[QUOTE=Idle;3381763He set up F. Porsche to design a car for the people but it had to be one that would operated in any climate. Think North Africa and Russia during the winter. This meant air cooled and that also eliminated spare parts for the cooling system.[/QUOTE]

I'm aware of Ganz's developments. Also the work the Czech's were doing on rear drive Tatra's which Porsche was familiar with having worked with them as well. There's no need go go all consipracy theory on the origins of the Beetle. Numerous individuals were working on the idea. And one of the reasons Porsche left Daimler Benz at the time was that they had no interest in the kind of downmarket vehicle he was trying to create. The air cooled simplicity of the Beetle had nothing to do with North Africa or Russia. Remember the Germans only got into NA as an aside to help the Itallians who messed up. That was simply not on the horizon in 1933. The air cooled requirements were simply for reliability and cheapness. Nobody but the nobility in Europe had garages in the 1930's so air cooled cars meant they wouldn't freeze overnight in winter. And of course they were cheaper.

- Peter.

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2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S