By the early 1970s, the Beetle had reduced production and was nearing the end of its life. However, in Brazil, the Beetle was still being produced in large numbers. Eager to match the development of Volkswagen in the rest of the world, VW Brazil set a near-impossible challenge: design a car to replace the much-loved Fusca.
In 1970, VW Brazil’s president set the challenge to his staff. The goal was to create a replacement for the Beetle, specifically with the Brazilian market in mind. Despite many attempts with different models, the most successful Volkswagen in Brazil was the Beetle, which was starting to show its age. So, in just over three months, VW Brazil produced over 40 different prototypes to try and replace the Beetle.
In the end, the designers produced a brilliant but affordable car, the Brasilia. It was based on the same principles as the Beetle. It was a compact car, with the air-cooled 1.6L flat-four in the rear of the car. However, it was given a much more modern look. As such, its role became defined: A Beetle for the new generation, rather than a car to outright replace the Beetle.
Sales began in 1973 in Brazil, and the car was fairly successful. While it did not sell as well as the Beetle, it was still very successful. It was the first Brazilian hatchback with five doors. Over its lifetime, over 1 million cars were produced, with many ending up being exported across South America, Mexico and even the Philippines and Nigeria.
However, once the Golf began production in 1974, the Brasilia’s days were numbered. In 1975 VW Brazil began conceptualising a water-cooled, front-engine car to introduce to the Brazilian market. In 1980, this concept became real, with the Volkswagen Gol being introduced to the market and was an instant success. As such, in 1982, production of the Brasilia was halted to increase focus on the Gol.
While its life was very short compared to Volkswagen models of the past and the future, it was still a radical concept. No one at Volkswagen would even dare to touch the design of the Beetle, but in Brazil, Volkswagen took a risk, to design a Beetle for the new generation. While the results may be mixed, it will forever be remembered in Brazil and across South America.
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