See how an antique classic VW Fastback found in Coastal Maine is reminiscent of yesteryear. Dressed with all the trimmings and vintage vibes.
I couldn’t be more excited and endeared to share our newest addition to Dabbling & Decorating with you today, a classic VW Fastback Type 3 automobile.
What is Volksagon Type 3 Fastback?
The 1968 Classic VW Fastback, also known as the Type 3, showcased a unique and distinctive style that set it apart from other cars of its time. With its sleek and elongated body, the Fastback exuded elegance and sophistication. Its rounded edges and smooth lines gave it a streamlined appearance that was both modern and timeless. The large windows allowed ample natural light to enter the spacious interior, creating an open and airy feel.
The Fastback’s compact size and low stance added to its sporty and agile look. Overall, the 1968 VW Fastback embodied a harmonious blend of form and function, making it a standout in terms of style and design in the automotive world of the 1960s.
The VW Beetle’s simple design, rear-engine layout, and distinctive shape made it an automotive icon. The 1968 fastback combined that classic character with a sportier, aerodynamic profile that appealed to many VW Beetle fans and collectors.
Customization
Many owners modified and customized their fastbacks, adding bigger engines, sportier wheels/tires, exterior luggage racks, and various body kits to enhance their sporty look and performance.
The Type 3 fastback was less common than the standard Beetle. Its production numbers were lower, making the original surviving automobiles more collectible today.
What is considered to be an antique automobile?
The terms “antique” and “vintage” are often used interchangeably when referring to old cars, but they actually have slightly different meanings.
Antique Auto:
Vintage Auto:
While the age cutoffs can vary, antique autos are generally older and treated more as collectibles, while vintage autos are still relatively recent enough to be driven and enjoyed on the road.
A Classic VW Fastback Vintage Advertisement
St. Mary’s Bazaar Raffle
Now, you may ask, what makes this Volkswagen fancy enough to raffle off? Well, it comes with wall-to-wall carpeting. Front seats that adjust to 49 positions. Fold-down armrests in the rear. An electric clock.
So, if you’re thinking of raffling off a fancy car, lift up your eyes. And behold. The Volkswagen Fastback Sedan.
And I recently found this little 1968 gem in Maine…
The Story Begins Like This…
I am not a car person—not even a little bit. My husband is, though, and I think it’s starting to rub off on me.
Last year, we gave our old 1977 Ford Truck to my husband’s nephew. It was a vintage truck we had driven for over 20 years, but it took up so much space in our garage, and we just weren’t driving it as much as it needed to stay in automotive shape.
Then, this winter, we purchased our first Class B Panoramic RV, something I have wanted my entire life. See more in our new blog series, Antiquing Road Trips & RV Decor Series.
This now led to us needing a permanent vehicle at our home in Maine so we could drive the RV back and forth from Maine to Vermont. We wanted a small, inexpensive vehicle that Ella, our Bernese Mountain Dog, would also be comfortable in. We also wanted something we could tow behind the RV should we ever need to.
We were both drawn to the vintage and antique vehicles selling online. We found several vintage vehicles, like an old Saab, Scout, and the classic VW Beetles, but the interiors were anything but desirable.
And wow, are vintage VW Beetles expensive these days…
Then there she was, this 1968 classic VW Fastback, listed on Facebook Marketplace out of Alfred, Maine.
I would later learn that upon messaging the seller, the automotive listing had just gone live within minutes. We were very lucky, as the owner had also been immediately inundated with several other classic VW inquiries.
But we were first in line to see this little jewel.
The seller was originally Jim’s Auto Repair in Biddeford, ME. Owning a string of garages and an avid collector and restorer of various old cars. Today he is retired and his son runs the businesses. So if you are in the market for a beautiful restored vintage automobile…
But… We were in Vermont and couldn’t get out to see it for another week or so, and if we did not, we were going to lose it. So, my girlfriend in Maine said she would go up the next morning to check it out. We connected on Facetime, and the seller and my girlfriend walked us through the car.
The interior was gorgeous!
The combination of the freshly painted evergreen exterior, the clean and bright white interior, the painted white wheel rims, the STD 4-speed stick shift, and the vintage luggage rug with suitcase had me embracing all the vintage vibes.
How could I let this go?
Better yet, this class VW Fastback was a steal!
