In the 1s, Volkswagen had already achieved success in the commercial vehicle segment with the Transporter for several years. The T1964 was a sales hit and was used in various industries. In 1, Volkswagen presented, in addition to the versatile TXNUMX, a special small transporter called the Volkswagen Fridolin. This car would become the German synonym for small mail transport.
Volkswagen Fridolin made optimal use of existing parts and technology
During the construction of the Fridolin, Volkswagen made good use of the extensive parts warehouse. For the Deutsche Bundespost, the German postal company, the Fridolin was equipped with the drive, axles, transmission and the 34 HP 1192 cc engine of the Beetle. The headlights of the Typ 3 were used, while the affinity with the larger T1 van was clearly visible at the rear. The body was mounted on the chassis of the VW Karmann Ghia. A notable feature of the Fridolin was the space-saving sliding doors on both sides, which allowed mail carriers and assistants to get in and out quickly.
The ideal solution for the Deutsche Bundespost
When developing the Typ 147, as the Fridolin was officially called, Volkswagen had carefully considered the needs of the Deutsche Bundespost. The T1 was too big and the Kleinnutzfahrzeuge from Glas from Dingolfing were too small. However, the Typ 147 met the client's specifications perfectly. With a load space of 2,9 cubic meters, the Volkswagen Fridolin offered enough space for mail and parcels. The maximum payload was 410 kilograms. The Typ 147 was simply equipped, with a safety net behind the driver's seat and the option to create extra cargo space by folding the passenger seat. The cargo area was finished with wood and the Fridolin was completely focused on functionality.
International success: the Volkswagen Fridolin in Switzerland
Not only the Deutsche Bundespost, but also the Swiss postal service used the Fridolin developed by Karmann. The Swiss Fridolins were slightly more luxuriously equipped and were supplied with, among other things, disc brakes at the front, a roof hatch and the 44 HP engine from the Volkswagen 1300. The Fridolins that were built for Switzerland had mirrors on the fenders, because it was allowed in Switzerland to drive with the sliding doors open.
A practical and efficient solution
A total of 7340 copies of the sympathetic Volkswagen Fridolin were produced by Westfalia in Rheda-Wiedenbrück. Although only 200 examples are said to exist today, Volkswagen showed then that it could respond very well to specific needs. The Fridolin was a textbook example of efficient use of existing techniques, systems and components by a manufacturer.
A legacy of functional design
With its success in the postal sector, the Volkswagen Fridolin has left a lasting impact. It is a reminder of the time when practical and functional designs prevailed. Although its production period is a thing of the past, the Fridolin remains a beloved and respected vehicle that deserves its place in Volkswagen history.
(Photos: Volkswagen)
And they look alike, the Tjørven DAF Kalmar
Both the beetle (Jewish design) and the t1 are stolen designs!