1968 VW Fastback: Why We Fell in Love with This Vintage Volkswagen

There’s just something magical about a 1968 VW Fastback, and ours completely stole our hearts. We named her Shirley, after my mother, who had a lifelong love for old classic cars. It felt only right that this vintage Volkswagen carry her name. With her timeless lines and charming details, she’s more than just a classic VW; she’s a rolling piece of nostalgia and a reminder of the stories that travel with us. Come along for the ride as I share how this 1968 VW Fastback became such a beloved part of our home and adventures.

What Is a 1968 VW Fastback?

The 1968 VW Fastback, part of Volkswagen’s Type 3 lineup, offered a sleeker and more refined alternative to the iconic Beetle. While the Beetle was round and compact, the Fastback featured a longer, more streamlined silhouette with smooth lines and a sportier profile.

Often referred to as the Volkswagen 1500, the 1968 VW Fastback combined European styling with everyday practicality. Its rear-engine layout remained true to Volkswagen tradition, but its lower stance and spacious interior gave it a slightly more sophisticated feel for the late 1960s.

With large windows that filled the cabin with natural light and a compact but confident presence on the road, the 1968 VW Fastback struck a beautiful balance between charm and functionality.

Well-maintained 1968 VW Fastback models can range widely in value depending on originality and restoration quality. Because production numbers were lower than the iconic VW Beetle, surviving Type 3 Fastbacks are becoming increasingly collectible.

How the 1968 VW Fastback Compared to the VW Beetle

While the VW Beetle became the most recognizable Volkswagen in history, the 1968 VW Fastback offered something just a little different. It carried the same dependable rear-engine design but introduced:

Production numbers for the Type 3 Fastback were lower than those of the Beetle, which makes surviving models more collectible today. That added rarity is part of what makes a well-preserved 1968 VW Fastback so special.

Is a 1968 VW Fastback Considered Antique or Vintage?

The terms “antique automobile” and “vintage auto” are often used interchangeably, but they do have slightly different meanings.

Antique Automobile

• Typically refers to vehicles at least 25 years old
• Many collectors reserve the term for cars built before World War II
• Often preserved in original condition
• Treated primarily as collector pieces

Vintage Automobile

• Often refers to cars built between the early 1920s and late 1970s
• Generally still drivable and enjoyed on the road
• Valued for design, craftsmanship, and history

A 1968 VW Fastback comfortably fits into the vintage category, and depending on who you ask, may also qualify as an antique simply based on age. But unlike many antique automobiles, these classic Volkswagens are still very much meant to be driven and enjoyed.

Why the 1968 VW Fastback Was Considered “Fancy”

It may surprise you, but the 1968 Volkswagen Fastback was once marketed as a rather upscale little car. One memorable 1960s promotion even highlighted features like:

Not exactly luxury sedan territory today, but in the late 1960s, those details felt elevated. The Fastback offered practicality with just a touch of flair, which made it stand out in its era.

How We Found Our 1968 VW Fastback in Maine

I am not a car person. Not even a little bit.

My husband, however, absolutely is, and apparently it’s starting to rub off on me.

After gifting our longtime 1977 Ford truck to a family member, and purchasing our first Class B Panoramic RV (a lifelong dream of mine), we suddenly realized we needed a small vehicle to keep at our Maine home. Something simple. Something towable. Something Ella would love riding in.

Naturally, we started looking at vintage vehicles. We browsed everything from old Saabs and Scouts to classic VW Beetles. But either the interiors were rough, the price tags were sky-high, or they just didn’t feel right.

And then she appeared. A 1968 VW Fastback, freshly listed on Facebook Marketplace in Alfred, Maine. We later learned the listing had gone live only minutes before we messaged the seller. Within moments, he was flooded with inquiries for this classic Volkswagen, but somehow, we were first in line.

The seller was Jim of Jim’s Auto Repair in Biddeford, Maine, a longtime restorer and collector of vintage automobiles. The car had been lovingly maintained, beautifully repainted in evergreen, and restored with a clean white interior and painted white rims. It even came with a vintage luggage rack and the original suitcase mounted to the back, a detail that completely sealed the deal for me.

The problem? We were in Vermont and couldn’t get there immediately.

So a dear friend in Maine stepped in. The next morning, she met the seller while we joined via FaceTime. They walked us around the 1968 VW Fastback, showing every detail, the 4-speed stick shift, the spotless interior, and the tidy engine compartment.

I didn’t sleep much that night. It was charming. It was rare. And it felt meant to be. Since we were first in line and others were waiting behind us, we decided on the spot. A few days later, we were on our way to Maine to bring Shirley home.

“Don’t Let the Good Looks Fool You” — A 1968 VW Fastback Advertisement

In the late 1960s, Volkswagen leaned into the Fastback’s unexpectedly stylish reputation.

“We never thought it would come to this.
A beautiful Volkswagen.
All these years we’ve been telling you about the ugly Bug. And now the snazzy Fastback sedan.
But don’t let its good looks fool you. When you really come down to it, it’s still a Volkswagen.”

That balance of practicality and personality is exactly what makes the 1968 VW Fastback so endearing today.

