Digging Up Some History

Bookwus · 21 February 2008, 21:14

Hiya All,

I've been looking into the development of the "AutoStick" system and have come up with a couple of interesting tidbits. Take a look at some excerpts I've found...................

"The idea behind the automatic clutch technology is to provide an experience that requires driver input, and therefore is interactive rather than passive, but also eliminates the need to disengage the clutch repeatedly in city traffic............The Hydrak was co-developed by Fichtel & Sachs and Daimler-Benz AG for use in the 6 cylinder Mercedes-Benz...........the clutch, control valve assembly, and the servo unit were made by Fichtel & Sachs.........It was first available in 1957 on the Type 219.........Several other German automobile manufacturers such as Volkswagen and Porsche also adapted the use of Fichtel & Sachs automatic clutch units. The Volkswagen "Automatic Stickshift" adaptation did not appear until later in the 1960s.............The unit which was used by Mercedes resembled the Fichtel & Sachs "Saxomat" clutch, which was used, without a hydraulic torque converter, by Opel and DKW-Auto-Union."

Looks like our pedigree might be improving with Mercedes in the family tree!

I'll see if I can round up any more early information on the AutoStick.

68autobug · 22 February 2008, 09:45

interesting info Mike,

the VW Saxomat was used in Beetles before the Autosticks..[1968]

but I'm not sure what years they were made....

they were Never sold in Australia... I think Europe only???

I think our beetles are lasting longer than the Mercedes Mike...

does anyone know if the Porsche sportomatic used a double Oil/ATF pump on the rear of the engine , as on the beetles..?

Lee

Chris the Eagle · 27 February 2008, 01:14

I found this website while looking for interior designs for my seat resto. It talks about VW's being affordable Lexus'. Plus the diagram was cool!

http://naijacar.blogspot.com/2007/01/inspiration-series-4-vw-beetle.html

buggerfly · 28 February 2008, 06:28

Sad to compare a Volkswagen Beetle to a Lexus. Are cars have been around longer and as far as I'm concerned are much better looking and have nicer people driving them.

68autobug · 28 February 2008, 12:56

Hi Chris and Buggerfly

I'm sure that Lexus owners do not wave to each other,
or even flash their headlamps...!!

plus they don't need to turn their headlamps or windshield washers on
as its all done automatically....

they call that driving??

and How He could compare a Beetle to a Lexus...

most Lexus in Australia are leasted by companies... not owned...
----------------------------------------------------------------

I've never actually had a look at a 2CV...
they are very rare and very expensive in Australia...
----------------------------------------------------------------
Incidently, the VW beetle was sold in Nigeria... but made in South Africa...

cheers

Lee

Beetles are Best - Beetles are Best

[/b]

Chris the Eagle · 28 February 2008, 15:21

Yeah, I really didn't agree with the idea of our drives being similar to Lexus' either. I agree with you Lee, having it all automated is not really driving!

buggerfly · 01 March 2008, 04:54

You guys are both right about the automated stuff, if we wanted a car like that we would have one that has auto pilot and drives itself. Now that would be the ideal car, one that drives it self and you can sleep on trips and not have to waste time stopping for the night, maybe one of these days. But for now I would rather control what I want "on" in my car.

68autobug · 01 March 2008, 08:13

When You drive a late model car on a highway , You can forget what you are doing..
but in a beetle... You have the sound of the engine...
maybe some music lol...

but You never forget that you are driving a Beetle...

and its an experience that i love....

Every time....

I'm hoping My beetle will be back on the road in a few days..
Gearbox and torque converter are installed..

cheers
LEE

Bookwus · 01 March 2008, 17:10

Hiya Lee,

Looks like mine is up on the blocks for a while.

I still have not yet removed that stubborn bolt. Too many jobs around the house at the moment. And my engine builder is on the other side of the continent and he is one busy fellow. So, I'll have to do some waiting before I can get back on the road with my Bug. But, in the meantime, I have my Bus.

68autobug · 03 March 2008, 01:09

Quote from: Bookwus on 01 March 2008, 17:10
Hiya Lee,

Looks like mine is up on the blocks for a while.

I still have not yet removed that stubborn bolt. Too many jobs around the house at the moment. And my engine builder is on the other side of the continent and he is one busy fellow. So, I'll have to do some waiting before I can get back on the road with my Bug. But, in the meantime, I have my Bus.

I wish I had a Bus too Mike....

but BUS = Divorce....

so... My beetle will do...

Lee

1961 VW · 01 September 2008, 09:40

Volkswagen sold a few Saxomat equipped 1961 bugs in the United States.

Richard

1961 VW Saxomat

Bookwus · 01 September 2008, 18:49

Hiya Richard,

Welcome to the forum!

I'd be interested to know where you got your information concerning the sale of Saxomat equipped cars in the US.

All the "official" research I've done indicates that the Saxomat was strictly a European market product. I can't find anything (on paper) to indicate that any Saxomats were imported to the North American market for sale by VW.

On the other hand, I have heard personal accounts of folks who have had or knew of someone who had a Saxomat equipped VW. I have chatted with one person (North Carolina IIRC) who had a Saxomat equipped car and was looking for parts.

I'm inclined to believe that VWs with the Saxomat system were imported into the States by private parties in the early sixties. There was certainly a massive US military presence in Western Europe (especially in West Germany) at that time and it's not difficult to envisage US servicemen bringing home VWs - and perhaps some Saxomats among them. Also, VW started up it's tourist delivery sales in '65 or '66 and it's possible that US tourists went home with some Saxomats.

Whatever the actual case, there are darn few Saxomats running around in the States these days. You have what I'd call a pretty rare car. How about posting up some pictures for us? I'd sure like to see the car and especially its Saxomat innards!

1961 VW · 02 September 2008, 01:57

My father purchased our 1961 Gulf Blue Saxomat from the Eugene, Oregon VW dealer (Jack and CEE Motors) on March 31, 1961. It was one of very few that were imported by Volkswagen of America. In the late 1960's a clutch cable and 3 pedal cluster were installed. It still has the original Saxomat 4 speed transmission but the vacuum and centrifugal clutch was replaced with a standard manual clutch. The vacuum servos were also removed at that time. The life of the carbon through out bearing was the reason for the conversion. He was told that he had to use the carbon bearing with the Saxomat. It still has the Saxomat gear shift lever with the switch for the clutch release. I am interested in restoring the Saxomat if I am able to locate parts.

Richard

Bookwus · 02 September 2008, 04:01

Hiya Richard,

Whoa Nellie!

Eugene, Oregon? Where are you located presently? I'm in Portland and I'd really like to look at your car.

I wonder if any parts from our AutoSticks might transfer over to a Saxomat.

68autobug · 02 September 2008, 15:11

I have read that the demand for beetles was so high in the US during the 60s
that many were privately imported by VW dealers to satisfy the demand
Many private imports were sold at that time as You could make money selling beetles
as a beetle in stock could be sold much higher than the normal [wait in line] beetles.

I had never heard of the Saxomat until I saw it on a webpage somewhere...
I doubt if there are any in Australia... I believe the parts would be very rare..
as the early 60s was quite a long time ago... and maybe very limited sales??

I read where Porsche and VW adapted the Autostick [Sportomatik] in the late 60s
so the system was most probably improved from what Mercedes used..

I wonder what "Saxomat" means ?

Lee