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Thu Sep 23, 2004 2:09 pm

This may be common knowledge, but I thought it was interesting. I was watching a documentary on VW's history. They were talking about the 1953 split window and how it had the oval window style dash. It was refered to as a "Zwiter". The word "zwiter" means hermaphradite in german. Now I know you sick minded individuals out there might say that sound nasty, but it makes sense, huh... There was like 57k of these models made. Well needless to say I have a new favorite in the beetle world. How many of those cars do you think are just sitting in a barn somewhere waiting to be stumbled upon????

Thu Sep 23, 2004 10:48 pm

hopefuly enough for me to stumble across one!!!!!!!!!!
or two

Fri Sep 24, 2004 5:29 am

Where's the dictionary??

Fri Sep 24, 2004 8:41 am

I know there's one in Swansboro, North Carolina in a barn/garage. Back in '91 the guy wanted $5000 for it. Someone in the forums just looked at it this year and it's still there. I'm sure the price is higher now. I remember it being a big project......

Don't worry about asking questions, just don't do it in the Rants. Those ass-holes in there will eat you up.....

Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:57 am

I also think Zwitters are pretty neat and it sort of pisses me off when people refer to them as not being 'real splits'. I think they fall into the same type of category as the 67's do for the later bugs as being special since they were the changeover with one year only parts.
Kurt

Fri Sep 24, 2004 11:29 am

Calm down people.

What I was trying to say in my deleted post (sorry if the humor was lost on some) is that if you are wondering whether something is already known to all, perhaps a forum search would be in order. In this instance, had you searched for "hermaphrodite", you would have found four existing threads where this exact topic was discussed already.

A search helps a new user learn whether a topic is already played out. Basic forum etiquette. I apologize if I offended anyone; my intent is to do all my offending in the Rants. Have a pleasant weekend.

Fri Sep 24, 2004 11:42 am

I think Zwitters are cool too.

I'll probably buy one.

I just wont tell anyone.

It would be my own little gender-bending secret. :twisted:

Order of importance:
1) Split
2) Oval
3) Zwitter
4) RHD Crewcab
5) 67 Vert
:wink:

Fri Sep 24, 2004 11:45 am

vwkurt wrote: I also think Zwitters are pretty neat and it sort of pisses me off when people refer to them as not being 'real splits'. I think they fall into the same type of category as the 67's do for the later bugs as being special since they were the changeover with one year only parts.
Kurt

Remember though that unlike the 67 which has 67 ONLY parts, I believe that the Zwitters were just confused about what they wanted to be. Yes it gives them some personality, but it doesn't really put them in a class with certain models and years that are VERY specific about what parts go on it.

Fri Sep 24, 2004 11:57 am

Chad, I am certainly no expert by any means, but I do think Zwitters have 'zwitter only' parts. The dome light is one, they have chrome molding for the rear split windows and I think there may be one or two other things but I am not sure.
Kurt

Fri Sep 24, 2004 12:03 pm

Hence the name of the thread.

I am by no means familiar with Zwitters to the part-by-part extent.

I was however, under the impression that all of the parts on a Zwitter can be found on either a Split or an Oval.

If I'm wrong so be it. That was my impression and I would like to hear some more facts on this topic. :)

Fri Sep 24, 2004 12:07 pm

There are several Zwitter-only parts.

I am not familiar with the full listing but I do know the starter button and ignition switch are Zwitter-only.

Fri Sep 24, 2004 1:40 pm

I was told "zwitter" in German meant neither male nor female. A friend of mine from Germany told me they used that word when refering to someone who's gay.
I remember a couple of years ago when a new user registered on another forum under the name "zwitterboy". Once I told him the German meaning of the word, he quickly changed it.

Fri Sep 24, 2004 2:06 pm

vwkurt wrote: I also think Zwitters are pretty neat and it sort of pisses me off when people refer to them as not being 'real splits'. I think they fall into the same type of category as the 67's do for the later bugs as being special since they were the changeover with one year only parts.
Kurt

Thats because only the rear window was left over. Everything else went oval era except for what was zwitter only.

Fri Sep 24, 2004 2:27 pm

Thanks for the input EB and Skim.

So I've asked this question in other threads with no answer:

Would that mean that the Zwitter-only parts are in a sense fewer than say Split parts?

What do the production numbers say?