Picking Up Our 1968 VW Fastback in Alfred, Maine

Alfred, Maine is just a short 25-minute drive from our home, but that morning it felt like the longest drive ever, in the best possible way. We were up early, coffee in hand, heading out to bring home our newly purchased 1968 VW Fastback.

Seeing this vintage Volkswagen in person for the first time was even better than our FaceTime walk-through. The evergreen exterior gleamed, the white interior felt crisp and clean, and the entire car carried that unmistakable charm only a classic VW can offer.

And standing there beside it, I knew her name. Shirley.

We named our 1968 VW Fastback after my mother, who had a lifelong love of old classic cars. There’s a photo of her at the Nubble Lighthouse in coastal Maine in the early 1960s, sitting proudly in her convertible with her beloved Basset Hound, Boozer. Naming this vintage Volkswagen after her felt less like a decision and more like a continuation of a story.

This classic VW Fastback now sits in our Maine driveway, and I have to admit, it may be my favorite car I’ve ever owned. It even happens to match the Essex Green trim on our home… which of course, is exactly the sort of detail I would notice.

The Vintage Suitcase and Luggage Rack That Sealed the Deal

One of the most charming details of our 1968 VW Fastback is the authentic vintage leather suitcase mounted to the rear luggage rack. It wasn’t added for styled; it belonged to the previous owner’s grandfather.

That small piece of family history made parting with the car emotional for him, and we felt truly honored to bring this classic Volkswagen into a home that also carries deep family meaning. The suitcase isn’t just an accessory; it’s part of the car’s story now, just as Shirley is part of ours.

Growing Up with Volkswagen Beetles: Why We Still Love Old Volkswagens

Long before we ever found our 1968 VW Fastback, Volkswagens were already part of my story.

The Volkswagen Beetle, with its rounded shape, air-cooled rear engine, and unmistakable personality, is one of the most recognizable cars ever made. Produced for decades and beloved around the world, the “Bug” became a symbol of simplicity, freedom, and a little bit of counterculture charm.

But for me, it was simply my dad’s car.

This photo is of me, around ten years old, sitting proudly on top of our black Volkswagen Beetle in our driveway in Maine. Later came the red one, the car I learned to drive in, took my driver’s test with, and drove all through high school. It wasn’t technically mine, but my friends and I treated it like it was.

That’s why bringing home our 1968 VW Fastback felt strangely familiar.

The sound of the engine.
The classic Volkswagen steering wheel emblem.
The simple stick shift.
Even that unmistakable old-car smell.

Does a Big Dog Fit in a 1968 VW Fastback?

I know what many of you are wondering… Does the big dog fit? Our Bernese Mountain Dog, Ella, is not exactly compact. And while a 1968 VW Fastback may have plenty of vintage charm, it was not designed with giant fluffy copilots in mind. But yes — she fits.

In the photos, you’ll see Ella perched in the passenger seat, gazing out the window like she owns the place. You’ll also find her stretched across the white interior, looking perfectly content, and slightly oversized, in our little vintage Volkswagen.

Truth be told, though, she doesn’t ride along very often. We use this classic VW primarily in the summer, and like most old Volkswagens, it doesn’t have air conditioning. The rear windows only pop open slightly, and while the car is perfect for tooling around town, it’s not ideal for a big dog on a warm Maine afternoon.

So while Ella may occasionally climb in for a photo (and she is absolutely fascinated by it), she sticks to our air-conditioned vehicles for most rides. Still, seeing a Bernese Mountain Dog in a 1968 VW Fastback is enough to make anyone smile, and that alone feels worth capturing.

Why Do People Still Love Classic VW Fastbacks?

Something is enduring about a classic VW, and the 1968 VW Fastback is no exception. With its sleek Type 3 design, rear-mounted air-cooled engine, and lower production numbers compared to the iconic VW Beetle, the Fastback feels both nostalgic and slightly rare. Collectors appreciate its distinctive styling and simplicity, while everyday drivers love that a vintage Volkswagen like this can still be enjoyed on the road today.

Unlike many classic cars that are admired more than driven, the 1968 VW Fastback strikes a balance between charm and usability. It’s approachable, relatively fuel-efficient, and full of personality, which is exactly why these old Volkswagens continue to capture hearts decades later.

Living the Vintage Life with Our 1968 VW Fastback

Owning this 1968 VW Fastback has become about so much more than driving a classic Volkswagen. It’s about nostalgia, Maine summers, family memories, and the simple joy of slowing down. From antiquing trips along coastal back roads to quiet evenings in the driveway admiring her evergreen shine, this vintage Volkswagen has woven herself into our everyday story.

And the adventure doesn’t stop here.

We’ve begun styling this classic VW for the seasons, pairing her with vintage decor, patriotic touches, and even ski lodge charm in the winter. She may be small, but she carries a whole lot of history and a little bit of our heart wherever she goes. Whether we’re heading out in our 1968 VW Fastback or packing up the RV for a longer journey, vintage travel has become one of our favorite ways to explore, collect, and style meaningful finds along the way. Ride along with us in some of these favorite posts below:

Want to see our 1968 VW Fastback in motion? Press play below for a little glimpse of Shirley doing what she does best, turning heads and making every drive feel like a step back in time.

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