VW Transporter: books - history and models (2/3)

The VW Bus: History of a Passion

In November 1949, Volkswagen introduced the first small Transporter, starting a new era in automotive history. Unlike any previous light utility vehicle, this versatile and space-efficient van influenced the development of modern minivans. Six decades later, the "Bulli, " as it is affectionately called, remains highly admired. Well-maintained T1 (1950-1967) and T2 (1967-1979) models are now rare and valuable collector's items.

This book, by Jörg Hajt, presents VW buses of all body types, from lovingly restored classics to creatively customized versions. It provides a complete history of the Transporter, illustrated with nearly 200 archival and modern photographs. Readers can explore the full range of vehicles, including campers, emergency vans, contractor vans, and more.

Detailed construction and technical information are included, alongside practical advice for purchasing a VW Transporter today. This volume combines history, technical insight, and visual appeal, making it a definitive reference for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

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The VW Camper Story

After the British developed a reliable way to raise the roof, the Volkswagen Camper became a global phenomenon, serving everyone from adventurous students to enthusiastic grandparents.

For over 20 years, Volkswagen vans have been front-engined and water-cooled, replacing the original rear-engined, air-cooled design, yet the Camper's spirit remains strong.

In this book, award-winning writer Giles Chapman tells the complete story of the Volkswagen Camper, covering its history, evolution, and cultural impact. It captures the appeal of this iconic vehicle and its enduring place in the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide.

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Box on Wheels - Extraordinary VW Busses

"Though this be madness, yet there is method in't." The Volkswagen camper van has been a cult classic for decades with fans worldwide.

Author Norbert Nettekoven focuses not on perfectly restored collector vehicles but on the most unusual, creative, and extreme camper vans. From rejuvenated rust buckets to lowered street racers, from stretch limousines to steampunk creations, this book showcases the wildest and most imaginative examples of VW campers.

With vibrant photography and detailed descriptions, it captures the humor, ingenuity, and individuality of each vehicle. This is a celebration of the creativity and personality that make the VW camper van an enduring icon.

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The Volkswagen Bus Book - Type 2 Transporter, Camper, Panel van, Pick-up, Wagon

This book tells the story of Volkswagen's classic Type 2 Transporter, universally known as the "Bus." The idea originated in the mid-1940s when Dutchman Ben Pon saw motorized trolleys moving parts around the Wolfsburg factory.

Blueprints were completed by November 1948, and production began a year later. Milestones include the 100, 000th Transporter in 1954, the millionth in 1961, and the three-millionth in 1971, with total production exceeding 6.5 million vehicles. The basic concept changed little over decades and production continued in Brazil until recently, nearly sixty years after its German debut.

This thoroughly researched book explores the full history of the VW Bus, covering all Type 2 models, including Campers, Vans, Pick-ups, and Wagons. It presents the story in a clear, engaging style and includes detailed specifications, production information, and practical advice for buyers.

Originally published in 1997, this Classic Reprint edition has been updated and reissued, providing a complete reference for enthusiasts of this iconic, long-loved vehicle.

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Volkswagen Transporter - A Celebration of an Automotive and Cultural Icon (Haynes Great Cars Series)

This book, part of the Haynes Great Cars Series, chronicles the history of Volkswagen's original "box on wheels, " the Type 2 or Transporter. Focusing on the first two fully air-cooled generations, author Richard Copping provides a clear introduction to the vehicle's development and model history.

The book includes new studio photography of five carefully restored Transporters, alongside key archive material from the author's collection. It offers insight into the design, engineering, and cultural significance of this iconic vehicle. Aimed at classic car enthusiasts, it provides a comprehensive yet accessible overview of the early Type 2 models.

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VW Bus - 40 Years of Splitties, Bays & Wedges

Richard Copping presents a detailed history of the VW Camper, tracing its evolution from the simple, rustic conversions of the 1950s to the sophisticated motorhomes of the late 1980s. Drawing on his extensive collection of original brochures from all leading converters, he has woven together a unique story that combines technical detail, historical context, and engaging narrative.

The author has replaced the original brochure texts with his own clear and lively explanations, preserving the nostalgic style and visual appeal of each era. The book covers every aspect of VW Camper history: from unusual marketing strategies and early conversions to detailed specifications for restorers, and from quirky 1950s designs to modern, elegant layouts.

Careful reproductions of brochures, some over fifty years old, give the book a strong visual presence, making it both a reference guide and a coffee-table volume. Fans of VW Campers will find both information and enjoyment in this book, which offers rare advertising material, period imagery, and in-depth insights into a much-loved vehicle.

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Volkswagen Transporter

This book tells the story of the rear-engined Volkswagen Transporter, which shared its mechanics with the Beetle. Born from a simple sketch in a diary, the Transporter appeared during the post-World War II reconstruction, when inexpensive and practical vehicles were urgently needed to support economic recovery.

The first model, nicknamed the Bulli for its divided rear windows, was produced in many versions. It served shopkeepers, artisans, holiday operators, and large families, becoming a versatile "mobile box." Its adaptability was unmatched, with more options for personalisation than any competitor offered at the time.

Rear-engined Transporters remained in production until the late 1980s, after which they were replaced by front-engined, front-wheel-drive models similar to other vans on the market. The book highlights the design, engineering, and cultural impact of this iconic vehicle, showing how it became an essential part of postwar mobility and a symbol of practicality, flexibility, and ingenuity.

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