TooseApparel.co.nz produces an extensive line of vintage, unusual, animalistic, character Tank Tops and T Shirts. This article pays tribute to the plethora of Volkswagen Van models as also featured in this category on our website
When were Volkswagen vans first produced?
Volkswagen vans, also known as Volkswagen Type 2 or Kombi, were first produced in 1950.
What are the names of all the different models and versions of the Volkswagen Van?
There have been several different models and versions of the Volkswagen Van over the years, including:
- Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) – 1950-1967
- Volkswagen Type 2 (T2) – 1967-1979
- Volkswagen Type 2 (T3) – 1979-1992
- Volkswagen Eurovan – 1992-2003
- Volkswagen T4 – 1990-2003
- Volkswagen T5 – 2003-2015
- Volkswagen T6 – 2015-Present
These models have been known by various names, such as the Microbus, Kombi, or Transporter, depending on the market and the specific configuration of the vehicle. In addition to these base models, there have been numerous special editions and variations of the Volkswagen Van, each with its own unique features and design elements.
Some examples of the T platform layout are:
- Longitudinal Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive (T1-T3)
- Longitudinal Rear-engine, four-wheel-drive (T3)
- Transverse Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (T4-Present)
- Transverse Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (T4-Present)
And available as these variants (many more private ones)
- Panel van, a delivery van without side windows or rear seats.
- Double-door Panel Van, a delivery van without side windows or rear seats and cargo doors on both sides.
- High Roof Panel Van (German: Hochdach), a delivery van with raised roof.
- Kombi, from German: Kombinationskraftwagen (combination motor vehicle), with side windows and removable rear seats, both a passenger and a cargo vehicle combined.
- Bus, also called a Volkswagen Caravelle, a van with more comfortable interior reminiscent of passenger cars since the third generation.
- Lotação (share taxi), a version exclusive to Brazil, with 6 front-hinged doors for the passenger area and 4 bench-seats, catering to the supplemental public transport segment. Available from 1960 to 1989, in both the split-window and “clipper” (fitted with the bay-window front panel) bodystyles.
- Samba-Bus, a van with skylight windows and cloth sunroof, first generation only, also known as a Deluxe Microbus. They were marketed for touring the Alps.
- Flatbed pickup truck, or Single Cab, also available with wider load bed.
Crew cab pick-up, a flatbed truck with extended cab and two rows of seats, also called a Doka, from German: Doppelkabine. - Westfalia camping van, “Westy”, with Westfalia roof and interior. Included optional “pop up” top.
- Adventurewagen camping van, with high roof and camping units from Adventurewagen.
- Semi-camping van that can also still be used as a passenger car and transporter, sacrificing some camping comforts. “Multivan” or “Weekender”, available from the third generation on.
Have all the Volkswagen vans been well designed?
The design of Volkswagen vans has evolved over the years, and opinions on their design can vary widely depending on personal preferences and the specific model. Some people consider the classic, rounded shapes of earlier models to be iconic and well-designed, while others prefer the more modern, angular lines of later models.
In general, Volkswagen has been known for its attention to detail and high-quality engineering, and its vans are no exception. The company has made numerous improvements to the design and functionality of its vans over the years, incorporating the latest technology and safety features to meet the needs of its customers.
Like all vehicles, the design of Volkswagen vans is a matter of personal taste, and some people may not find them to be well-designed. Ultimately, the best way to determine whether a particular model of Volkswagen van is well-designed is to test drive it and see how it meets one’s individual needs and preferences.
Can Volkswagen van owners sometimes be described as members of a World-wide club or even be like a cult?
Volkswagen van owners can sometimes be described as members of a worldwide club or community, due to their shared passion for these vehicles and the experiences they provide. This community can be strong and supportive, with members sharing tips and advice, organizing events and gatherings, and forming close connections with one another.
In some cases, the sense of community among Volkswagen van owners can be so strong that it might be perceived as being similar to a cult, with its members having a strong emotional attachment to their vans and a shared identity.
It’s important to note that not all Volkswagen van owners are part of this club-like community, and that membership and involvement can vary widely from person to person. While some owners may be deeply involved in the community and have strong connections with other members, others may simply enjoy their van as a practical mode of transportation and not be part of the larger community.
