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VW Transporter T1 (1950-1967): Books - History

A book on Volkswagen Transporter T1 (1950-1967) vans? Explore here illustrated books on the history, types and construction of Volkswagen vans.

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

This is a comprehensive guide to the specification of the Split-screens of 1950-67 and the Bay-windows of 1967-79 - the vehicles of the classic era - in the form in which they left the Volkswagen factory.
Much detective work in Germany, the UK and the USA has gone into locating the right vehicles for photography, so that correct details are shown from superb specimens that have been preserved in original condition or restored with close attention to authenticity.

Besides the familiar peoplecarrying versions, relatively scarce derivatives - such as the vans, pick-ups and double-cab pick-ups - are covered too. More than 200 specially commissioned colour photographs of over 25 different vehicles reveal the details that distinguish one model from another. Indispensable for all owners, restorers, buyers and enthusiasts.

Information

Author:Laurence Meredith
Details:128 pages, 29.5 x 23.5 x 1.7 cm / 11.6 x 9.25 x 0.67 in, hardback
Illustrations:265 colour photos
Publisher:Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2011)
Series:Original Restorer's Guide
ISBN:9781906133351
Original VW Bus - The Restorer's Guide to All Bus, Panel Van and Pick-up Models, 1950-1979

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

Language: English

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VW Transporter and Microbus - Specification Guide 1950-1967

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

This title brings together the complete history of the Split Screen Transporter produced from 1950-1967. Bus enthusiasts world-wide have shared their knowledge in the compilation of this unique publication, which has taken five years to collate.

Contents: Transporter history - Explanation of every vehicle code - Transporter production details - Month-by-month specification changes - Full listing of factory-fitted optional equipment - Comprehensive guide to paint and trim colours - Details of Transporter export and Transporters built outside Germany - Information on Special Models.

Information

Author:David Eccles
Details:95 pages, 30 x 21 x 0.9 cm / 11.8 x 8.25 x 0.35 in, paperback
Illustrations:400 colour photos
Publisher:The Crowood Press Ltd (GB, 2004)
ISBN:9781861266521
VW Transporter and Microbus - Specification Guide 1950-1967

VW Transporter and Microbus - Specification Guide 1950-1967

Language: English

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Volkswagen Bus (1950-1990) - Essential Buyer's Guide

Covering three generations of collectable Buses produced by Volkswagen between 1950 and 1990, this volume is unique in providing the full story of the high-points and pitfalls of buying such models.

Written by enthusiasts, the easy readable text is informative to the novice, while still being of considerable value to those who have already owned a Bus.

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Author:Richard Copping, Ken Czervenka
Details:64 pages, 19.5 x 14 cm / 7.7 x 5.5 in, paperback
Illustrations:104 colour photos
Publisher:Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2006)
Series:The Essential Buyer's Guide
ISBN:9781845840228
Volkswagen Bus (1950-1990) - Essential Buyer's Guide

Volkswagen Bus (1950-1990)

Language: English

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

From a simple sketch of a box-shaped delivery vehicle to one of the most recognisable silhouettes in motoring, the first-generation VW Transporter formed the genesis of what was to become the best-selling van in history.
Unveiled in November 1949, the quirky VW Transporter would soon find demand for its services throughout the world, thanks to its cab-forward layout, ingenuity and adaptability.

The initial Panel Van gave rise to a flexible Pick-up, revolutionary Kombi, adventurous camper and an endless catalogue of inspired conversions and variations. There were ambulances, mobile shops, school buses, fire tenders, high-roofed vans, double-cab pick-ups, police vans, mobile milking machines, and so many more.
As Volkswagen survived Second World War turmoil and thrived under the firm focus of director general Heinz Nordhoff, this book charts the progress of the innovative Transporter as its initial weaknesses were improved and eventually perfected to exploit the Beetle-based rear-engined layout.
VW replaced the German-built first Transporter with a second-generation machine in 1967, but manufacturing continued in Brazil until 1975 - where the rear-engined platform itself remained in production until 2013.

