I N T R O D U C T I O N

T H E H I S T O R Y O F V O L K S W A G E N

CONTENTS

Introduction// 3 - 10

VW Culture// 79 - 89

VW Type 2 T1// 11 - 26

VW Type 2 T2//27 - 38

VW Type 2 T3//39 - 50

VW Type 2 T4//51 - 64

VW Type 2 T5//65 - 78

I N T R O D U C T I O N

T H E H I S T O R Y O F V O L K S W A G E N

4

Volkswagenwas perhaps the start of motoring as we know it today. From the plans and ideas of Ferdinand Porsche in Germany 1931, the first ever ‘people’s car’ was created. Adolf Hitler took a keen interest in the design, demanding that it be made cheap and easy to repair, so that ordinary German citizens could afford it. By 1934 the basic shape was one of the worlds most distinctive and best-loved car designs - the beetle- was in place.

A state run saving scheme was set up to help people buy a Volkswagen, but this was put to a stop because of the second world war. The factory which made the beetles was turned to making military vehicles, but was later destroyed by allied bombing.After the war Volkswagen was saved by Englishman Ivan Hirst - a British Army officer. To start with Hirst salvaged whatever he could from the ruined factory and workshops, after

HISTORYOF

5

doing this, he set up the factory to repair british army vehicles. Throughout time Hirst started up the production line of army vehicles again, got the town Wolfsburg back up and running and started the manufacturing of the beetle again, he did all this within 2 years.In 1947 they decided that another German should front the running of Volkswagen, this was Heinrich Nordhoff. Nordhoff fronted the company for 20years until his death in 1968, in his time of serving the company 25,000 Beetles were produced and exporting to America had started. Heinrich had doubled the production of the beetle in just one year. The beetle was becoming a success and was turning into the cult symbol of the time, service personnel of the army were starting to take them home and using in everyday life. Within the Volkswagen factory the beetle was known as the Type 1, this was to be carried on being produced but undergo improvements and development to make the car better.

In 1950 the Type 2 was put into production, this was manufactured as a commercial vehicle that was originally based on the beetle. After extensive improvements and tests the type 2 was born, this was the basis and start of the VW camper. Production carried on and the VW camper took over the world.

Production line of the VW Beetle

Production of the VW Type 2 Transporter

7

Ben Pon was a Dutch automobile importer. In 1920, Pon sold Opel and Ford cars

from his fathers shop, he later took over the shop in

1931 and renamed it Pon’s Autobielhandel. In 1947 Ben

Pon became Volkswagens general importer for the

Netherlands, with their first year they received 51 Beetles from Wolfsburg. By 1948 they were also importing Porsches.

Pon introduced the VWs into the American market in 1949,

by 1960 there was set to be half a million beetles imported

to the states, but as the Americans liked the beetles

so much one million was actually imported within the

first 2 years. Ben hasn’t been linked directly to this great

success for the Volkswagen, but he was the first to export them. After these great years of the Volkswagen cars being

exported, Pon became a multimillionaire and one of the

richest in the Netherlands.As Ben Pon made such a difference to Volkswagen,

they invited him to the factory where the beetles he had been

exporting were made. During his time at the VW factory he drew a quick sketch of a car, which inspired the engineers

at VW and was eventually developed into the VW Type 2 Transporter, beginning the

birth of the radical Transporter series which is still alive today.

Due to all the work Ben Pon did with Volkswagen he

became a well known figure and a was known as the father

of the Type 2 Transporter.

T H E F A T H E R O F T H E V W T R A N S P O R T E R

8

Within three years of Ben Pon initial sketch the Vehicle had been made

reality and was being produced known as the VW Transporter. This model was revealed in 1949, with it being put onto the market in March

1950. Within the 40year life span of the VW it was developed and adapted to many different styles

and varieties. The basic shape of the vehicle was kept the same but

was revised

THE B IRTH OF THE TRANSPORTER

periodically to keep it up to date. The type 2 was eventually issued in five basic models, T1 - T5. It has been estimated that around 5 million of these vehicles have been produced and sold, with some of the designs being a prototype for other car manufacturers.The basic model was a delivery van with no side windows and the entire area of internal space behind the front seats available for cargo loading. This was known as the panel van and there was a raised roof version with even more space.Another popular variation was the Kombi, this model had removable rear seats and three windows per side for a choice of freight or passenger transport.The microbus and deluxe microbus were moving towards the people carrier status, with a more comfortable and suitable interior for transport of passengers over a long distance.The weekender or multivan was the evolution of the VW becoming a campervan, it was designed to be used for regular passenger transport or camping.In a more commercial path, you could purchase the VW as a flatbed truck with a single or double cab, different variations

