Solved - NEH 4612: VW 1600 TL Fastback Brazilian version by Marcio Piancastelli

[Carnut]

One for the Rookies...  What is it, from when and who designed it - for 1 point?:

Remember - solving puzzles using 'Google Search by Image' is BANNED on AutoPuzzles!

[Carnut]

Rookies all asleep?!
Up to the Experts to sort this one out then...

[el_monty]

I think it's the 1972 VW 1600 TL from Brasil

[Carnut]

I think it's the 1972 VW 1600 TL from Brasil

That's the car, though it's from a bit earlier than 1972.
Locked for you to answer the remaining question (who designed it?)

[el_monty]

I'm guessing it was designed by Karmann-Ghia do Brasil?
I have to disagree that it's earlier than 1972. The 1600 TL model was first released in 1970, but it had a different front end, as shown in the picture below. The 412-inspired front of the puzzle car appeared in 72

(Photo credit: http://www.carroantigo.com)

[Carnut]

OK, the project dated from 1969 but this is of course the face-lifted version from 1972.
However I'm looking for the name of the individual who was credited with the design of this version so it's still locked for you to dig into.

[el_monty]

Ah. OK, Found it. It was the recently deceased Marcio Piancastelli. I also see now that your picture appeared in the obituary article in a very popular blog

[Carnut]

Ah. OK, Found it. It was the recently deceased Marcio Piancastelli. I also see now that your picture appeared in the obituary article in a very popular blog

Yes - and I believe it was described as 1969 there!

[el_monty]

It was, but I think that just means Torchinsky made a small mistake when putting his article together. According to the Brazilian sites I've consulted, the TL was originally designed in 69 and released in 70 with the front end shown in my pic (which it shared with the sedan version, nicknamed "Zé do Caixao", and the Variant version), and then the design was facelifted in 71 and released in 72. The new front was nicknamed "Cabeça de bagre" ("catfish head"). The sedan was killed before the facelift, so only coupé and Variant models exist with this front design.

[Wendax]

Yes, and it should be correctly named 1600 TL in the header. 

[Carnut]

Yes, and it should be correctly named 1600 TL in the header. 

OI, I've put it in but there weren't enough characters available for it so I've deleted the Type 3 bit...

Here's the original puzzle photo along with an interesting picture of a 4-door version for the Brazilian market: