After looking for research on the internet, i soon found out that there wasn't that much that i could find that was actually useful, so i looked for books instead and came across one in particular.
Which i decided to buy and it is a great book and provided lots of interesting information and useful information. Whilst reading through the book i took down notes, which i have written up properly into structured paragraphs etc.
HISTORY
OF VOLKSWAGEN
Volkswagenwas
perhaps the start of motoring as we know it today. From the plans and ideas of
Ferdinand Porsche in Germany 1931, the first ever 'people's car' was created.
Adolf Hitler took a keen interest in the design, demanding that it be made
cheap and easy to repair, so that ordinary German citizens could afford it. By
1934 the basic shape was one of the worlds most distinctive and best-loved car
designs - the beetle- was in place.
A state
run saving scheme was set up to help people buy a Volkswagen, but this was put
to a stop because of the second world war. The factory which made the beetles
was turned to making military vehicles, but was later destroyed by allied
bombing.
After the
war Volkswagen was saved by Englishman Ivan Hirst - a British Army officer. To
start with Hirst salvaged whatever he could from the ruined factory and
workshops, after doing this, he set up the factory to repair british army
vehicles. Throughout time Hirst started up the production line of army vehicles
again, got the town Wolfsburg back up and running and started the manufacturing
of the beetle again, he did all this within 2 years.
In 1947
they decided that another German should front the running of Volkswagen, this
was Heinrich Nordhoff. Nordhoff fronted the company for 20years until his death
in 1968, in his time of serving the company 25,000 Beetles were produced and
exporting to America had started. Heinrich had doubled the production of the
beetle in just one year. The beetle was becoming a success and was turning into
the cult symbol of the time, service personnel of the army were starting to
take them home and using in everyday life. Within the Volkswagen factory the
beetle was known as the Type 1, this was to be carried on being produced but
undergo improvements and development to make the car better.
In 1950
the Type 2 was put into production, this was manufactured as a commercial
vehicle that was originally based on the beetle. After extensive improvements
and tests the type 2 was born, this was the basis and start of the VW camper.
Production carried on and the VW camper took over the world.
THE BIRTH
OF THE CAMPERVAN
Within
three years of Ben Pond initial sketch the Vehicle had been made reality and
was being produced known as the VW Transporter. This model was revealed in
1949, with it being put onto the market in March 1950. Within the 40year life
span of the VW it was developed and adapted to many different styles and
varieties. The basic shape of the vehicle was kept the same but was revised
periodically to keep it up to date. The type 2 was eventually issued in five
basic models, T1 - T5. It has been estimated that around 5 million of these
vehicles have been produced and sold, with some of the designs being a
prototype for other car manufacturers.
The basic
model was a delivery van with no side windows and the entire area of internal
space behind the front seats available for cargo loading. This was known as the
panel van and there was a raised roof version with even more space.
Another
popular variation was the Kombi, this model had removable rear seats and three
windows per side for a choice of freight or passenger transport.
The
microbus and deluxe microbus were moving towards the people-carrier status,
with a more comfortable and suitable interior for transport of passengers over
a long distance.
The
weekender or multivan was the evolution of the VW becoming a campervan, it was
designed to be used for regular passenger transport or camping.
In a more
commercial path, you could purchase the VW as a flatbed truck with a single or
double cab, different variations were availed to suit each customer.
These
were just the vehicles that came out of the VW factory. As the type 2 was so
versatile it lent itself to conversions and experimentations which many
mechanics took up the challenge. The type 2 is most commonly known as a camper,
but it was used as emergency services vehicle, recovery vehicles, hearses and
pick-up trucks. The production of the VW was fast growing and because of the
versatility of the vehicle, you could adapt and make the transporter suit you
for your needs, this was how it became such a success.
TYPE 2 T1
This was
the most highly collectable generation of the type 2. This model is famous for
its distinctive Volkswagen air cooled engine and split front windscreen, it was
known as the 'Splittie'. This was a rather basic but extremely characterful
vehicle, it was the first Volkswagen transporter to come off the production
line in 1950 and continued to be produced for a further 17years. It was the
birth of a whole new motoring era.
The first
T1s were produced at 10 a day, but demand soon diminished and the in house
production team was switched to a new factory in Hanover, here 250 vehicles
were produced a day, this model was eventually discontinued in 1967, but Brazil
still carried on the production.
The
camper model was created by manufacturer Westfalia from 1951 onwards, with a
number of other companies doing variations on the transporter.
Distinctive
features of the T1 are a large VW logo on the cab front and an impressive cargo
capability including being able to carry up to 8 people.
Lots of
variations and styles of the VW basic transporter model were created, mainly
because the production of the vehicle was moved to Brazil in 1967, here the
models features differed from them made in Germany. The most sort after model
was the Samba which had an incredible 23 windows, making it the most desirable
and expensive model of the T1s
Whilst
being produced in Brazil a major modification of the T1 implicated the future
of it. In 1962 the cargo capacity of the transporter was increased by a
quarter, making a much more heavy duty vehicle with a larger engine. This model
was favoured by the public and put the T1s production to a stop in 1968.