Have Volkswagen Vans aged well in a technical sense?
In terms of their technical design and engineering, Volkswagen vans have aged well in many ways. The company has a reputation for building high-quality vehicles that are designed to last, and many Volkswagen vans from earlier generations are still on the road today, providing reliable and dependable transportation for their owners.
Like all vehicles, Volkswagen vans can experience wear and tear over time, and regular maintenance and upkeep is required to keep them in good working condition. Some of the more common issues that can arise with older vans include rust, engine problems, and electrical issues, among others.
To ensure that a Volkswagen van continues to perform well over time, it’s important to follow a regular maintenance schedule, address any issues that arise promptly, and make necessary repairs or upgrades as needed. With proper care, many Volkswagen vans are able to provide reliable and dependable service for many years.
Which Volkswagen van model has sold the best in all its history of production?
It is difficult to determine which specific model of Volkswagen van has sold the best in the company’s history of production, as sales figures can vary widely depending on a number of factors such as location, market conditions, and the popularity of specific models at any given time.
One of the most popular and iconic models of Volkswagen van is the Type 2 (T1) Microbus, which was produced from 1950-1967. This classic van is widely recognized for its distinctive rounded shape and is often considered an icon of the hippie era and the counterculture movement of the 1960s. The Type 2 Microbus has a strong following among Volkswagen enthusiasts and collectors, and remains one of the most sought-after models of Volkswagen van today.
Other popular models of Volkswagen van include the Type 2 (T2) Bay Window, the Type 2 (T3) Vanagon, and the Eurovan, among others. Each of these models has its own unique features and has been popular with different types of buyers over the years.
More can be read about the Volkswagen Type 2 Van here.
What was the highest price a Volkswagen Van ever been sold for, either new or as a collector’s sale?
The highest price a Volkswagen van has ever been sold for can vary greatly depending on the specific model, condition, and historical significance of the vehicle. In general, older models and those with low mileage, rare features, and a well-documented history of ownership can command significantly higher prices than newer or more common models.
Collector’s sales of Volkswagen vans can often fetch very high prices, particularly for classic models such as the Type 2 Microbus and the Type 2 (T2) Bay Window, which have a strong following among enthusiasts and collectors. Some of these vehicles have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
It’s difficult to determine a specific figure for the highest price a Volkswagen van has ever been sold for, as these sales are often private transactions and the exact amounts may not be publicly disclosed. However, it is safe to say that rare and collectible Volkswagen vans can command very high prices, and the value of these vehicles can continue to appreciate over time.
What is the history of the Volkswagen company, who owned it from the start and is it the same owner now?
The Volkswagen company was founded in 1937 in Germany under the direction of the German government, which sought to create a low-cost, affordable car that would be accessible to the German people. The first Volkswagen vehicle, the Type 1 (also known as the Volkswagen Beetle), was introduced in 1938.
Throughout its history, Volkswagen has changed hands several times, and has been owned by various entities, including the German government, private corporations, and investment firms.
In the 1960s, Volkswagen became a publicly traded company, with shares listed on the stock exchange. In the decades that followed, the company expanded its product line to include a range of vehicles, including cars, vans, and SUVs.
In recent years, Volkswagen has faced significant challenges, including the diesel emissions scandal of 2015, in which the company was found to have installed software in its diesel vehicles that cheated emissions tests. In the aftermath of this scandal, Volkswagen agreed to pay billions of dollars in fines and compensation to affected customers.
As of 2021, Volkswagen is a publicly traded company, with a complex ownership structure that includes a mix of private investors and institutional shareholders. The Porsche and Piëch families, through their holdings in Porsche SE, are the largest shareholders of Volkswagen.
Well I think the Volkswagen Van is an incredible vehicle in all respects, do you agree?
I can say that the Volkswagen van has a rich history and has been widely recognized for its distinctive design and versatility, with many people finding it to be a practical and reliable mode of transportation for many purposes, from transporting goods and people to serving as a recreational vehicle for travel and camping.
The Volkswagen van has also become an iconic cultural symbol and is widely associated with the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s. This history and cultural significance has contributed to the ongoing popularity of the Volkswagen van and its status as a classic and highly sought-after vehicle among enthusiasts and collectors.
