VW Transporter T1 (1950-1967): Illustrated History Books & Guides

The Story of the VW Transporter Split-Screen Models 1949-1967

From a simple sketch to one of the most recognizable vans in history, the first-generation VW Transporter marked the start of the world's best-selling van. Introduced in November 1949, its cab-forward design, flexibility, and clever engineering quickly made it popular worldwide.

The initial Panel Van evolved into a versatile Pick-up, the revolutionary Kombi, campers, and countless other conversions. Variants included ambulances, mobile shops, school buses, fire trucks, high-roof vans, double-cab pickups, police vans, and even mobile milking units.

Pages of the book "The Story of the VW Transporter Split-Screen Models 1949-1967"

Under director Heinz Nordhoff, Volkswagen refined the rear-engine layout inherited from the Beetle, improving early weaknesses and establishing a durable, adaptable platform. The first Transporter was replaced in Germany in 1967, but production in Brazil continued until 1975, and the rear-engine design lasted in South America until 2013.

This book tells the full story of the first-generation Transporter, from late-1940s sketches and prototypes to the final 1967 split-screen models and South American variants. Richard Copping presents every model, variant, and option with extensive period photography and brochure illustrations, making this a detailed and visually rich account of an iconic vehicle.

Product details

Author:	Richard Copping
Details:	319 pages, 11 x 8.7 x 1.1 in (28 x 22 x 2.8 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	650 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2022)
ISBN:	9781906133993

VW Type 2 Transporter - 1949-1967

In this fascinating and engrossing book, VW expert Richard Copping covers the complete history of the first generation VW Transporter or 'Camper'. Beginning with the prototype vehicles produced in 1949, the author covers the development of the innovative but utilitarian Kombi and the more upmarket Micro Bus, followed by the De Luxe Micro Bus, the Ambulance and the Pick-up. He covers the highlights of each vehicle and analyses the success of the range as a whole.

The book covers the revamped model line from 1955, when the success of the VW Transporter called for the building of a whole new factory in Hanover. At this time, due to popular demand, Volkswagen authorised a whole series of coach built variations on the Transporter theme with vehicles as diverse as mobile shops, refrigerated vans and police mobile offices.
The author also covers the revised model introduced in 1963 with its more powerful engine and revised tailgate and rear window as well as the ongoing success of the model in the United States.
By the time German production ended in July 1967, over 1.8 million split-screen, first generation Transporters had been built.

Product details

Author:	Richard Copping
Details:	96 pages, 9.25 x 6.5 in (23.5 x 16.5 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	100 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Amberley Publishing (GB, 2019)
ISBN:	9781445693460

Original VW Bus - The Restorer's Guide to All Bus, Panel Van and Pick-up Models, 1950-1979

This book is a complete guide to the Volkswagen Split-screen (1950-1967) and Bay-window (1967-1979) models in their original factory condition.

Extensive research in Germany, the UK, and the USA located vehicles for photography, ensuring accurate details from examples preserved in original condition or carefully restored.
In addition to the standard passenger versions, rarer models are included, such as vans, pick-ups, and double-cab pick-ups.

With over 200 specially commissioned colour photographs of more than 25 vehicles, the book highlights the details that distinguish each model. It is an essential reference for owners, restorers, buyers, and enthusiasts.

Product details

Author:	Laurence Meredith
Details:	128 pages, 11.6 x 9.25 x 0.67 in (29.5 x 23.5 x 1.7 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	265 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2011)
Series:	Original Restorer's Guide
ISBN:	9781906133351

VW Transporter and Microbus - Specification Guide 1950-1967

The VW Transporter, especially the early Split Screen models, has become a cult icon and continues to grow in popularity.

This book provides a complete history of the Split Screen Transporter, produced from 1950 to 1967. Over five years, contributions from Transporter enthusiasts worldwide were gathered to create this unique and detailed publication.

Contents:

- History of the Transporter
- Explanation of all vehicle codes
- Production details
- Month-by-month specification changes
- Complete listing of factory-fitted optional equipment
- Comprehensive guide to paint and trim colours
- Information on exports and Transporters built outside Germany
- Details of Special Models

The book serves as a definitive guide for collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts, offering a thorough reference for understanding and appreciating this iconic vehicle.

Product details

Author:	David Eccles
Details:	95 pages, 11.8 x 8.25 x 0.35 in (30 x 21 x 0.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	400 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	The Crowood Press Ltd (GB, 2004)
ISBN:	9781861266521

VW Transporter T1 (Schrader Typen Chronik)

When the T1 was introduced in 1950, few could have predicted the legend it would become. Available as seven-, eight-, or nine-seater versions, in many different configurations including campers, expedition vehicles, and school buses, or as work vans and student transport, the VW Bus proved itself in every challenge, across all continents and in all climates.

This book by Alexander F. Storz documents the public and commercial presence of the VW Bus/Transporter from 1950 to 1967. Using period advertising and media, it shows how the vehicle was presented, marketed, and perceived during its first seventeen years.

Pages of the book "VW Transporter T1"

Product details

Author:	Alexander F. Storz
Details:	96 pages, 8.7 x 9 in (22 x 24 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	81 b&w and 81 color photos
Language:	German
Publisher:	Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2017)
Series:	Schrader Typen Chronik
ISBN:	9783613040052

VW Bus: Der T1 im Detail (1950 - 1967)

The VW Bus T1 shaped German roads for many years and is regarded as an important symbol of post-war economic growth. Today well-preserved vehicles are rare, and even damaged examples command high prices.

In this thoroughly researched volume, David Eccles, an expert on the VW Bus, documents all technical and equipment changes introduced by Volkswagen to the first transporter generation between 1950 and 1967.

Detailed lists of optional equipment and extras, together with clear colour tables, support comparison of the various model versions. Additional production statistics, including data from foreign plants, complete the overview.

The book helps restorers, buyers and owners check whether a vehicle corresponds to its original condition or contains later, non-original parts.

Pages of the book "VW Bus: Der T1 im Detail (1950 - 1967)"

Product details

Author:	David Eccles
Details:	112 pages, 12 x 8.5 in (30.5 x 21.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	many b&w and color photos
Language:	German
Publisher:	Heel-Verlag GmbH (D, 2016)
ISBN:	9783958433625

Der Lastesel des Wirtschaftswunders - Die Geschichte des legendären VW-Transporters 1948-1967

With more than 650 historical photos, Hans J. Schneider takes the reader into the incredibly diverse world of the first series VW Transporter: from baker's van to rolling sales stand, from mining to the Bundesbahn, from money transport to the blood donation service. The accompanying texts also bring an era back to life that today exudes a great deal of nostalgic charm.

An attached documentation then deals in detail with the technology and contains original construction descriptions, chassis numbers, production figures and model maintenance measures.

Product details

Author:	Hans J. Schneider
Details:	2012 pages, 10.4 x 8.7 in (26.5 x 22 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	b&w and color photosb&w and color photos
Language:	German
Publisher:	Schneider Media (D, 2012)
ISBN:	9783768858021