The VW Type 3 Variant is the estate/wagon version of Volkswagen’s air‑cooled Type 3 line, sold mainly in the 1960s and early 1970s, and often known as the “Squareback” in some markets.

What it is

  • The VW Type 3 was introduced to sit above the Beetle, using a low‑profile, rear‑mounted, air‑cooled flat‑four engine but with more interior and luggage space.
  • The Variant was the estate/wagon body style, alongside the Notchback (sedan) and Fastback, effectively making it the practical, family‑ and cargo‑friendly member of the Type 3 range.

Key features of the Variant

  • Rear‑engine, rear‑wheel drive with a flat‑four air‑cooled engine under the rear cargo floor, giving luggage space both in the rear and in the front trunk.
  • Torsion‑bar suspension and a backbone/floorpan platform derived from the Beetle, but with more modern, slab‑sided styling and better comfort.
  • Offered through the 1960s–early 1970s with 1500–1600 cc engines, evolving to options like fuel injection and automatic transmission in later years.

Why enthusiasts like it

  • More usable cargo room than a Beetle, with the wagon body making it a practical classic for trips, bikes, or parts hauling.
  • Distinctive “Squareback/Variant” look that stands out at shows; it is rarer than many Beetles, which adds some appeal in today’s classic‑VW scene.
  • Shares much of the familiar VW air‑cooled character (sound, simplicity, community) while offering a slightly more refined driving experience.

Light market and community context

  • Type 3 Variants are popular topics in classic‑VW forums and project‑car communities, where people restore them, modify the stance, or build period‑correct cruisers.
  • Values and interest have generally trended upward as enthusiasts look beyond Beetles and Buses to more unusual air‑cooled models, and clean Variants are increasingly sought after.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.