1968, Cars: Volkswagen 411

The Volkswagen 411 was introduced in October 1968 at the Paris Motor Show. The Type 4, designed by Carozzeria Pininfarina under the direction of Heinrich Nordhoff, was produced from 1968 to 1974 in two-door and four-door sedan (Fastback) as well as two-door station wagon (Variant) body styles. The Type 4 evolved through two generations, the VW 411 (1968–72) and the VW 412 (1972–74).

Volkswagen 411 Fastback 1968-1969

Volswagen 411 Variant 1969-1972

The cars retained VW's trademark air-cooled, rear placement, rear-wheel drive, boxer engine. Volkswagen had prototyped a notchback version of the 411, without introducing it to production. It was Volkswagen's first 4-door saloon. The Type 4 also introduced uni-body construction, coil springs, trailing wishbone rear suspension, hydraulic clutch manual transmission – as well as MacPherson strut front suspension.

Volkswagen 412 Fastback 1972-1974

Volkswagen 412 Variant 1972-1974

Over its six year production run, Volkswagen manufactured 367.728 Type 4 models. As Volkswagen's last air-cooled sedans, the Type 4 models were succeeded by the first generation water-cooled Passat.

Volkswagen EA142 prototype 1966 (411 Notchback prototype)

Volkswagen EA311 prototype (1966)

Brochures:

VW 411 1968/1969 German

VW 411 1970 German

VW 412 1973 English