A History of//Specific Models

Type 2 T1

Samba Bus
The term Samba in VW circles refers to a specific model of the Type 2 bus which was manufactured with the highest trim level available. A Samba is a Standard microbus with additions that include trim strips along the beltline and a dash clock. They were marketed for touring the Alps,as they had small skylight windows embedded into the vehicle roof to add viewing windows. Samba buses began production in 1951 and were all fitted with a large Golde sunroof as standard.

Panel Van
Known as the Volkswagen Type 2. This was the very first model of this soon to be extended family of Volkswagen Transporters. It was introduced in 1949, being the second car model for car manufacture Volkswagen.

Kombi
Launched in May 1950. The Kombi came with side windows and removable seats. This made it the perfect vehicle for both transportation and use as a camper van; hence the name Kombi.

Microbus
Launched at the same time as the Kombi, they both share the same characteristics and initial looks. But the microbus has only the one purpose of transportation. The overall finish of this model is a much higher specification to the Kombi, it is meant to feel more like a traditional car.

Pick up
Put in production in 1952. This model was very popular with the building trade and many working businesses. The vehicle was hard waring and reliable, which suited the market right and could withstand the amount of abuse it would get from the users.

Crew cab was added to the range in 1958.

High Roof Panel Van
A later addition to the range of VWs, the high roof was added in 1962. It was popular with the rag trade as garment rails could be fitted in the load area and provided the hanging space needed. It was also a good transporter for many companies with a higher capacity load.

A very rare model nowadays and prove hard to find.

Westfalia
1951 west was launched. This was the first conversion model to put to market by conversion company Westfalia. It was taken by a storm, the public loved the characteristic tony fittings and furnishings to make it feel from home to home.

Type 2 T2

Microbus
Launched in August 1967. Many would say a less appealing body style to this generation but the model was still well received. A sliding door and step were added to this model

Pick Up
Single cab and double cabs were available from the beginning of the production of the new T2 generation. Again as the previous T1 model, this was used mainly by the working trade.

Panel Van
1970.

Westfalia

Type 2 T3

Panel Van
launched in 1979 after much testing and developing the model came with a brand new aerodynamic shape. It had a much larger loading area, with a huge tailgate and larger sliding door.

Pick up - single and double
1979

Microbus
1979

Westfalia




Type 2 T4
The T4 range was launched in 1990.

Panel Van
Kombi
Mulitvan
Westfalia
Pick up




Type 2 T5
The fifth and last generation of the 'transporter'. The T5 range was put into production in 2002 and now was seen as a commercial or transporter vehicle. The T5 had these models on offer:

panel van
high roofed
half panel
pick up
crew cab
kombi
shuttle