were availed to suit each customer.These were just the vehicles that came out of the VW factory. As the type 2 was so versatile it lent itself to conversions and experimentations which many mechanics took up the challenge. The type 2 is most commonly known as a camper, but it was used as emergency services vehicle, recovery vehicles, hearses and pick-up trucks. The production of the VW was fast growing and because of the versatility of the vehicle, you could adapt and make the transporter suit you for your needs, this was how it became such a success.

10

VW TYPE 2TRANSPORTERS

V W T Y P E 2 T 1

VW TYPE 2

12

VW TYPE 2 T1VW TYPE 2 T1H I S T O R YThis was the most highly

collectable generation of the type 2. This model is famous for its distinctive Volkswagen air cooled engine and split front windscreen, it was known as the ‘Splittie’. This was a rather basic but extremely characterful vehicle, it was the first Volkswagen transporter to come off the production line in 1950 and continued to be produced for a further 17years. It was the birth of a whole new motoring era.The first T1s were produced at 10 a day, but demand soon diminished and the in house production team was switched to a new factory in Hanover, here 250 vehicles were produced a day, this model was eventually discontinued in 1967, but Brazil still carried on the production.The camper model was created by manufacturer Westfalia from 1951 onwards, with a number of other companies doing variations on the transporter.Distinctive features of the T1 are a large VW logo on the cab front and an impressive cargo

capability including being able to carry up to 8 people.Lots of variations and styles of the VW basic transporter model were created, mainly because the production of the vehicle was moved to Brazil in 1967, here the models features differed from them made in Germany. The most sort after model was the Samba which had an incredible 23 windows, making it the most desirable and expensive model of the T1sWhilst being produced in Brazil a major modification of the T1 implicated the future of it. In 1962 the cargo capacity of the transporter was increased by a quarter, making a much more heavy duty vehicle with a larger engine. This model was favoured by the public and put the T1s production to a stop in 1968.

13

VW TYPE 2 T1

Throughout the 17 years of the T1 you could purchase the model as a:- Delivery van without side windows or rear seats (Panel Van)- Van with side windows and removable rear seats (Kombi)- Van with comfortable interior (Microbus)- Van with skylight windows and cloth sunroof (Samba)- Flatbed truck (Pick-up)- Single Cab also available as a double cab (crew cab)- Camping van (Westfalia)

VW TYPE 2 T1H I S T O R Y

14

VW TYPE 2T1 PANEL VAN

15

Known as the Volkswagen Type 2. This was the very first model of this soon to be extended family of Volkswagen

Transporters. It was introduced in 1949, being the second car model for car manufacture Volkswagen.It was taken a storm by the public, who were much anticipating the new VW range, this made Volkswagen more confident and the

production of the rest of the family was undertaken.

16

Put in production in 1952. This model was very popular

with the building trade and many working businesses.

The vehicle was hard waring and reliable, which suited

the market right and could withstand the amount of abuse

it would get from the users.

VW TYPE 2T1 P ICK UP

The Crewcab was introduced and added the ever expanding transporter range in 1958. As you can see this was an expansion on the original pick up truck, but with extra seating in the cab area to carry more passengers.

VW TYPE 2T1 CREW CAB

18

VW TYPE 2T 1 K O M B IThe Kombi was launched in May 1950. The Kombi came with side windows and removable seats, it often had a small roof rack .This made it the perfect vehicle for both transportation and use as a camper van; hence the name Kombi.

19

20

VW TYPE 2VW TYPE 2T1 MICROBUS

Launched at the same time as the Kombi, they both share the same characteristics and initial looks. But the microbus has only the one purpose of transportation.The overall finish of this model is a much higher specification to the Kombi, it is meant to feel more like a traditional car.The Microbus is the favoured model to be converted into a campervan, as it has the biggest area space, above shows a typical campervan conversion, which is always done to a high standard.

