What Makes A Zwitter, A Zwitter?
We received an email politely asking if we could enlighten a reader on what makes a Zwitter a Zwitter?
Challenge excepted…
The name ‘Zwitter’ is an age old nickname that roughly translates from German to ‘Hermaphrodite’ or ‘crossdresser’ we guess you could say that the word ‘Hybrid’ would be as fitting.
The Hybrid style name roots from its biggest difference from earlier Type1 cars which would be the fact it has an Oval Beetle style dashboard but still wears the iconic split rear window.
A Zwitter is a rare Type1 built from Oct 1st 1952 (chassis no 1-0397023) to March 10th 1953 1(chassis no 1-0454950) This Type1 configuration was only available for 6 months with around only 58,000 cars built. 58k Sounds like a lot but when you consider that by the end of the 60’s VW were putting out over 1 million Beetles a year this makes Zwitter production numbers tiny.
For years we’ve heard purists say that the Zwitter isn’t a real Split. Well… technically the Zwitter shares far more characteristics both mechanical and aesthetically with the Oval than it does with a Split, But… at the end of the day it still does have a split window in the back.
They were treated to many mechanical changes, the list of differences is large so we’ve been kind enough to put together some of the more obvious aesthetic changes between the last of the Deluxe Splits and Zwitters to explain.
Hope you find it interesting.
Top showing a Deluxe 1952 Split.
Bottom showing a Zwitter built only a few months later.
The dashboard being most noticeable difference.
The Zwitter was the only time trim was fitted around the split window.
Note two separate signal arrows on the bottom speedo, a Zwitter only detail.
Skinny 16″x 3″ wheels replaced with the wider 15″
Square rear view mirror replaced with the ornate curved style.
L handle engine lid changed to the T handle
New style Oval fenders with wider horn grill.
Signal stalk replaced the central semaphore switch.
Fuel tank with smaller outlet with unique pressing.
Radio antenna bulge removed not long before Zwitter production.
Aluminium bonnet handle replaced with smoother wide style.
This era was the first Type1 to have the Wolfsburg Crest on the horn button.
The T heater knob was replaced with the Zwitter only AZ style twist knob.
The dimple gear knob swapped for the new style.
The bonnet badge was reworked.
Grooved aluminium trim replaced with smooth style.
The first Type1 to be fitted with quarter-light windows.
New style push start button.
Running board trims were swapped from grooved aluminium to thicker smooth style.
New style interior light fitted above drivers door operated from dash board switch.
Popes none replaced with smaller licence plate peak.
Grooved bumpers replaced for smooth ‘Blade’ style.
The Oval style astray with no handle is a Zwitter only detail.