Volkswagen Type 4
The 'Big One' from Wolfsburg: Volkswagen's final air-cooled family flagship.
- Power
- 80 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 15.0 s
- Top speed
- 96 mph
- Est. value
- $5k–$12k
About the Volkswagen Type 4
The Type 4 was Volkswagen's most ambitious attempt to scale up the air-cooled, rear-engined formula before the water-cooled revolution. Introduced as the 411 and later updated to the 412, it was the first VW to feature unibody construction and a four-door body style. Despite its Pininfarina-influenced styling and advanced MacPherson strut suspension, it struggled to compete with more modern front-engined rivals. Today, it is a rare and quirky alternative to the Beetle, valued for its spacious interior and historical status as the last of the air-cooled VW saloons.
Volkswagen Type 4 specs
The Volkswagen Type 4 produces 80 bhp (60 kW) and 125 Nm (92 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 15.0 seconds and has a top speed of 96 mph (155 km/h).
| Make | Volkswagen |
|---|---|
| Model | Type 4 |
| Trim | 1.7 |
| Years | 1968–1974 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | Germany |
| Original price | About $3,300 when new |
| Engine | 1.7-litre air-cooled flat-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,679 cc (1.7 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 80 bhp (60 kW) at 4,900 rpm |
| Torque | 125 Nm (92 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 15.0 s |
| Top speed | 96 mph (155 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,020 kg (2,249 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 78 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Volkswagen Type 4 worth?
A typical Volkswagen Type 4 is estimated to be worth $5,000 – $12,000 (about £3,700 – £8,900).
Its original price when new was about $3,300.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Volkswagen Type 4 rarity in CarSpot
The Volkswagen Type 4 is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 25 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Volkswagen Type 4 fun facts
- The Type 4 was the first Volkswagen to be offered with four doors, a major departure from the two-door Beetle and Type 3.
- Early 411 models were nicknamed 'Nasenbär' (Coati) in Germany due to their distinctive long, protruding front nose.
- The 1.7-litre fuel-injected engine used in the 411 LE was shared with the mid-engined Porsche 914.
