Volkswagen Transporter Type 2 — The World’s Favourite Bus
Volkswagen Transporter Type 2 — The World’s Favourite Bus
The Volkswagen Transporter Type 2, known affectionately around the world as the Kombi, Bus, or Camper, is one of the most iconic vehicles ever created. Produced from 1967 to 1979 (for the second-generation “Bay Window” model shown here), the Type 2 evolved from Volkswagen’s first-generation “Split Screen” bus and became a symbol of freedom, adventure, and counterculture.
The Type 2 was conceived by Dutch Volkswagen importer Ben Pon, who sketched the original concept in 1947 — a simple box on wheels based on the Beetle platform. Volkswagen saw the potential and launched the first generation (T1) in 1950. The T2 “Bay Window” followed in 1967, named for its curved, two-piece windshield that replaced the iconic split front screen of the original.
The Bay Window bus was larger, more powerful, and more refined than its predecessor, yet it retained all the charm and character that made the original so beloved.
Under the Engine Lid
Like the Beetle, the Type 2 used a rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-four engine. The T2 launched with the 1.5L engine producing 44 hp, later upgraded to 1.6L (50 hp) and eventually 1.7L and 2.0L engines.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6L air-cooled flat-four |
| Power | 50 hp at 4,000 rpm |
| Torque | 82 lb-ft at 2,200 rpm |
| Top Speed | ~105 km/h (65 mph) |
| 0–100 km/h | Sedate. Very sedate. |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Weight | ~1,275 kg (2,810 lbs) |
| Layout | Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive |
Nobody bought a Kombi for its speed. You bought it for its character, its versatility, and the lifestyle it represented. The engine was robust and easy to work on — essential for a vehicle that was often taken to remote corners of the world.
A Canvas for Self-Expression
The Volkswagen Bus became a cultural phenomenon in the 1960s and 70s, adopted by surfers, hippies, and travellers as the ultimate vehicle for the free-spirited lifestyle. The bus featured here is a wonderful example of that tradition — painted with Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon album artwork, it perfectly captures the intersection of music, art, and automotive culture.
The simple, boxy shape of the Type 2 made it the perfect canvas for custom paint jobs, murals, and modifications. From the psychedelic “love buses” of the 60s to the meticulously restored campers of today, each Kombi tells its own unique story.
The Kombi in South Africa
The Volkswagen Transporter has an incredibly rich history in South Africa. Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA) in Uitenhage (now Kariega) began assembling the Type 2 locally in the 1950s, and the Kombi became a fixture of South African roads.
In South Africa, the Type 2 was known simply as the “Kombi” (short for the German Kombinationskraftwagen). It was used for everything: family transport, delivery vans, minibus taxis, camper vans, and mobile businesses. The Kombi became synonymous with affordable, practical transport in South Africa, and its cultural impact cannot be overstated.
The Bay Window model was assembled at VWSA’s Uitenhage plant from its introduction in 1967, alongside the Beetle and later the Golf. South Africa even received unique variants not sold elsewhere, and the Kombi remained in production in South Africa longer than in many other markets.
To this day, the Kombi holds a special place in South African automotive culture. Restored examples are prized possessions, and the VW Kombi Club of South Africa keeps the spirit alive with regular gatherings, rallies, and road trips across the country.
Legacy
The Volkswagen Type 2 remained in production in various forms until 2013, when the last Kombi rolled off the line in Brazil. The Bay Window generation (T2) was produced for 12 years, with over 3 million units built.
Today, the Type 2 is one of the most collectible Volkswagens. Early Split Screen models command six-figure sums at auction, while well-preserved Bay Window buses are increasingly sought after. But the real value of the Kombi isn’t monetary — it’s the memories, the adventures, and the smiles it has brought to millions of people around the world.
From the beaches of California to the savannas of Africa, the Volkswagen Bus has earned its place as one of the most beloved vehicles ever built.
Sources:
- Wikipedia — Volkswagen Type 2
- The Kombi History — VWSA
- Hemmings — VW Bus Buyer’s Guide
- Classic Driver — VW T2 Kombi
Do you have memories of riding in a Kombi? Maybe you owned one, camped in one, or just waved at one as it passed by. Share your Kombi stories in the comments!