23

The term Samba in VW circles refers to a specific model of the Type 2 bus which was manufactured with the highest trim level available. A Samba is a Standard microbus with additions that include trim strips along the beltline and a dash clock. They were marketed for touring the Alps, as they had small skylight windows embedded into the vehicle roof to add viewing windows. Samba buses began production in 1951 and were all fitted with a large Golde sunroof

as standard. With the Samba having a higher spec than the Microbus it was more sort after vehicle especially for the wealthy citizens. This model again was used to convert into a campervan mainly beacause it was advertised to be a tourer vehicle and with the vast amount of sunlight you would gain from the 23 windows it made sense to do it. The Samba is the rarest VW Type 2 vehicle to find nowadays and much sort after by collectors.

VW TYPE 2VW TYPE 2T1 SAMBA

24

VW TYPE 2

T1 CAMPERVAN

25

In 1951 the ‘Westy’ was launched. This was the first campervan conversion model to put to market by conversion company Westfalia. It was taken by a storm, the public loved the characteristic fittings and furnishings that made it feel from home to home. There was a basic conversion which was generic across all models, but the customer could customise this and make it exactly how they wanted and to fit their needs, again making it even more liked by the public.

26

VW TYPE 2T1 TRANSPORTERS

V W T Y P E 2 T 2

28

Introduced in 1968, the T2 made an immediate break with the tradition of the transporter by taking away the split windscreen, which was the trademark of the former model. This model was known as the ‘bay window’ or bread loaf because of its larger and heavier build and a more block like shape.The appearance is a lot different and with the new curved bay window had more benefits for the owners. The improvements to the cargo capacity and load carrying ability meant the new model was looking into the future rather than past.The T2 was put into production in the Hanover factory, with new modifications and tests done in the factory it was released to market in the late 1970s. In 1971 more improvements were made on the vehicle. This particular model was in production in Germany until 1979 when it was moved to Mexico and then again to Brazil in 1996 where the popularity of the T2 grew.From 1971-1976 the T2 had a lot of work and improvements

done to it throughout the years to make it the best VW Volkswagen had created and the vehicle in the fore front of automobile. By 1975 one million VW microbuses had been produced.The 1970s were the best era for the Microbus, the bus was now playing a large part in the youth movement, being a cult symbol. The youth saw the VW as a way to represent anti-materialism, a liberation from social restrictions, sexual freedom and a new ability to travel and meet new people based on something other than family or workplace. This brought a break through in racial and class attitudes.The T2 was replaced by a new model and a very different ethos hit the society with this model. However this model of the T2 didn’t die out, it was developed in South America further and

29

VW TYPE 2 T2H I S T O R Y

a new model of the T2 was released in 1991. This model had a much greater interior space as it incorporated a pop-up roof.The T2 isn’t as popular with the enthusiasts today, mainly because of the change in aesthetics from the T1, but the

T2 brought development of new technology to the automobile world and the way in which the microbuses were manufactured. The interior of the bus was also improved to make a more spacious and comfortable area to use, but as said before the aesthetics of the T2 were the let down.

The T2 Panel Van was again the first model of this new generation and the

model in which the rest were based on. There are the similarities between this

and the previous generation but the main aesthetical change is the windscreen,

as the splitscreen was lost and the bay window was brought in, giving this

generation the name ‘bay window’.This vehicle was popular with companies

and working trade as they could carry all the goods and equipment in the huge

cargo area (which was expanded from the first generation) and know they have a well

trusted vehicle.

VW TYPE 2T2 PANEL VAN

32

VW TYPE 2VW TYPE 2T2 P ICK UP

33

Single cab and double cab T2 Pick ups were available from the beginning of the new T2

generation. With more improvements on this model it became a more robust vehicle and was suited

even more to the working trade, who were the ones that bought it the most. As you can see in the photo this model also came with extras like

the canvas cover, perfect to cover goods whilst in transit.

VW TYPE 2T2 MICROBUSThe Microbus was launced in 1967 and took the public by storm, even with the aesthetical change, it was a big hit amongst families and travellers.Not only that but it became a symbol for the Hippie Culture, as the vehicle was big and could transport alot of passengers at once, it suited them and led them along their care free life.

35

36

VW TYPE 2T2 CAMPERVAN

As you can see from the photo of the Microbus, the T2 Campervan was

converted from that model, with the added Westfalia roof, it added that extra head height so you could stand up inside the

camper and also giving extra sleeping arrangements because most conversions

included using the space in the pop up roof as sleeping area.

37

The conversions were down to the customers themselves, depending on what they wanted and what suited them, you

could have quite a minimalistic but very stylish conversion like the one above or a more practical one.

