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Four decades have passed since Volkswagen presented the Volkswagen 411, at that time the company's largest and most powerful model yet, to some 200 journalists in Wolfsburg.
The journalists had earlier put the Volkswagen 411 through its paces on the new Volkswagen proving ground in Ehra-Lessien, testing the vehicle's equipment and performance.
Volkswagen built 367,728 units until production ceased in July 1974 and 416 of these are currently registered as old-timers.
The ads claimed there had never been a Volkswagen like this before. And they were quite right. This was the very first model with a unibody, a four-door option, more space than any other Volkswagen and a longer wheelbase than the Beetle.
A newly-designed, powerful, 68 bhp air-cooled 1.6 litre boxer engine mounted in the rear of the Volkswagen 411 was robust enough even for long journeys at a maximum speed of 145 km/h.
The innovative sporty chassis with MacPherson strut front suspension and rear suspension with double joint axles also used in the Porsche 911 made sure the car held the road well. The mid-size saloon featured "the luxury of a luxury car". Available with either a Normal or an L equipment line, "Wolfsburg's biggie" offered customers space and ride comfort, enhanced safety, a total 570 litres of luggage space in front and rear and an optional automatic transmission.
Compared to the Volkswagen 1500/1600 launched in 1961, the Volkswagen 411 was noticeably larger and better equipped.
Volkswagen aimed to establish the new vehicle in the upper mid-size segment which was beyond the reach of the Beetle and the Type 3, and to expand the market position in the long term by broadening the model range. For this reason, the publicity concentrated on technical innovations and the high level of comfort as well as highlighting typical Volkswagen characteristics such as quality, economic efficiency and service.
In the run-up to the market launch on October 5, 1968, dealers, the press and customers responded positively to the Volkswagen 411.
The company introduced an improved version, the Volkswagen 411 E, for the 1970 model year. Electronic fuel injection boosted engine output to 80 bhp and the front end, which had given the model the nickname of "NasenbŠr" (coati), received a facelift.
The Volkswagen 411 E Variant, provided even more space for luggage, and this estate version was soon selling twice as well as the hatchback saloon. Type 4 exports to the US began in 1971, and the car sold better than expected there, soon accounting for roughly 40 per cent of total sales. A further new and improved model called the Volkswagen 412 followed in 1972.
Even though the Volkswagen 411/412 did not break any sales records, the model nevertheless has an important role to play in Volkswagen's automobile history as the last large series model with air cooling and a rear-mounted engine.
A 1966 prototype is on display at the Automuseum Wolfsburg. The Type 4 has by no means been forgotten. Type 4 fan clubs in Germany and abroad have been presenting their lovingly preserved automotive rarities at a stand at Techno Classica since 2005.
