The Volkswagen Type 2 (a.k.a the Transporter, Kombi, Microbus and Camper) was first introduced in 1950 by the German car manufacturer Volkswagen as it’s no.2 car model with the Type 1 being the Beetle.

The Type 2 has received many nicknames over the decades including the names Hippie Van or Bus, VW Bus, Camper Van, Vee-Dub Bus. The van has long been associated as a surfer’s vehicle of choice and with numerous merchandise and art produced every year depicting mainly the first generation model with a surfboard on the roof rack.

The Type 2 is still in production today under the name Transporter although it looks completely different but the old classic generations still have a huge following today with vehicle restorers and VW enthusiasts. In this post we are just going to focus on the First and Second Generation models.

T1  – First Generation (1950-1967)

---

T1 – The first generation of the Volkswagen Type 2 with the split windshield, informally called the Microbus, Splitscreen, or Splittie among modern fans, was produced from 8 March 1950 through the end of the 1967 model year.

T2 – Second Generation (1967-1979)

---

This second-generation Type 2 lost its distinctive split front windshield, and was slightly larger and considerably heavier than its predecessor. Its common nicknames are Bread loaf and Bay-window, or Loaf and Bay for short.

Then came three more generations…

T3 – Third Generation (1979-1992)

---

Compared to its predecessor the T2, the T3 was larger and heavier, with square corners replacing the rounded edges of the older models. The T3 is sometimes called “the wedge” by enthusiasts to differentiate it from earlier Kombis.

T4 – Fourth Generation (1990-2003)

---

Since 1990, the Transporter in most world markets has been front-engined and water-cooled, similar to other contemporary Volkswagen’s, almost two decades later than it did for the passenger cars. Now called the Transporter or Eurovan.

T5 – Fifth Generation (2003 -2015)

---

The Volkswagen Transporter T5 range is the fifth generation of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles medium-sized light commercial vehicle and people movers.

Weird Customizations

---

How About These VW Type 2 Inspired Products?