Even with the aesthetics changing from the previous model, this was a massive hit with the public and became the vehicle

of the hippy movement.

38

VW TYPE 2 T2TRANSPORTER

V W T Y P E 2 T 3

40

H I S T O R YV W T Y P E 2 T 3H I S T O R Y

The new T3 generation was introduced from 1979 onwards.The focus of Volkswagen at this time was to produce vehicles which they could market well and that brought a change for the Type 2, it was now being marketed for the family. All vehicles manufactured at this time had proper names, unlike the previous ‘type 1’ and ‘type 2’ buses.The T3 microbus was still available in various models - as a passenger van and as different types of camper vans. Westfalia and other manufacturing companies were still converting the microbuses. We knew it as the T25 or Caravelle, other names were used in different countries around the world. From 1980 onwards the Caravelle had been widened and with other changes it made it have a much more square and blockier shape to it, the main reasons with this were to comply with new automobile standards.This new model of the microbus was defiantly aimed at a completely different market,

it wasn’t so big on the aesthetics and boasted more improvements to the mechanics of the van and the security and safety along with improvements with the interior; the van was taken into a new modern look and was now seen for the modern family. This was a big step for Volkswagen in the automotive world as the microbus had created some great new technologies and improvements throughout its time in production. As for enthusiasts and collectors of the VW campervans this would seem like the end of an era. This generation was a sight into the future of Volkswagen, but it didn’t look like a good one. The Type 2 range had lost everything about it; the soul, the freedom, the intentions of the

41

H I S T O R YV W T Y P E 2 T 3H I S T O R Y

vehicles had all changed and for collectors not for the best. The world was changing and things were becoming more modern, with this brought new rules and regulations meaning that Volkswagen couldnt produce the Type 2 like they used to. The T3 production was stopped in 1989 as the new T4 was due to be

released in 1990, which everyone was hoping for a radical change and more of the old Type 2 to come back.The T3 is now a very scarce model and not one that you often see around because it is known as the ugly one.

43

VW TYPE 2

The T3 Panel Van was launched in 1979 after much testing and developing

the model came with a brand new aerodynamic shape. This generation was

alot more of a block shape, which didnt boad well for the aesthetics.The new panel

van had a much larger loading area, with a huge tailgate and larger sliding door.

These improvements were good for this model as it suited the customers which it was aimed at and did actually gain more

sales with these changes.The Panel Van was still known for its

reliability and robust, but now it didn’t look as good on the eyes,

T3 PANEL VAN

44

45

VW TYPE 2VW TYPE 2T3 P ICK UP

This was the third generation of the pick up and it was still going strong, like the rest of the vehicles in this new range, the shape was changed and now was alot more square, but this was due to automotive regulations. With this in mind the pick up was still in demand and customers came to buy the pick up because they knew from the previous models how good a vehicle is was and for that time it was just right for the working men and trades.

46

The Microbus was still the best vehicle for transporation, but with the new model Volkswagen had aimed it at a different market; the family. Throughout the development of this model alot of changes were made because of new regulations, the main being the shape of the vehicle, but others include improvements to the mechanics and safety within the van. The interior of the microbus had also had a major face lift to bring it up to date and more comfortable to be in.The new T3 was marketed for the modern family, which was the change for the future for the Type 2s.

47

VW TYPE 2T3 MICROBUS

VW TYPE 2T3 CAMPERVAN

49

Westfalia was still the main conversion company and was still producing the campervans for Volkswagen. Like normal they would use the Microbus to convert to the campervan. This generation wasnt as popular as the rest for the campervan conversions, but really it was the best because of the changes to the vehicle itself, it was larger and would therefore have more space inside. But that wasnt what the public wanted, they liked the shape and looks of the older models, this didnt cut it and lost out.

VW TYPE 2

T3 TRANSPORTER ’S

V W T Y P E 2 T 4

52

VW TYPE 2 T4H I S T O R Y

1990 brought a brand new concept - the T4 a modern four-berth campervan. This was the new alternative to the older out-dated type 2 model. Although this model was more boxy in shape, the T4 came in a small, compact version with the engine at the front (the first time in history for the vw campervan). This model was a much more sophisticated and reliable campervan, which came with a lot more equipment - microwaves,ovens, showers, satellite navigation as well as tvs and cd/DVD players.This was a much more modern vehicle that was definable aimed for the camping sector, it was quickly purchased as a domestic campervan and for those who wanted to travel in style. You could purchase a lot more extras with this model to make it seem more homely and to extend the living area of the van.

