New to VW's...what am I looking at

[Amdavis76]

Hello Buggiers!

I am new to VW's and Manx style buggy's (just bought a 68 manx style bug) and was curious what I was looking at on the engine. I have a lot of experience with ford and chevy engines...but not VW's. Instead of the usual crank pulley that I see attached to the crank with a belt around that runs the generator I have this large black cover with a fan-like pulley for the crank that a belt runs off of to run the generator. What is the large black cover for? I've never seen one on a VW before. I am assuming it is for air-cooling the motor but I figured some of you may be able to help.

Thanks.

[KIM-P]

I did a quick search and I'm thinking its a type 3 engine also known as a pancake engine.