Throughout
the 17 years of the T1 you could purchase the model as a:
-
Delivery van without side windows or rear seats (Panel Van)
-
Delivery van with raised roof (Highroof Panel Van), or Hochdach
- Van
with side windows and removable rear seats (Kombi)
- Van
with more comfortable interior reminiscent of passenger cars (Bus; also called
Caravelle since the third generation)
- Van
with skylight windows and cloth sunroof (Samba-Bus)
- Flatbed
truck (Pick-up), or Single Cab also available as a double cab (crew cab)
- Camping
van (Westy; with Westfalia roof and interior)
TYPE 2 T2
Introduced
in 1968, the T2 made an immediate break with the tradition of the transporter
by taking away the split windscreen, which was the trademark of the former model.
This model was known as the 'bay window' or bread loaf because of its larger
and heavier build and a more block like shape.
The
appearance is a lot different and with the new curved bay window had more
benefits for the owners. The improvements to the cargo capacity and load
carrying ability meant the new model was looking into the future rather than
past.
The T2
was put into production in the Hanover factory, with new modifications and
tests done in the factory it was released to market in the late 1970s. In 1971
more improvements were made on the vehicle. This particular model was in
production in Germany until 1979 when it was moved to Mexico and then again to
Brazil in 1996 where the popularity of the T2 grew.
From
1971-1976 the T2 had a lot of work and improvements done to it throughout the
years to make it the best VW Volkswagen had created and the vehicle in the fore
front of automobile. By 1975 one million VW microbuses had been produced.
The 1970s
were the best era for the Microbus, the bus was now playing a large part in the
youth movement, being a cult symbol. The youth saw the VW as a way to represent
anti-materialism, a liberation from social restrictions, sexual freedom and a
new ability to travel and meet new people based on something other than family
or workplace. This brought a break through in racial and class attitudes.
The
Microbus was often used as part of the hippie culture. They would replace the
VW logo on the front of the cab for a peace symbol and many of the vans were
hand decorated or given customised paint jobs. With the large size of the VW
and the ability to transport so many people, they were often seeked out buy
hitchhikers.
By the
late 1970s the hippy culture had been integrated into mainstream life and the
movement had lost much of its impetus.
The T2
was replaced by a new model and a very different ethos hit the society with
this model. However this model of the T2 didn't die out, it was developed in
South America further and a new model of the T2 was released in 1991. This
model had a much greater interior space as it incorporated a pop-up roof.
The T2
isn't as popular with the enthusiasts today, mainly because of the change in
aesthetics from the T1, but the T2 brought development of new technology to the
automobile world and the way in which the microbuses were manufactured. The
interior of the bus was also improved to make a more spacious and comfortable
area to use, but as said before the aesthetics of the T2 were the let down.
TYPE 2 T3
Introduced
from 1979 onwards. The focus of Volkswagen at this time was to produce vehicle
which they could market well. All vehicles manufactured at this time had proper
names, unlike the previous 'type 1' and 'type' 2 buses.
The T3
microbus was still available in various models - as a passenger van and as
different types of camper vans. Westfalia and other manufacturing companies
were still converting the microbuses. We knew it as the T25 or Caravelle, other
names were used in different countries around the world. From 1980 onwards the
Caravelle had been widened and with other changes it made it have a much more
square and blockier shape to it, the main reasons with this were to comply with
new automobile standards.
This new
model of the microbus was defiantly aimed at a completely different market, it
wasn't so big on the aesthetics and boasted more improvements to the mechanics
of the van and the security and safety along with improvements with the
interior; the van was taken into a new modern look and was now seen for the
modern family. This was a big step for Volkswagen in the automotive world as
the microbus had created some great new technologies and improvements
throughout its time in production, but for enthusiasts and collectors of the VW
campervans from the beginning this would seem like the end of an era. The T3
manufacture was stopped in 1989 as the new T4 was due to be released in 1990.
T4
EUROVAN
1990
brought a brand new concept - the T4 a modern four-berth campervan. This was
the new alternative to the older out-dated type 2 model. Although this model
was more boxy in shape, the T4 came in a small, compact version with the engine
at the front (the first time in history for the vw campervan). This model was a
much more sophisticated and reliable campervan, which came with a lot more
equipment - microwaves,ovens, showers, satellite navigation as well as tvs and
cd/DVD players.
This was
a much more modern vehicle that was definable aimed for the camping sector, it
was quickly purchased as a domestic campervan and for those who wanted to
travel in style. You could purchase a lot more extras with this model to make
it seem more homely and to extend the living area of the van.
Despite
all these new improvements bringing the VW campervan up to date and into the
modern world, many enthusiasts and collectors of the old campers thought that
the charm and appeal was lost in the T4, even though Volkswagen had plans to
make a much more updated version since late 1970s they just needed the
technology in place.
The T4
was state of the art at that time which became a huge success and brought new
innovations thanks to Volkswagen.