Since we were the first in line, many people were waiting for our decision. So we bought it on the spot and arranged a trip to Maine a few days later to pick it up.
Classic VW Fastback Vintage Advertisement
We never thought it would come to this.
A beautiful Volkswagon.
All these years, we’ve been telling you about the ugly Bug. And now the snazzy Fastback sedan.
But don’t let its good looks fool you. When you really come down to it, it’s still a Volkswagon.
I was seriously so excited that I had a hard time sleeping.
A Drive to Alfred, Maine
Alfred, Maine, is a short 25-minute drive from our place. We were up early and made our way to Alfred, Maine, to pick up our new classic VW Fastback.
This vintage classic was even prettier in person. It is now my most favorite car I have ever owned, truly. And it matches the Essex Green trim on our home. Of course, this is something I would notice.
Custom VW Classic Fastback Luggage Rack and Suitcase
The authentic vintage leather luggage on the back of this classic VW Fastback even has its own little story. It was the owner’s grandfather’s suitcase. Parting with this antique car was emotional, and we felt honored to be able to adopt this classic automobile into a home we also hold very dear.
Learn more in our In My Mother’s Maine Home blog series.
Shirley
I think we will call our new classic VW Fastback Shirley, after my mother, who also loved vintage and antique cars. Here she is at the Nubble in Coastal Maine sometime in the early 1960s in her beloved convertible with her Basset Hound, Boozer.
Learn More in the Coastal Maine Heritage – Embracing My Roots post.
Classic VW Bugs
The Volkswagen Bug is one of the most iconic and recognizable cars in automotive history. These quirky little vehicles, with their distinctive rounded shape and air-cooled rear engines, rolled off assembly lines from 1938 to 2003.
The original Beetle was conceived as an affordable, simple, and reliable mode of transportation for the German masses. Its rear-mounted boxer engine and rear-wheel drive layout were unconventional for the time.
Despite its humble origins and diminutive size, the lovable “Bug” captured hearts worldwide with its charming design, spirited driving dynamics, and incredible longevity.
Over 21 million were manufactured, making it the longest-running and most-manufactured car of a single design platform ever. The classic Beetle’s legacy lives on as a symbol of 1960s counterculture and one of the most influential cars of all time.
Memories of VW Bugs
Embracing the vintage of this classic VW Fastback has been very nostalgic for me, as when I was growing up, my parents owned a black and, later, a red Volkswagen Bug.
The red VW Beetle was iconic. It was pretty much what I learned to drive in, took my driver’s test with, and drove all through high school. It was not mine, but my parents, and I adored it and so did my friends.
Classic VW Details
The classic steering wheel Volkswagon emblem, the above glove compartment handrail, the cigarette-opening windows, the sound of the engine, even the smell, and the old stick shift brought me back to a time long ago with such fond memories.
Classic VW Fastback Gas Mileage
This classic VW Fastback gets 30 miles to the gallon. The gas gauge doesn’t work, so there is a pen and pad of paper in the glove compartment to mark the mileage along with the fill-up date so we can calculate when the tank needs gas.
Growing up, tooling around the beach with my girlfriends was a favorite pastime, and now, at the age of 59, I can not wait to do it again this summer with the same gals!
The car is equipped with a radio and a CD player. I think investing in some vintage CDs will complete the vintage vibes.
And today, this classic VW automobile will visit its first vintage barn sale at Chandler & Co.
Learn about this favorite barn sale in the Irresistible New England Antique Barn Sale | Budget Friendly post.
What about Ella, my sidekick?
She looks so darn cute in it, and there is plenty of room in the back for her, too. But I don’t think she will be a frequent passenger. There is no air conditioning to keep this mountain dog cool, and the back windows don’t roll down; they only pop out in the corners.
Vanity License Plate
And no classic VW Fastback would be complete without an antique auto vanity license plate. Coming soon:
Thanks so much for stopping by today. I’m now off to Berwick, Maine’s Chandler & Co. barn sale; see more in the Antiques in Maine & Summer Vintage Haul post.
Happy thrifting!
You may also find inspiration in the post Quilt Jackets: The Trendy Vintage Fashion.
A Vintage Affair
If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with your friends who are also vintage enthusiasts.
Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at annck@dabblinganddecorating.com
Shop Classic VW Accessories
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Oh she is beautiful!!! I love Hunter Green or dark green. My favorite color. I have always wanted a hatch back 1968 or 1969 Mustang. I guess you really don’t need an airconditioner much up north and Ella, well she is the prettiest gal around. Congratulations on your new dream car!
