Across Europe and in export markets, 1958 was a year when Volkswagen cars were visible in cities and on country roads alike, prized for practical design and easy maintenance. Owners and collectors still look to that era for examples of straightforward engineering and useful body types.
There are 3 1958 Volkswagen Car Models, ranging from Beetle to Transporter. For each model we’ll list Type code,Body variants,Production (1958 units), which you’ll find below.
How do these 1958 Volkswagen models differ from one another?
The main differences are purpose and body configuration: the Beetle is a compact passenger car, other models (like estate or sedan variants) offer different passenger or cargo arrangements, and the Transporter is a light-commercial vehicle designed for cargo and work use; the table columns (Type code, Body variants, Production) let you compare intended use and how many units were built.
Can I rely on the production numbers to identify rarity or value?
Production figures are a useful starting point for rarity—lower production usually means fewer surviving examples—but condition, provenance, and regional popularity matter more for value; use the Production (1958 units) column together with condition and documentation when assessing a car.
1958 Volkswagen Car Models
| Model | Type code | Body variants | Production (1958 units) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beetle | Type 1 | 2-door sedan,convertible (Karmann),sunroof | 327,000 |
| Transporter | Type 2 | Kombi/Microbus,21-window Samba,panel van,pickup (single & double cab) | 84,000 |
| Karmann Ghia | Type 14 | 2-door coupe,convertible | 12,500 |
Images and Descriptions
Beetle
The Beetle was VW’s core Type 1 2-door rear-engined car, with a 1.2L (1,192cc) air-cooled flat-four producing about 36 hp. In 1958 it continued as the global export staple, offered as sedan, sunroof and factory Karmann cabriolet.
Transporter
The Transporter (Type 2) was VW’s rear-engined light commercial line: Kombi/Microbus, panel van, single- and double-cab pickups and the 21-window Samba deluxe. In 1958 it shared the 1.2L engine and was exported for passenger and commercial markets worldwide.
Karmann Ghia
The Karmann Ghia (Type 14) was a low-volume coachbuilt sports coupe and cabriolet using VW Type 1 mechanicals and the 1.2L flat-four. In 1958 it was sold in Europe and the U.S., prized for Italian styling by Ghia and hand-built Karmann bodywork.