Despite all these new improvements bringing the VW campervan up to date and into the modern world, many enthusiasts and collectors of the old campers thought that the charm and appeal was lost in the T4, even though Volkswagen had plans to make a much more updated version since late 1970s they just needed the technology in place.The T4 was state of the art at that time which became a huge success and brought new innovations thanks to Volkswagen.Again the T4 was still being converted by other manufacturers, the main at this time was Winnebago, which did a number of alterations to the T4 including a model with a top pop roof, two double beds and seating for 4 people, improvements to the front seats to make them swivel

53

H I S T O R Y

into the main interior space and many more.The T4 generation was more focussed on the campervan model than the others, bringing this up to the latest standard and marketing it well to the public, who did respond and found that the VW campervan rocketed in sales.

There were still the other variant models within the range being produced. Infact Volkswagen brought back the ‘Kombi’ in this generation as demand for a multi-purpose vehicle was there again, this model was also used for the campervan conversions. The T4 ended production in 2003, as the T5 was being produced.

VW TYPE 2VW TYPE 2T4 PANEL VAN

55

The VW Type 2 T4 Panel van was introduced in 1990. As everyone was hoping for the shape

of the van had changed from the previous T3 models ; this new shape was amuch needed

improvement and brought the Volkswagens back to the market for buyers again. The T4

model had a new engine and improvements to the chasis and mechanics, making this an all

round favourite to buy for any trade buyers. The panel van was again used for transporting goods

and used in the working trade. It could also be bought as a half panel van, which also proved to

be popular Aswell as this primary use for the van, it was

being used to convert into a campervan because it was a lot cheaper to buy this model than the

Microbus or Kombi.

56

57

T4 P ICK UPThe T4 pick up had a much needed make over and for the first time in all generations, looked aesthetically good. It looked like it was part of the Volkswagen range and this brought more customers. It was still being used by the trades and working men as it was a good transporter, but there was a new craze for pick ups and the public would buy a pick up and use it as a normal everyday car, which with its looks and the more sportier model the T4 definatly fit into that category.

VW TYPE 2T4 P ICK UP

58

The T4 generation brought back the Kombi as demand for a multi-purpose vehicle was rising. As families were growing, more space was needed in a car, but the kombi also lent itself for being used

as a van for transportation too. This marketed well for the Kombi and the working family often opted

for the kombi. As it was the first appearance since the T1 model, the Kombi had to look good

and deliver on the interior, this was all met by Volkswagen. The Kombi was often modified by

the owners as it took a sportier look adding alloys and tinted windows.

The Kombi was also a favourite for campervan conversions, as the conversion companies found

the kombi easier to work with. With there being less windows there was more space at the back to configure the campervan fittings and it could

be used from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. But having the one window still brought in that much

needed light.

VW TYPE 2T4 KOMBI

59

60

VW TYPE 2T4 MICROBUS

61

The Microbus was still everybodies favourite large car. It had the capacity to carry 9 passengers. This was good for

the large families or often taxi companies would use the microbus.

It was still being used as the vehicle to convert into a campervan, with the vast amount of windows it brought

in all the needed light. The microbus was an all rounf favourite.

62

The T4 generation was all about the campervans, it was reffered to as the Eurovan because it was exported to USA, Canda and Mexico, making this the first vehicle to be widely exported to other countries. Volkswagen had worked hard developing this model along with the campervan conversion companies to get the best out of the vehicle. The specification of the model was the highest it had been offering top of the range appliances within the campervan. The space was configured alot better to get the most out of the camper especially with a short and long wheel based vehicle it gave alot more choice for the customer.The T4 campervan set the standard for the campervan market and showed the public what to expect from Volkswagen in the near future.

