panel with three circular gauges.
With all these qualities, the Volkswagen 1600 TL quickly captured consumers’ attention. In 1971, it was elected Car of the Year by Auto Esporte magazine. The following year, it received an update in its appearance, with a new hood and headlight frames, as well as a four-door version to attract taxi drivers.
To Attract the Young Audience, In 1972, the Special Series VW TL Customized Was Launched
With black stripes on the hood, sides, and rear, plus hubcaps known as “copinho” and a three-spoke sporty steering wheel. In 1973, the TL received new taillights and interior improvements.
Despite the updates and initial success, sales of the Volkswagen 1600 TL began to decline. In 1974, the arrival of the modern Volkswagen Passat was a significant blow. The Passat offered a more contemporary design and advanced technologies, attracting consumers’ attention.
In 1975, the Production of the Volkswagen 1600 TL Was Terminated
The main reason for the end of its trajectory was the success of the Volkswagen Passat, which became the new star of the brand in Brazil.
The Volkswagen 1600 TL was a remarkable car, remembered for its design and innovation. However, internal competition with the Volkswagen Passat led to its premature demise. Its story, although brief, left a lasting impression on Volkswagen enthusiasts and the automotive history of Brazil.
Foi o pior carro que a woklks fez ….motor vazava direto ,as capas de tuchos não aguentava,de tanto que esquentava ,….e o barulho dentro do carro,enlouquecia si fosse dois carburador,só vivia fora do ponto ..quando chovia ,a água entrava pelas borrachas ..com pouco tempo tinha que trocar o assoalho….e bebia mais que o lula …..tive uma na época que só min deu prejuízo….
Bom dia, acho que vc está confuso, essa descrição cabe a Brasília, o TL é Variante, foram sem dúvida os melhores VW a ar produzidos
Meu padrasto tinha um TL 1974 placa ACB8014. Anos atrás um rapaz comprou para restaurar, mas acredito que tenha ido parar no ferro velho.
Ainda tenho um VW TL 1972 e sinto-me um privilegiado.