The VW Type 2 also known as the VW Camper was created almost by accident in the 1950s. In the article we run through how it all began, how the Type 2 reach such popularity, and what the future may hold for these iconic vehicles.

The vehicle behind the idea for the Volkswagen Type 2 was not initially meant for public consumption. The production of the Type 1 was in full swing (that’s a Beetle to you and me), and a roughly put together wagon for carrying parts around the factory was seen trundling round the site by a Volkswagen importer called Ben Pon. Pon is generally credited with coming up with the idea of another larger vehicle based on the Type 1 floor pan. He began sketching his ideas in 1947, but the VW factory was so busy building Type 1 vehicles there was simply no room to diversify.

When some capacity on the workshops was freed up production of a Type 2 prototype began. In just over 3 months the vehicle had been built, and after some tweaks to help make the vehicle more aero dynamic production started in 1949. Initially the Type 2 was offered in the Kombi format with side windows and removable seats, and the Commercial. Due to its construction it was easy to diversify the Volkswagen Type 2 range to suit a wide range of industries, and in the following years between 1949 – 1952 was also released as a canvas back, a tipper, a milk float, a pick up, a bus and even an ambulance. Of course the Microbus and Caravelle we all know and love today was also part of this range. Read the rest of this entry »

The other day, I was at Starbucks and someone drove up with a classic car, it was a 59′ Stingray, and it was immaculate in every regard. Not a week had gone by in the last two years where this gentleman had not gotten an offer from someone to buy his car. He does take it to shows quite often, and he’s won numerous prizes, as it truly is that pristine. It’s so nice in fact that even when the weather is absolutely perfect, he is afraid to drive it.

However, when I met him, I was sitting on the patio as he drove up, backed it in, and parked his car. The reason he backed in is that he was afraid to back out because there would be a slight chance that someone else was backing out at the same time might not see him. He took absolutely every possible precaution he could to make sure no dents or dings would hit his car. In fact, there was a shopping cart across the parking lot, and he went and took it back to the shopping cart holder just in case, interestingly enough, the wind was blowing the other direction anyhow.

As I got to talking about all this with him and his fear of driving the car he explained to me that nowadays with kids doing text messaging, and not paying attention to their driving, or soccer moms with kids in the car using a cell phone, he just didn’t want to risk driving it unless the conditions were absolutely perfect, and he felt he was on guard and alert that day. Read the rest of this entry »