Sixty years ago this week, a Dutch Volkswagen importer saw a strange vehicle built by workers to move heavy body panels around the VW factory. From these humble beginnings sprang the VW Kombi, AKA the VW Van, Bulli, Camper, and Minibus. Arguably the first true minivan, the Kombi sired a line of work trucks (including crew cab pickup variations), passenger vans, campers and became the official vehicle of the Deadhead. VW is planning a three-day celebration this October 5-7 in Hanover to mark the 60th Anniversary. Gizmag quotes Stephan Schaller, spokesman for Brand Management, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles: "Scarcely any other vehicle evokes as many emotions as the VW Bulli. Back then it stood for new departures, economic success, independence as well as fun and travel. It is pleasant, reliable and a real cult vehicle. We want to establish the unrivalled legacy of our brand with the international VW Camper event and hope to revive the Bulli brand in the future." No word yet on whether Paul Niedermeyer will make the pilgrimage.
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My brother had a ’93 Eurovan at one time. He spent a ton of money on one thing after the next that broke. I thought they were cool vans, but they were so uncommon that parts were/are very expensive. It’s too bad that VWoA decided to pull the EV/Transporter from the North American market. The Canadian Transporter with the 2.4 litre diesel was kind of a precursor to the Sprinter. They really should have brought the Sharan or Touran over after cancelling the EV, and they probably should have actually built the retro Microbus, but god forbid that anyone at VW get a clue about what sells over here. Hopefully the “new” minivan they’re building with ChryslerDaimlerCerberus won’t suck. I like VW (I own two of them right now), but they seem to enjoy failing, particularly in the U.S. market. It makes no sense to me.
Sadly, not. But I live in Eugene, final resting ground for Deadheads, and there are Bulli’s galore here.
How about an art exhibit of painted hippie buses.
Hey, I’ll buy a diesel Weekender if VW can ever stop fixating on sellimg to yuppies and tuner kids long enough to import it. Stick shift, please.
lest we forget… VANAGON!