1949 Volkswagen Sedan
Add to SetSummary
The Volkswagen Beetle was different from any American car. It looked like an insect, its engine was where the trunk should be, and it didn't have a radiator. But it recalled the spirit of Henry Ford's legendary Model T. Both cars were simple, reliable, economical, and never deviated from their basic original design. The VW would go on to break the Ford's all-time sales record.
The Volkswagen Beetle was different from any American car. It looked like an insect, its engine was where the trunk should be, and it didn't have a radiator. But it recalled the spirit of Henry Ford's legendary Model T. Both cars were simple, reliable, economical, and never deviated from their basic original design. The VW would go on to break the Ford's all-time sales record.
Artifact
Automobile
Date Made
1949
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America
Object ID
82.47.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Material
Metal
Glass (Material)
Rubber (Material)
Color
Black (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 61.0 in
Width: 60.5 in
Length: 160.0 in
Wheelbase: 94.5 in
Inscriptions
On hubcaps: VW emblem
Specifications
Make & Model: 1949 Volkswagen sedan
Maker: Volkswagenwerk GmbH, Wolfsburg, West Germany
Engine: horizontally opposed 4, overhead valves, 69 cubic inches
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Height: 61 inches
Wheelbase: 94.5 inches
Width: 60.5 inches
Overall length: 160 inches
Weight: 1600 pounds
Horsepower: 30 at 3300 revolutions per minute
Pounds per horsepower: 53.3
Price: $1,280
Average 1949 wage: $3,000 per year
Time you'd work to buy this car: about 5 months
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