Again the
T4 was still being converted by other manufacturers, the main at this time was
Winnebago, which did a number of alterations to the T4 including a model with a
top pop roof, two double beds and seating for 4 people, improvements to the
front seats to make them swivel into the main interior space and many more.
The T4
ended production in 2003.
TYPE T5
The T5
arrived in 2004 and again was an innovative transporter. Taking opinions from
the public on the old T4 model, Volkswagen made the T5 a lot more versatile.
The basic
model was a panel van with no side windows or rear seats, there was also a high
roof panel van option which was available in 3 different roof heights.
Another
version was based on the original Kombi, with side windows and removable rear
seats, acting as both a passenger and loading vehicle.
A half
panel van is available which consists of the front half having side windows and
only one row of removable seats.
Flatbed
trucks were also available and other companies often converted the van for use
as ambulances, police vans, ladder trucks and refrigerated vans.
The T5
was a up to date version of the T1s offering the exact same variations except
these were a modern day version.
To bring
the T5 into the camping sector, Volkswagen developed a rail system within the
van which means you can clip different aspects into the van. The seats worked
on this system, so you could take them out and replace them with pre fab camper
van interior.
There
were two models brought out which consisted of the campervan interior: Kombi or
Multivan Beach and the California. The Kombi/Multivan Beach has a fold out bed,
but the California is more of the traditional camper having beds and other
facilities such as benches, tables and a sink.
The T5
won many nominations and became a great success as a versatile vehicle that
Volkswagen offered and it is still in production today. Many VW enthusiasts
will still favour the older models, but nevertheless the T5 is the new state of
the art camper and passenger van.
CAMPERVAN
CONVERSIONS
As
Volkswagen didn't manufacture camping version of the vans, it was down to other
companies to carry out the conversions on the vans. The main VW vans which were
used were the Panel van and Kombi.
WESTFALIA
The
official Volkswagen conversion company was Westfalia, which used the Kombi
model to convert.
They
started converting the Kombi models in 1950 with the T1 version and they
carried on converting VW Kombi's for over 50 years. After 1958 they numbered
the conversions with a SO- prefix dependant on the year it was converted, this
was a way to identify the vehicle.
Typical
conversions included a folding table, various different options for converting
the seats into beds, cabinets, cold storage and water storage. Some models had
sinks and electrical hook ups.
You could
also improve on the mechanics of the Kombi and could extend the living area
with extras.
The
Westfalia's didn't have set conversions because you would choose what you
wanted doing, they were there the make the VW vans suit you and your needs.
DORMOBILE
Dormobile
was a British company that provided the camper conversion. They offered both
factory conversions and conversion kits. They would install pre fabricated
parts such as seats that converted into beds etc. The main characteristic of a
Dormobile conversion was the lifting roof, this was a additional roof that was
attached the VW van and lifted side ways to reveal a colourful canvas roof.
Having this additional roof provided an extra eight foot of head room and
extended the interior space massively. This roof opened all kinds of
possibilities to the campervan, including stacking bunks and extra child beds,
along with wardrobes and cookers often fitted.
RIVIERA
Riviera
was a conversion that was popular in the united states. The main aesthetics of
this conversion was the pop top roof. This was a central roof panel which could
be pushed straight upwards to provide extra space in the middle section of the
vehicle. Different roof sizes were available and comprised of a colourful
canvas section. This extra roof was used for extra beds or storage.
In the
mid 1970s Riviera also produced their own line of camper vans, using the T1 and
2s as the base and converting them with various fit outs to produce a
collection of different models.
DEVON
The Devon
was one of the UKs most famous conversions and was officially licensed by VW.
It was renowned for its high quality and oak woodwork.
In the
1950s the first conversion the company ever did consisted of a table and bench
dinette which could be converted to a double bed. It had a 2 burner gas cooker
and storage too.
By 1962
they had three different conversions the Caravette, Devonette and Gentlux. All
the conversions would accommodate for 2 adults and 2 children, and included a
50 litre water tank and had a small wardrobe.
The
Devonette was the basic model as this had less storage and a smaller water tank
to give a bigger floor space. It was based on the VW Kombi.
The
Caravette had had the standard fittings with a table fixed to the bulkhead and
could also double up as a single bed and had storage under the benches.
The
Gentlux had everything the Caravette had but also included a pop top roof, this
was originally a pop up roof with a fitted skylight and pushed up vertically,
but was later replaced by the side opening roof that the Dormobile conversions
used.
Three
years later the Devonette was redesigned and called the Torvette this conversion
had an adaptable layout with a large floor space, this gave the owner other
options than just a campervan.
The
following year the Spaceway was introduced, this model saw that the front two
seats would swivel around to be part of the living area. They got rid of the
bulkhead to allow this and included more storage under the new seats. A awning
was now standard on these models too.
In 1970 they released the final and most famous conversion - the moonraker. This was a complete redesign of the Caravettes, Devonettes and Torvettes based on the Kombi. This new model now incorporated the Caravettes and Eurovettes because of this Devon became on of three companies to gain official approval from Volkswagen and in 1972 they completed a deal that their conversions would be covered on Volkswagens warranty and service, making them the leading company for camping conversions.
