On March 8, 1950, production of the Volkswagen Microbus began.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Volkswagen Type 2

The Volkswagen Type 2, known officially (depending on body type) as the Transporter, Kombi or Microbus, or, informally, as the Bus (US), Camper (UK) or Bulli (Germany), is a forward control light commercial vehicle introduced in 1950 by the German automaker Volkswagen as its second car model. Following – and initially deriving from – Volkswagen's first model, the Type 1 (Beetle), it was given the factory designation Type 2.

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First generation (T1; 1950)


1966 Volkswagen Type 2

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. From 1950 to 1956, the T1 (not called that at the time) was built in Wolfsburg; from 1956, it was built at the completely new Transporter factory in Hanover. Like the Beetle, the first Transporters used the 1100 Volkswagen air-cooled engine, an 1,131 cc (69.0 cu in), DIN-rated 18 kW (24 PS; 24 bhp), air-cooled flat-four-cylinder 'boxer' engine mounted in the rear. This was upgraded to the 1200 – an 1,192 cc (72.7 cu in) 22 kW (30 PS; 30 bhp) in 1953. A higher compression ratio became standard in 1955; while an unusual early version of the 30 kW (41 PS; 40 bhp) engine debuted exclusively on the Type 2 in 1959. Any 1959 models that retain that early engine today are rare. Since the engine was discontinued almost immediately, no spare parts were made available.

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Fri Mar 8, 2024: On this day, March 8, 1950, production of the Volkswagen Microbus began.

Wed Mar 8, 2023: On this day, March 8, 1950, production of the Volkswagen Microbus began.

[Nittersing]

1. We had a VW Bus when I was a kid (I'm 70)

It was two-toned drab green.

We camped across country two times... in 61 and 63 I think. From MA to CA and back.

VW buses were new enough that we would honk and wave if we saw another one.

Such great family memories.

Thanks!

[EverHopeful]

2. Once had a VW Fastback with a bus engine

Man did that thing handle well on canyon roads. Had a job that allowed me to drive canyon roads 5 days a week. Much more fun than freeways.

[Old Crank]

3. We had a 1963 Type 3, wagon version when in Crete

It was kind of fun. Had the suitcase engine to keep the rear deck flat.
Before going into the service my lady friend had a type 2. Don't remember the year.
You could shift it with your foot by putting the shift lever between your toes and moving it.
Fun stuff.

Edit to add.

At one point My late wife and I had two cars that had spedometers that went to 140.
The type 3 was KPH adn my 1970 Datsun 2000 was in MPH.