63

VW TYPE 2T4 CAMPERVAN

64

V W T Y P E 2 T 5

66

VW TYPE 2 T5VW TYPE 2 T5H I S T O R YThe T5 arrived in 2004 and

again it was an innovative transporter. Taking opinions from the public on the old T4 model, Volkswagen made the T5 a lot more versatile.The basic model was a panel van with no side windows or rear seats, there was also a high roof panel van option which was available in 3 different roof heights.Another version was based on the original Kombi, with side windows and removable rear seats, acting as both a passenger and loading vehicle.A half panel van is available which consists of the front half having side windows and only one row of removable seats.Flatbed trucks were also available and other companies often converted the van for use as ambulances, police vans, ladder trucks and refrigerated vans.The T5 was a up to date version of the T1s offering the exact

same variations except these were a modern day version.To bring the T5 into the camping sector, Volkswagen developed a rail system within the van which means you can clip different aspects into the van. The seats worked on this system, so you could take them out and replace them with pre fab camper van interior.There were two models brought out which consisted of the campervan interior: Kombi or Multivan Beach and the California. The Kombi/Multivan Beach has a fold out bed, but the California is more of the traditional camper having beds and other facilities such as benches, tables and a sink.The T5 won many nominations and became a great success as a versatile vehicle that

67

Volkswagen offered. Many VW enthusiasts will still favour the older models, but nevertheless the T5 is the new state of the art camper and passenger van, which took the public by storm and is still in production to this today.

Again the new generation brought a new shape, which was alot more modern and in keeping with the technology. The panel van had had a make over and with that brought new variaints. You could now get the panel

van as standard or as a high roof, which was available in three different roof hieghts.

All this variety brought Volkswagen more custom, as it was more widely available for

use in other markets and industries now.Thats what this new generation was all

about. Volkswagen wanted to re market everything, bring back the soul and share it with the world and by that i mean they

wanted to go global.

69

T5 PANEL VANVW TYPE 2

T5 PANEL VAN

70

The new Pick Up was even more stylish and up to date this time round. The last generation saw the pick up going into new territories and buyers being more that just trade or working men. This again proved prominant with the new model, Volkswagen had re-designed the whole looks of the pick up, adding more and more features to make it that extra desirable. It was more sportier than ever thanks to the grills, headlights and lots of chrome. This is what the public liked though and you would find people would buy the standard model and then go out and modify them more and more, this was an ever growing trend which eventually turned out to be Volkswagen enthusiasts modifiying vehicles because it was something they enjoyed and took pride in.

71

VW TYPE 2VW TYPE 2T5 P ICK UP

72

VW TYPE 2T5 KOMBIThe T5 Kombi was still a new vehicle, it was only brought back in, in the T4 generation, but yet again was undertaken the development and redesign to make it the ever gorgeous shape it is. The Kombi is often seen for the working family and is used alot in converting to campervan models with space being the advantage compared to other models.

75

VW TYPE 2T5 SHUTTLE

The T5 Shuttle was a new model for this generation or so it would seem. The shuttle is basically what has been known as the Multivan or Microbus in the previous generations; Volkswagen just changed the name to fit in with the purpose of the vehicle more, as a passenger car. The interior of this model was updated and new tecnologies developed to make this the best on the market.Again Shuttle would be used as the vehicle to convert into the campervan models, as it was available in a long base and short base model this was more of an advantage for the campervans and gave them more of a variation too, for the first time in all generations.

76

The new T5 campervan has been developed the most , with new interior designs and the upgrades to all fittings

and eletronics. The T5 campervan is the best on the market.

VW TYPE 2

T5 CAMPERVAN

77

From the previous generation Volkswagen knew they were onto a winner. To start with the looks of the vehicle are perfect, as shown above a VW Kombi has been used for this conversion like all other generations, but this is where the T5 is different; the conversion for this generation have under taken radical changes. Volkswagen have developed a rail system which is built in within all vehicles. This means anything can be put onto these rails. For the campervan, pre fabricated modules would be built and then the owner would basically take out the seats and attach the campervan units to the rail, this could be left in perminent or taken out when needed, everything within the vehicle works on this system, making it easy for the owner to modify and make it how they want it.

VW TYPE 2T5 TRANSPORTER ’SVW TYPE 2T5 TRANSPORTER ’S

C U LT U R E

T H E W O R L D O F V W T R A N S P O R T E R S

80

VW TRANSPORTERS ’H IPPY CULTURE

81

Arguably, the ultimate symbol of hippie culture in cars is a used VW camper van. Many of the VW badges are replaced with the peace sign and painted in a variety of bright designs.Undoubtedly one of the top 10 hippie mobiles of all time, this remains the most prevalent and best known hippie car.Specifically any Volkswagen bus of the 1960’ and 1970’s. Although most VW Buses that are driven by hippies nowadays are of the 1968 to 1979 Bay Window body style. The 1950 to 1967 Split window VW Bus however is the original mode of transportation for transporting at least 7 tie-dies.

