Image credits: © Volkswagen.

1967 Volkswagen Transporter

The Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter, or Bus, began as a drawing by Dutch importer Ben Pon in April of 1957, shortly after the arrival of the first Type 1 Bettle in his home country. Engineers adapted it to the Type 1 car platform, using many mechanical parts from the Type 1 but not its chassis, and the Volkswagen Bus made its debut in 1950. It was initially conceived as a utilitarian delivery vehicle with its narrow dimensions and short turning circle being well suited to tight European streets. The first-generation VW Bus was produced until 1967 in a variety of configurations from pickups and panel delivery trucks to factory-outfitted campers. The van was built with and without rear side windows, and also came as a fully-equipped camper, plus numerous aftermarket conversions including ambulances, police vans, fire service, and hearses. The Kombi version was introduced during the 1960s and was a window van with removable seats

The Type 2 was so successful that Volkswagen built a dedicated Transporter production facility in Hanover, Germany. Production continued into late 1967 for North American and European markets, when it was replaced by a redesigned version known to enthusiasts as the T2. By this point in history, nearly two million examples had been sold worldwide. The replacement, also called the 'Type 2,' had a single, larger windshield, and a longer body. Power units grew in size from 1,600cc to 2.0-liters before production ceased in 1978 with the introduction of the third generation.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2020

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