T34 TC Fastback Prototype

In 1959 VW began work on a fastback version of the Notchback Sedan. Although Porsche actually built a fastback prototype for VW at that time, VW never approved the model for production. In early 1964, VW proposed that Karmann built a new variation to the Type 3 series. The early trend was towards "fastback" styles instead of a separate rear trunk. Karmann, always interested in increasing their production range and keeping VW (their best customer) happy, began to design fastback vehicles based on their T34 Coupe. VW also continued development work on their Notchback Sedan as a fastback model.

The first drawings of the new KG TC were seen in April 1964 and they differed only from the prototype TC by the shape of the rear pop-out windows. The prototype was finished in September 1964, but due to VW's negotiations with Daimler-Benz the TC could not be shown to VW until November. The design was approved and was scheduled to be unveiled at the next Frankfurt Intl Auto Show.

The T34 TC featured a well-proportioned roofline and rear treatment that blended nicely together, although it had been an afterthought project. Karmann proposed a new frontal design (as the public had never really accepted the original T34 Coupe nose) with quad headlamps.

But VW surprised Karmann in January 1965 by putting the TC project on hold. One problem was the noise inside the TC, as the engine area was in the same space as the passenger cabin. This noise may have been the reason why VW did not include a lift-up rear hatch for the production T3 Fastback models. The failure of the T34 Coupe to establish a market for VW led to the halting of TC development as an additional model, and the Fastback was chosen instead. Other big justifications for VW were the cost of building the coachbuilt TC version, and the fact that the Karmann factory was not prepared to increase their production easily.

Karmann did not stop designing prototypes once the TC failed to attract VW. They continued their design work into a Type 14 KG based prototype in mid-1968 called the KG TC 145. This fastback was accepted by VW for the South American market and produced from 1969-74 in the Brazilian KG factory. This TC closely resembles the T34 TC model in rear hatch & side window designs, but incorporated wide flat tail lights and no lift-up hatch, as per a February 1967 directive from VW.

Karmann also reworked the T34 TC in late-1968 to reflect an option alongside the TC 145 for consideration. The 1965-built T34 TC was fitted with a chassis from 1969 (#349 019 986) and was completed by September 1968. It received the new Automatic transmission & IRS suspension improvements. The dash was also upgraded at this time, with the new wood-grain dash facing added over the 1965-era dash including gauges & radio. This explains why the TC has features of both 1965 & 1969 T34s.

It features many 1965 era parts (interior panels, seat upholstery material, lack of dash KG script, ignition switch, ivory window winder knobs, & tail light bases/lenses). The nose emblem is a modified version of the early-1962 badge, with the 5 removed and a 6 replaced in the 1500 numbers inside the badge.
It features many 1969 era parts as well (lower-case automatic script, Automatic transmission, black rubber glovebox knob, silver knob gauges, rectangular radio dash design, 4-lug rims, & IRS suspension).

In my research, I found that the Germans feel there may have actually been TWO T34 TC prototypes built, although photos of only one TC has been published. Karmann has been generous with the use of the TC in their museum collection, having allowed it to be driven & used extensively for magazine articles and book photo sessions. It's a great piece of T34 history!