Why a VW?In a hippie commune every person is a generalist; no one specializes in anything. The hippie may be cultivating rhubarb in the morning, sewing a patch on his tie-dye in the afternoon, tending to the sheep in the evening and so on. Volkswagens were touted as “people’s cars” designed to be mechanically simple and reliable such that anyone with a basic set of tools could learn to be his own Volkswagen mechanic.

This design philosophy fit well into the hippie philosophy of primitive subsistence, which was the necessary result of the hippie’s rejection of the division of labor. The Volkswagen provided the hippie with mobility and, in the case of the Bus, an instant flop house, and usually could be kept running without resorting to the services of a professional mechanic. By the late sixties, the Beetle had been sold for almost twenty years with only a few design modifications. This enabled the hippie mechanic to easily mix and match parts from different vehicles made in different years to keep at least one VW running. This is why hippies loved Volkswagens.

THE VW

SURF BUS

83

As the surfing culture grew from the late 1950s onwards and into the mid 1960’s, the VW camper conversions were gaining popularity with various different groups in society, most notably those with a surfboard stuck permanently under one arm, unless they were in the sea, of course. Campers and surfers became symbols of a relaxed, carefree lifestyle that was epitomised by the roaring of waves and the humming of the boxed-in rear engine. This resulted in the VW’s getting the nickname ‘The Surf Bus’.The camper gave the surfer a place to keep his board and somewhere to stay when he travelled to the coast in

pursuit of his other passion. The VW became a convenient and ever-faithful mode of transport even if it could overheat due to its air-cooled engine finding the travelling hard going. But surfers weren’t just satisfied with surfing the sea, they developed the idea of the skateboard so they could continue their activities on land. In turn, the VW followed and began another lengthy and extraordinary relationship with another culture crazed enthusiast, the skateboarder.This in time developed to include snowboarders too and its still a cherished vehicle for all three. Surfers have remained loyal to the VW camper for almost 40 years and judging by the number who still turn up in them by the beach there seems to be no sign of the love affair abating anytime soon.

84

85

The VW Festival has been running since 2005 and is a weekend long event that celebrates all that is VW. Its not just about the VW camper vans and transporters, but all the VW models. Cars range from old, first generation models to the most up to date models Volkswagen has manufactured. With this huge range it provides a history of VW in one field over 2 days!The event is the best place to see the greatest VW’s, especially those

more desirable vintage models which owners like to exhibit there pride possessions at these types of events. It shows you just what VW has done for the world and how one model can vary and suit others.

T H E V W F E S T I V A LHAREWOOD HOUSE , LEEDS

86

THE NORTHERN CLASS IC VW SHOWTHE P IECE HALL , HAL I FAX

The Northern Classic VW Show is a brand new event for this year and

it was good to see an event like this take place in my hometown of Halifax. It is held in an old georgian

building with a courtyard in the middle, this is situated in the town centre. This setting was brilliant for the event and captured the whole

essecene of the VW. The space was limited as there

was only room for 60 vehicles, but the vehicles were of high standard

and you could see the love and attention that the owners give

them. For locals this is a great event and a way to see into the world of VW Transporters, as there are vehicles

from each generation, showing off Volkswagen’s successful

innovations.

87

THE NORTHERN CLASS IC VW SHOW

88

VWRESTORAT IONS

89

Part of the culture of the VW world is restoration; this predominatly comes from the hippy culture, where everything is recycled and nothing put to waste. The same attitude is used within restorations of VW Transporters. Alot of enthusiasts will buy an older transporter that needs some looking after because they like the restoration process and bringing the vehicle back to its former life, this also gives them free rain of how they want it and to make it suit them. You even find people who buy a transporter that is in good condition, restoring or adapted things to make it suit them. As this is such a big part of the VW world parts etc are widely available and not at a estortionate price, making restoration work more and more appealing. This sort of work has brought demand for specialist garages and mechanics to carry out the work. As well as restoration work you will see converstions being done on transporters, converting a passenger model into a camper, expecially the first generations. These models

are the ones that have majority of the work done, as you can expect they will be very old by now and rust etc is part of the vehicle when you buy them, but as they are so rare, people will buy and restore them. The looks and shape of the older models is the attraction and turning them back into the gorgeous vehicles that they were when first produced is what the VW world want to see.

Designed & Written byNathan Bolton