Thanks Cheryl, I do too. My favorite is Essex Green, so classic. AC would be nice, but there’s no heater either. But I’ll manage, I just adore it!
I am not a car person either but i really love your vw fastback. Such a cool look and especially with the suitcase and rack wow! Plus ella looks great in it!
Amy
Thank you Amy!
Hi Ann,
Your new Fastback is a beauty!
I have great memories driving VW’s. My parents owned several over the years and I learned to drive on 1966 bug. I drove that car to college. I had to keep an old woolen army blanket on the front seat in the winter! There was no heat if you stopped at a light or got stuck in traffic! In the mid-70’s I had an orange Superbeetle, complete with a tape player and sun roof. That car was my favorite! My grandfather owned a VW Squareback which looked like a mini station wagon. I think it was made around the time of the Fastback.
Happy road tripping!
Leslie
Thank you Leslie, aren’t these cars so nostalgic? I’m glad this brought you some wonderful memories as it has me too.
Ann what an incredible find. You are going to have so much fun with it. Can’t wait to see the hauls that you bring home in it and that luggage rack is fantastic. Lucky you.
Thanks so much Shelley. I’m working on Saturday’s post now with Shirley’s first vintage haul. And yes, isn’t that luggage rack the best? LOL Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Ann! What fun! I can see why you are so in love! I can’t wait to come down and go for a spin!
Thanks Molly, it is so much fun. You’ll certainly have to, as I’m not sure she’s ready for the trip up your way, but you will love it!
I think your article would have been complete if you had told us what you paid for the gem!
Ahhhh, I’m going to keep that little bit of information to myself for various reasons:)
Congratulations! That’s a beautiful fastback. I’m quite partial to the green color. I have a black and white 1968 fastback myself. You appear to have dove into type 3 history head first. If you are interested, you need to check out the Type 3 Invasion. It’s just for us type 3 folks & is upcoming in just a few weeks. It doesn’t cost anything and all type 3’s are welcome.
Check it out at:
https://www.carartbyjohn.com/2024Invasion/
Thank you so much! I bet the black and white is sharp! Thanks for the information, I’ll definitely check it out. Thanks for stopping by!
Wow now you’ve done it! Enjoy! The first repair/refurbish/upgrade should be a working fuel gauge. We have had four vintage cars. All were fun to own drive and show. And the RV with vehicle in tow was also fun. Due to limitations now it’s a fancy new Mustang 5.0 with an automatic transmission and occasional Golden doodle in the backseat. Enjoy the ride!
LOL Yes we need to work on the fuel gauge. I bet you look cute as can be in a fancy new mustang with your fabulous Golden Doodle! Enjoy my friend!
Very cool. Enjoy !
Thank you so much Sharon, we are so excited and brought home lots of barn sale goodies in it earlier today. Happy Memorial Day weekend!
She is a BEAUTY, and she matches your home perfectly. Have fun!
Thank you Miche, I know isn’t that too funny. Thanks so much for joining us here!
Ann
This is so cool. You lucky girl.
Thanks Rachel, she’s a dream, truly!
I also had a 1968 beige VW Fastback in 1972! How I loved that car. Many adventures and she took me back and forth to commuter college. I learned stick shift on her too. Great memories and I’m 70 now! Thanks for the super, informative post. Enjoy all the fun to come! ❤️
Hi Mary, I’m glad it brought you down memory lane too. It’s been so much fun so far. Here’s to VWs!
IT’S A BEAUTY RIGHT DOWN TO THE VINTAGE SUITCASE !! HAVE FUN WITH IT!
Everyone will know it’s you wherever you go!! 👍👍
Oh Kathy, and I’m one who doesn’t like the attention, but this is just so darn cute, we’re in love, LOL.
I’m so excited to go for a ride, cruise the beach, and listen to our classic high school tunes!! Shirley is a beauty!! So happy to have been part of the experience:)
“The girlfriend in Maine”
LOl, it wasn’t possible without you sista!
Ahhhh such a fun post! Wishing you many fun adventures ahead! I toodled around in a red vw bug also (I’m 61 in less than two weeks, so same era 😉)Such grand memories. Happy hunting today!
Oh my goodness Cara you did? Cut from the same cloth for sure!