Beetle Suitcase..found in Aussie

[volks_addict]

Friend of a friend located this for me ...anybody know history value etc ..has to be post oval by the shape ..its in pretty good nik..thanks
Rayv
Sawtell Australia[img]

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[IN2VWS]

Are you sure its VW? Does it have any markings or makers name on it?

Most of the VW suitcases I've seen, are like a wedge shape if you look at it from the side, as that is the shape to fit under the front bonnet or they were just flat.

I will look through my catalogs to see if I can find any info for you.

[volks_addict]

Thanks for the effort ... it doesnt have any branding...but does sit neatly under the bonnet of a 61 Beetle

[IN2VWS]

Here are some scans from various catalogs
1956 Aftermarket catalog:

1963 Swiss VW catalog:

1957 German VW catalog:

[53 0val]

Great pictures......thanks.
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"What a fool believes he sees, no wise man has the power to reason away." Dobee, Dobee, Do

[volks_addict]

Teah great pics from the archives!!!..asking around the scene in Aussie ...seems others recall them ..with curved top.....might be a genuine Aussie Accessory

[IN2VWS]

[Brezelwerks]

I have seen this suitcase over the years a few times, its known to be specifically for a beetle and stored in the bonnet, but can't recall the exact maker, it was made aftermarket, as the bowed feature was the selling point. There was also a later (bigger and made of mostly plastic) 60's version of this style (with the bowed side) that had a label with a "bug-something" and a logo to match, also aftermarket. There were hundreds of non-VW (claptrapery) accessory things available for these feature challenged cars made during the 50's-60s.

As for whether or not the bowed feature made any difference or not, if you were stacking two of these thin suitcases in the bonnet, as there were 3, 4, and 5 pc luggage sets at one point or another, or on top of other stuff, perhaps this style on top under the bonnet would make sense, maybe not too, but I do think if you study the geometries here you can maximize your storage capacity under the bonnet by using this suitcase, someone would have to try it. The later 60's version mentioned was about twice as thick I would think for this reason.

Gary

[IN2VWS]

Hmmm.. OK. I would love to see pics from catalogs if anyone has any.

I agree with you that if anything it would be aftermarket. Definetly not genuine VW though.

It would be interesting to see a photo of it held close to the bonnet to see how close to the bonnet curve it is.

[Brezelwerks]

Its actually a strange design feature I think for a bonnet suitcase. While it may help in not interfering on the side to side ends where the hood actually rolls down (depending upon how high this suitcase would be placed), the hood is mainly flat across the top and not rounded. So to some degree the bow may be more of a psychological (and creative marketing) selling feature, as a functional feature it does seem limited, would be an interesting thing to test out though.

Gary

[Tempo man]

I don't think it is for a VW. It might be for somthing more exotic.
That is not to say it can't be used in a VW, but it was not made for a VW.

Kind of like putting 356 rims on your car. They aren't made for VW, but they fit.

[53 0val]

[OilDropMan]

For years I’ve thought this suitcase was a highly sought after accessory for VW.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=75962

Myth busting going on in this topic, I suppose. It’s about time to wipe it of my wish list.

[IN2VWS]

[volks_addict]

Thanks for the follow up ..esp oildropman for the photo link...thats definitely the baby

[Brezelwerks]

Picture of it fitted is interesting, its arguably convincing that it was made to fit the beetle, as without the smaller side ends the case would not fit inside and allow for the hood to close, and neither would it float/slide much side to side. It appears very secure and intentionally designed to fit that specific location. Agreed its not a VW designed/made ordered item, but something almost any luggage maker at the time would of designed (as an improvement) and fabricated for the beetle and sold in various ways.

As for it resting partially on top of the tank, I don't see that as an issue for the time, as these cars were basically sold as utilitarian/functional vehicles. But in my opinion this suitcase was perhaps designed to fit the hump tank starting in 56, which allowed greater bonnet clearnance for things like luggage, seems it would be a more precise fit. But even if it was bought for earlier cars, the case is only a light vulcanfiber press board, it will perhaps leave a minor scuff mark, nothing that is going to scratch anywhere near down to even primer on the tank. A buyer at the time would be much more concerned about maximizing storage space inside a suitcase than maybe scuffing his tank. But most Germans I know would probably lay down a light blanket anyways to equally protect both the tank and the suitcase (or at least think of this when putting it in the car).

I can't see how the bow end would be helpful anywhere else inside the car, all other panels in the luggage area are flat and space is rectangular (as the rear luggage space is), there would be no reason for the bowed top, not an efficient use of space, and it would move around a bit. I'm a believer that such design features as a bowed top are built in for a reason, one of the things the Germans do best.

I'd pose the question about this case while at HO or Bad Camberg, as there will likely be a few of these in cars there, someone knows the exact history on these.

Gary

[justbuggin]

I'm pretty certain that I've seen a photo of this case in the front of a beetle, but it had a matching thin flat suitcase that sat below it.
_________________
Rob

www.justbuggin.co.uk

1958 Rag Cal Import
T25 Panel Van

[IN2VWS]

Finally found one in a 1956 Gute Fahrt magazine.

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[Dangermouse]

Ever seen one of these?

We were given this case some time back, as you can see it's a perfect fit for the rear luggage compartment and we were told at the time that it was an original VW accessory case. I've never seen another quite like it.

Is it likely a rare and/or valuable accessory?

'Cos if not, I'm going to turn it into a rear subwoofer case

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[Peter_Plade]

I just bought one of these front suitcases, so my question is now,
is there anyone that has the original brackets to put it in? Or maybe just some good pictures?

I have this little picture from a accessory brochure that I have.

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