2018 Volkswagen Type 3 Invasion!

2018 Volkswagen Type 3 Invasion!

PHOTO: Dennis Stiefel and his beloved Clementine, a Volkswagen Type 3. (Submitted Photo)

By Staff Reports

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — Volkswagen Type 3 enthusiasts from throughout the nation and Canada will converge in Scottsboro from June 14 - 17, 2018 to participate in the 9th biannual gathering known as the Volkswagen Type 3 Invasion.

The group has held its gatherings in different parts of the country through the years, but this is the first time it has been held in the southeastern United States. The gathering will be held in the Jackson County Park and Marina, Civitan Pavilion #1 at 2302 County Park Road in Scottsboro.

Not a traditional car show, it is a social gathering of owners and non-owners who have an interest in these vehicles. Participants will include owners who will drive or trailer their vehicles from as far away as Arizona, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Toronto, Canada.

The vehicles can be viewed from 8am to 3pm on Saturday, June 16 and 9am to 2pm on Sunday, June 17 in Jackson County Park. Spectators are welcome. All proceeds from a silent auction of donated Type 3 items held during the event will be donated to The Arc of Jackson County.

Volkswagen Type 3s were manufactured from 1962 through 1973 in notchback, fastback, squareback, and Type 34 Ghia body form. They were first imported to the United States in 1966 in the fastback and squareback body style. The notchback and Ghia body style were not imported to the U.S., but some were purchased in Europe and brought here. Only approximately 1 million were manufactured during their production run compared to over 20 million Beetles. They were designed as a more upscale version of the rear engine air cooled Volkswagen with different sheet metal and chassis design. They have the distinction of being the first mass produced vehicle introduced with Bosch electronic fuel injection in 1968. Participants in the Invasion will be coming in vehicles representing all body styles.

The Invasion is being hosted by Marion and Peg McDonald of Section. They are the owners of a 1971 Fastback that Marion purchased new in 1971 before they were married. This unrestored, original paint VW is driven frequently in the Scottsboro area. Dennis and Angela Stiefel from Rainsville are also assisting with the gathering. They own a 1972 Fastback that Dennis's father purchased new in 1972.