Volkswagen Bus Type 2

It is sixty years since the idea of VW's Transporter was conceived by Dutchman Ben Pon after seeing motorized trolleys, known as plattenwagen, conveying components around the British-managed Wolfsburg factory in the mid-1940s. Pon's idea was initially dismissed but reconsidered by Heinz Nordhoff when appointed VW's chief executive in 1948. This thoroughly researched book explores the VW buses story, from it's origins to the present day, the history of this familiar and much-loved vehicle is chronicled in an evocative style. This entirely new edition of the acclaimed book first published in 1997 includes the story of the world's most famous camper and includes full specifications, production details and buying advice.

This illustrated history celebrates the 75th and 70th anniversaries of Volkswagen's two most iconic vehicles, from the first Beetles spearheaded by Ferdinand Porsche in the 1940s to the buses that became synonymous with a generation. Volkswagen is one of the most beloved brands in motoring history, thanks largely to two instantly recognizable vehicles: the Beetle (a.k.a. Bug) and the Bus. More than 23 million VW Beetles have buzzed into the world since 1945, while the VW Bus presaged the minivan by thirty-plus years. Volkswagen: Beetles and Buses examines and celebrates all aspects of the vehicles and the many cultural associations that have swirled around them for more than seven decades. The diminutive rear-engined and easily mass-produced Beetle became the most popular imported car in America during the 1960s. Its success was due to its familiar face, its wildly clever ad campaigns, and the sheer numbers produced. The equally compact yet spacious Bus (a.k.a. Kombi, Microbus, Type 2, Transporter, and simply “van”) has won millions of fans around the world with its practicality, simplicity, and design. In this beautifully illustrated and authoritatively written celebration, author Russell Hayes looks back at the vehicles while focusing on the classic air-cooled VWs that ran into the late 1970s. Along the way, readers witness the Beetle and Bus at work and at play and learn about vehicle development and growing roles in popular culture, including star appearances in films like The Love Bug, Little Miss Sunshine, Footloose, Fight Club, The Big Lebowski, and Fast Times at Ridgemont High, as well as television shows like Lost and Once Upon a Time and on the covers of the Beatles’ Abbey Road and Bob Dylan’s Freewheelin’ album. The story is brought up to date with coverage of the New Beetle and plans for the VW Buzz, a modern electric version of the iconic Microbus due in 2022. Volkswagen: Beetles and Buses deserves a place in the motoring libraries of VW owners, automotive enthusiasts, and those simply interested in pop culture. It's the ultimate illustrated history of these beloved vehicles.

Revised paperback reprint at a bargain price. The full story of the Transporter from early 'Split-screen, ' through 'Bay-window' models and on to the 'Wedge' generation. The concept of the Transporter remained little changed throughout four decades of production, during which over 5 million examples were built.

A highly illustrated look at the inside story of the first version of the iconic VW Transporter or ‘Split Screen’.

A guide to buying, maintaining and restoring the Volkswagen Type II, produced from 1951 to 1974. Over 3.5 million were manufactured in van, pickup, crewcab and minibus versions. There is a photoguide to problem vans and a chapter on body modifications and performance enhancements.

Demand for Bay window buses is booming with rocketing prices to match. This is the first and only book to address the needs of owners looking to save a Bay bus. The book is packed with clear color photographs showing step by step real life restoration.

The idea for the VW Type 2 Commercial came from Ben Pon, a VW importer from the Netherlands, who was inspired by the crude but effective vehicles used to move goods around the Wolfsburg factory site. Introduced in 1949, the first Type 2s had the now sought-after split screens, and were produced as buses, campers, vans and pick-ups for almost 20 years. The VW bus has been used for many jobs: fire engine, ambulance, mobile home, cement mixer and school bus among others.

Buying a car is an expensive business and mistakes can prove costly financially and in time, effort and stress. Wouldn't it be great if you could take an expert with you? With the aid of this book's step-by-step guidance from a marque specialist, you can! You'll discover all you need to know about the car you want to buy. The unique points system will help you to place the cars value in relation to condition while extensive photographs illustrate the problems to look out for. This is an important investment - don't buy a Volkswagen Bus without this book's help.