In September 1961, the VW Type 3 was introduced as a mid-size class, one class above the VW Beetle. The VW Type 3 had a heavier engine, more trunk and interior space, much more luxury and comfort, and also a higher price.
Many people think that parking lights were only introduced with the VW Golf, but nothing could be further from the truth. The introduction of this accessory took place over 10 years earlier with the VW Type 3. These devices are designed to prevent a collision when the car is parked on a dark road or driveway.
The parking lights are switched on when the key is removed from the ignition, and the direction blinker is switched on to the left for the left side, or to the right for the right side. Due to the low power of the lights, it's no problem for 12 and 6 volts to leave the parking lights on all night, provided your battery is in good condition. When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the parking light goes out automatically, and if you forget to return the indicators to the central position, they flash.
Italy, Austria, Denmark, Finland and Norway didn't have parking lights, because in these countries, parking lights were used as direction indicators. Due to the legislation in force in the various countries, different colored lenses were used, with the two-tone lenses serving as parking lights. The clear side is directed towards the front of the car and the colored side towards the rear.
Fixed-color lenses are applicable if they are used as direction indicators.
Note : Applicable to both VW Type 3 and Karmann Ghia T34, not all VW Type 3's are equipped with parking lights or side direction indicators, which may vary from country to country and year to year.
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