Could someone share their experiences with a Type 3 Fastback

I am interested in getting one. What was the last year for
carburetor? What was the last year for the fancy override bumpers?
Is the car easier to get into the drivers seat than the Beetle.
Because the Beetle has the whole "A" pillar in the way of the legs
when getting in. On the Type 3 is the Automatic a good transmission
or is it plagued with problems like gear hunting and slow shifts? Did
the car have better heating? Or was it of the same performance as the
Type 1? How much horsepower/how much pick up did it have? What kind
of fuel economy could you expect? Is the ride comfortable? For the
Fastback, did it have a big trunk or a small trunk space? Did it have
a big gas tank or do you have to refuel every 250 miles or less?

Thank You for sharing your Type 3 experiences in the News Group. And
Happy Holidays.

I had 2 Type 3,s Fastbacks and then 2 Type3 Squarebacks over 20 odd years
and some odd T1,s at other times. First fastback was fuel injected, all the
rest carbied. In Australia the Fuel injection was only on the Fastback as an
option ( TLE =Touring Limousine Express--- yeh). In Aust there was some
thought that the Fuel Injection made the engine run too lean and too hot
based on increased cylinder head cracking on them. Better comfort and much
more luggage space than T1 definitely. Easier access into front though my
legs still jam on exit ( 6ft2inches). Only one, my current drive is
Automatic. Considering its only 3 speed and 1600cc it still gets up and
going along with the general traffic and will sit on 70 mph without too
much trouble .The auto is still 100% untouched in 38 years and is getting a
little slow to get drive in reverse, occasionally is not sure what to do and
seals are on way out but after 38 years !!!!!!!!!. Mileage on this one is
about 25 mpg, on a manual carbie about 28 mpg and on a Fuel Injected manual
about 33 mpg. The latter T3,s had a step in the rear parcel shelf which
allowed suitcases to be stored upright. As far as space goes I took my wife,
3 kids camping with all tents, sleeping bags etc etc without much trouble.
I thought and still do they were one of the most functional and at the same
time reductionist designs ever made.
Cheers
John