In 1959 Volkswagen was a familiar sight on European roads and increasingly abroad, known for practical engineering and models that served families, tradespeople and small businesses alike. That year’s lineup shows how Volkswagen balanced simple, economical cars with more utilitarian vehicles.
There are 7 1959 Volkswagen Car Models, ranging from Beetle to Type 2 Single-cab Pickup; for each model you’ll find below the data organized as Body style, Engine (cc), Production (units), and you’ll find below.
Which 1959 Volkswagen model was produced most and why?
The Beetle led 1959 production because it was affordable, easy to maintain and suited to mass export; its simple air-cooled flat-four engine and established assembly lines kept costs low and demand high across Europe and overseas markets. Check the Production (units) column below for the exact figures.
How do engine sizes differ across the 1959 Volkswagen models?
Engine sizes in 1959 were generally small, air-cooled units tailored to purpose: Beetles favored economy with lower displacements, while Type 2 variants and pickups used larger engines for better torque and load capacity—see the Engine (cc) column below for the specific displacements.
1959 Volkswagen Car Models
| Model | Body style | Engine (cc) | Production (units) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beetle | sedan | 1,192 | 520,000 |
| Beetle Cabriolet | convertible | 1,192 | 12,000 |
| Karmann Ghia Coupe | coupe | 1,192 | 16,000 |
| Karmann Ghia Convertible | convertible | 1,192 | 3,000 |
| Type 2 Kombi (Microbus) | microbus | 1,192 | 64,000 |
| Type 2 Panel Van | panel van | 1,192 | 6,000 |
| Type 2 Single-cab Pickup | pickup | 1,192 | 2,000 |
Images and Descriptions
Beetle
Basic air-cooled Type 1 sedan sold worldwide; the core Volkswagen product in 1959 with 1,192cc flat-four. Known for simplicity, affordability and global assembly/exports; dominant model in Europe and North America and the biggest contributor to VW’s production volume that year.
Beetle Cabriolet
Karmann-built convertible version of the Type 1, exported heavily to the U.S. and Europe. Shared the 1,192cc engine and Beetle mechanicals but featured a folding soft top and unique trim, making it a prized classic with limited production in 1959.
Karmann Ghia Coupe
Graceful Type 14 coupe styled by Italian firm Carrozzeria Ghia and hand-built by Karmann. Used the Beetle’s 1,192cc flat-four and mechanicals but offered more refined coachwork; popular in Europe and America as an attractive, sporty two-door in 1959 production.
Karmann Ghia Convertible
Open-top variant of the Type 14 with Karmann coachbuilding, combining Karmann Ghia styling and Beetle underpinnings. Limited-volume convertible was aimed at export markets, especially the U.S., offering a stylish alternative to the Beetle Cabriolet in 1959.
Type 2 Kombi (Microbus)
Split-window Type 2 Kombi/microbus offering passenger seating and cargo flexibility; built from chassis similar to the Beetle with rear-mounted 1,192cc engine. Widely exported and assembled under license in several countries, it was central to VW’s commercial vehicle lineup in 1959.
Type 2 Panel Van
Closed-panel variant of the Type 2 with blanked rear windows and cargo-focused interior, used across Europe and export markets. Shared the T1 split-screen body and 1,192cc air-cooled engine; popular with tradesmen and small businesses in 1959.
Type 2 Single-cab Pickup
Utility single-cab pickup built on the Type 2 platform with an open cargo bed and durable chassis. Offered in Europe and export markets for light commercial work, powered by the 1,192cc rear-mounted engine throughout 1959 production runs.
