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Air-cooled perfection. Handmade – classic redefined.
Air-cooled perfection. Handmade.
We are more than just an engine manufacturer

We are more than just an engine manufacturer

We are enthusiasts, craftsmen, and keepers of a legend. The WAGENWERK™ Division was born out of a passion for air-cooled VW classics and is dedicated to preserving and passing on the timeless technology of the Type 1 engine in the highest quality.

VW Type 1 twin-port engine, 1649 cc standard for VW Beetle, VW Bus T1, VW Bus T2, VW Type 181 (Kübelwagen), VW Karmann Ghia

Original price €4.600,00 - Original price €4.600,00
Original price
€4.600,00
€4.600,00 - €4.600,00
Current price €4.600,00

The WAGENWERKS™ Stage 1 is a fully rebuilt, ready-to-install Type 1 engine with a displacement of 1649 cc. It combines classic VW technology with modern precision and the highest build quality – ideal for Beetles, Buses (T1/T2) and other air-cooled models.

Engine block & overhaul

The basic engine is based on an original VW magnesium housing, which was completely overhauled to VW specifications as part of a standard revision.
This includes:

  • Planing all sealing surfaces
  • Spindles of the main bearing journal to nominal dimension
  • Camshaft bearing overhaul
  • Renewal of all bearing and sealing fits
  • Check for cracks and leaks

This results in a technically flawless, near-factory base housing with optimal oil circulation and high mileage.

Features & Structure
  • Engine displacement: 1649 cc – proven, robust Type 1 configuration
  • Carburetor: Replica Solex 34 PICT-3
  • Alternator: Direct current, including new regulator
  • Sheet metal cladding: completely new and painted – includes all standard sheet metal cladding.
    (Vehicle-specific sheet metal parts such as end plates or bulkheads on the gearbox side must be taken from the original)
  • Dockhouse cladding: newly painted
  • Cylinder heads, pistons and cylinder liners: new
  • Each engine undergoes a test run on our test bench to check oil pressure and running characteristics.
  • Delivered fully assembled and ready for connection
Optics & workmanship

Each engine is assembled with the utmost care in the WAGENWERKS™ Division and then visually refurbished.

All visible components – from the dock house to the sheet metal cladding, generator and carburetor – are new or refurbished to like-new condition.

The result: a clearly structured, authentic workshop look with classic character. The WAGENWERKS™ logo stands for genuine craftsmanship: precise assembly, well-thought-out details, and a harmonious overall appearance – typical of our Division series.

Special features

A technically sophisticated, durable and ready-to-use engine, developed and manufactured in the WAGENWERKS™ Division – powered by Strive For Car™ .

Shipping costs
  • Germany: €98
  • Austria: €123
  • Italy: €144
  • Switzerland (Export): on request
  • Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg: €144
  • Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia: €136

Shipping method: Freight forwarding on a pallet – insured, including packaging and transport documents.

Delivery times
  • Germany: approx. 10-15 working days after receipt of payment
  • EU countries: approx. 15-20 working days
  • Non-EU (e.g., Switzerland): approx. 20–25 working days including customs buffer.
  • (Delivery times may vary slightly depending on order volume.)
Legal information

Terms and Conditions – Supplementary terms for the online sale of the VW Type 1 engine


1. Product type
The VW Type 1 engine is a custom-made classic car engine.
2. Customer-specific manufacturing
The engine is manufactured exclusively to order.
There is no right of withdrawal (§ 312g para. 2 no. 1 BGB).
3. Old part exchange procedure
Used parts are included in the calculation and become the property of Strive For Car GmbH upon receipt.
4. Warranty conditions Type 1 engine (as of June 2025)
The customer agrees to comply with all warranty and installation requirements:
• Installation by a specialist company
• Oil pressure measurement and documentation
• Valve clearance correction after 300–500 km
• Entry guidelines
Failure to comply will result in the loss of warranty and guarantee rights.
5. Shipping & Transfer of Risk
The risk passes to the buyer upon handover of the engine to the shipping company.
6. Testing costs & restocking costs
Testing fee: €120 (always)
Restocking fee: €50 (one-time fee, only if there is no defect)
7. Damage to the returned engine
Damage caused by the customer will be fully charged.
8. Lien
Strive For Car GmbH retains a lien until full payment is received.
9. Place of jurisdiction
The place of jurisdiction is Augsburg.

Do you have any further questions?

Write us a message

Click here for the contact form

Call us

+49 821 650 996 81

Or come by.

Alfred-Eckert-Weg 2, 86368 Gersthofen

Whatsapp

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We offer optional accessories and high-quality upgrades for our WAGENWERKS™ VW Type 1 engine:

We offer optional accessories and high-quality upgrades for our WAGENWERKS™ VW Type 1 engine:

Upgrades

  • Bus mount for VW T2
  • Carburetor upgrade (Solex 34 PICT-3)
  • Electronic ignition distributor, maintenance-free

Accesories

  • Clutch kit 200 mm (various versions)
  • Exhaust systems (e.g. VW Beetle TÜV version incl. mounting kit)
  • Heat exchanger heating bulb for right and left
  • J-pipes right and left (pair)