Toose Apparel’s Singlet-Tank – VW Classic Van
Toose Apparel has produced several tank tops honouring the Volkswagen Van.
The Volkswagen T1 van series:
It all started as the Volkswagen Type 1 (T1) van, also known as the Volkswagen Microbus or VW Bus, was first designed by Ben Pon, who sketched the first design for the vehicle in 1947. The T1 was produced from 1950 to 1967, with over 10 million units manufactured in various countries around the world.
The T1 was offered in a variety of models, including the Microbus, Kombi, Samba, Deluxe Microbus, and Panel Van. The Microbus and Samba models were offered with either a split-screen front windshield or a single-piece curved windshield, while the Kombi model was offered as a combination passenger and cargo vehicle. The Deluxe Microbus was the top-of-the-line model, with additional features such as a sunroof, dual sliding doors, and decorative chrome accents.
They were powered by a flat-four air-cooled engine, with various engine sizes ranging from 1131cc to 1600cc. Engine power was transmitted through a four-speed manual transmission. The T1 featured a beam axle suspension with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and drum brakes on all four wheels.
The series line was equipped with either 4.5J x 15 or 5J x 15 wheels, depending on the model, with tire sizes ranging from 5.60-15 to 6.00-15. The body was made of steel, with a fiberglass roof on certain models.
The first T1 van rolled off the assembly line on March 8, 1950, in the German town of Hanover. Production of the T1 continued until 1967, when the second-generation T2 was introduced.
Overall, this series was a versatile and popular vehicle that helped define the counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s. Today, the T1 is a highly sought-after classic vehicle, prized for its unique style, practicality, and historical significance.
Then came the T2 Series
As a VW classic van enthusiast, there’s a lot of information to learn about each model of the VW Type 2. Here’s an overview of the key information you may want to know:
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Panel Van:
The Panel Van was the first model of the VW Type 2 and was produced from 1950 to 1967. It was designed as a delivery van and had a basic interior without rear seats. It was available in several lengths, from the standard panel van to a long-wheelbase model.
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Kombi:
The Kombi was introduced in 1951 and was a combination of a passenger and cargo van. It had seating for up to eight passengers and was available in several lengths, from a standard Kombi to a long-wheelbase model.
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Microbus:
The Microbus was introduced in 1955 and was the first VW Type 2 model to have a flat front. It was designed as a passenger van and had seating for up to 11 passengers. The Microbus was available in several lengths, from a standard Microbus to a long-wheelbase model.
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Pickup:
The Pickup was introduced in 1952 and was a cargo van with a small pickup bed. It was available in several lengths, from a standard Pickup to a long-wheelbase model.
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Campervan:
The VW Campervan was introduced in 1951 and was a conversion of the Kombi or Microbus. It was designed for use as a camper and had a pop-up roof, a sink, and a refrigerator. The Campervan was available in several lengths, from a standard Campervan to a long-wheelbase model.
Type 2 Specifications
VW Type 2 (also known as the VW Classic Van) was produced with a variety of engine specifications, transmissions, suspensions, and body styles over the years. Below is an overview of the information you requested:
- Engine Specifications: This series was produced with a variety of air-cooled and water-cooled engines. Air-cooled engines were used in the early models and ranged in size from 1.1 liters to 1.6 liters. Later models used water-cooled engines ranging from 1.9 liters to 2.5 liters. Engine specifications varied by model and year, with some models featuring larger engines, more horsepower, and more torque.
- Transmissions: There were a variety of manual and automatic transmissions. Early models used four-speed manual transmissions, while later models used four-speed and five-speed manual transmissions. Automatic transmissions were introduced in some models in the 1980s.
- Suspension: The VW Type 2 was produced with a torsion bar suspension system, which was designed to provide a smooth ride. The suspension was also designed to be easily adjustable to accommodate different loads and driving conditions.
- Body Styles: This series was produced in several body styles, including Panel Van, Kombi, Microbus, Pickup, and Campervan. Each body style was designed for a specific purpose, with the Panel Van being used as a delivery van, the Kombi as a passenger and cargo van, the Microbus as a passenger van, the Pickup as a cargo van with a small pickup bed, and the Campervan as a camper.
- Distance They Can Travel: This depends on many factors, including the engine size, fuel efficiency, and driving conditions. On average, a VW Type 2 can travel around 200 miles on a single tank of fuel.
- Engine Life: The life of a VW Type 2 engine depends on many factors, including maintenance, driving conditions, and the specific engine used. With proper maintenance, a VW Type 2 engine can last for many years and hundreds of thousands of miles.
- Engine Size: The engine size varied by model and year, with early models using air-cooled engines ranging from 1.1 liters to 1.6 liters, and later models using water-cooled engines ranging from 1.9 liters to 2.5 liters.
- Engine Type: The series was produced with both air-cooled and water-cooled engines. Air-cooled engines were used in early models, while water-cooled engines were used in later models.
- Engine Manufacturer: The engines used in the VW Type 2 were manufactured by Volkswagen.
- Upholstery: This varied by model and year, with early models featuring basic cloth or vinyl upholstery, and later models featuring more comfortable and durable upholstery materials.
- Number of Doors: The number of doors varied by model and year, with some models featuring two doors and others featuring four doors.
Volkswagen Van Rear Engines:
The engine in the Volkswagen Classic Van was placed in the rear for several reasons. One of the main reasons was to provide more cargo space in the front of the van, as the engine and transmission took up less room in the rear. Additionally, the rear-engine layout provided better weight distribution, which improved handling and stability on the road.
The size of the engine varied depending on the model and year of the van, but most classic VW vans used air-cooled, flat-four engines with displacements ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 liters. The weight of the engine also varied depending on the size and configuration, but it was generally relatively light, which helped to keep the overall weight of the van low.
The advantages of the rear-engine layout in the VW Classic Van include improved weight distribution, better traction, and reduced wear and tear on the front suspension components. The rear-engine also made it easier to access the engine for maintenance and repair, which was a big advantage for a van that was often used for commercial purposes. Additionally, the rear-engine layout also helped to minimize interior noise and vibrations, making the van more comfortable to drive.
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