Pages of the book The Story of the VW Transporter Split-Screen Models (1)

It's no wonder, then, that the first-generation Transporter is so well-loved today, and why its incredible story can be told here in such beautifully-presented and expertly-researched detail.
From the first drawings and prototypes of the late-1940s to the final split-screen Transporters of 1967 and South American derivatives of the 1970s, Volkswagen author Richard Copping guides us through an unmissable volume where each model, all variants and every option of the first-generation Transporter is lavishly accompanied by sumptuous period photography and stunning brochure illustrations.

Information

Author:Richard Copping
Details:319 pages, 28 x 22 x 2.8 cm / 11 x 8.7 x 1.1 in, hardback
Illustrations:650 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2022)
ISBN:9781906133993
The Story of the VW Transporter Split-Screen Models 1949-1967

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

Language: English

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VW Bus and Pick-Up- Special Models - SO (Sonderausfuhrungen) and Special Body Variants for the VW Transporter 1950-2010

Since its introduction in 1950 the Volkswagen Transporter has become legendary for its versality and adaptability to many commercial uses. Known originally as Sonderausfuhrungen, abbreviated to SO, these Special Models were usually converted by specialists, companies and coachbuilders approved by VW.
Using archive, promotional materials and period and contemporary photographs, this book traces the development and variety of these SO and other Special Body conversions from 1950 - 2010, across the five generations from T1 to T5. As well as all the officially SO-designated models, many rare and unusual conversions are profiled, some with full photo-features.

The models covered include: Airport Buses - Ambulances - Binz Double Cab - Brazilian Body Variants - Broadcast Buses - Cherry Pickers - Disaster Vans - Display and Exhibition Buses - Drinks Delivery Vehicles - Electric Buses - Fire Trucks - Half-Track Alpine Bus - Hearses - Ice Cream Vans - Police Vehicles - Ladder Trucks - Low Loader Pick-Ups - Miesen Ambulance - Military Conversions - Mining Buses - Mobile Shops - Money Transporters - Rail Buses - Refrigerator Vans - Tipper Trucks.

Information

Author:David Eccles, Michael Steinke
Details:192 pages, 30.5 x 22 x 1.8 cm / 12 x 8.7 x 0.71 in, hardback
Illustrations:700 colour photos
Publisher:The Crowood Press Ltd (GB, 2011)
ISBN:9781847972767
VW Bus and Pick-Up- Special Models - SO (Sonderausfuhrungen) and Special Body Variants for the VW Transporter 1950-2010

VW Bus and Pick-Up- Special Models - SO (Sonderausfuhrungen) and Special Body Variants for the VW Transporter 1950-2010

Language: English

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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.

Information

Author:Richard Copping
Details:96 pages, 23.5 x 16.5 cm / 9.25 x 6.5 in, paperback
Illustrations:100 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:Amberley Publishing (GB, 2019)
ISBN:9781445693460
VW Type 2 Transporter - 1949-1967

VW Type 2 Transporter - 1949-1967

Language: English

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

Immediately after the "Beetle" came the second big hit from the Wolfsburg manufacturer VW: the "Type 2/T1" transporter, later affectionately known as the "Bulli". The vehicle concept of a versatile small truck with a robust boxer engine in the rear was a perfect fit for the reconstruction years and the beginning of the economic miracle.

Small and medium-sized companies from all sectors used it for their delivery services, craft businesses brought people and materials to the scene of the action, the police, fire brigade and medical services used it. Finally, the automotive universal genius was also discovered as a camping vehicle.
Between 1950 and 1967, around 1.8 million units rolled off the production line.

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 Federal Railway, 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.

Information

Author:Hans J. Schneider
Details:2012 pages, 26.5 x 22 cm / 10.4 x 8.7 in, hardback
Illustrations:b&w and colour photosb&w and colour photos
Publisher:Schneider Media (D, 2012)
ISBN:9783768858021
Der Lastesel des Wirtschaftswunders - Die Geschichte des legendären VW-Transporters 1948-1967

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

Language: German

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

It shaped the street scene in Germany for decades and hardly any other vehicle is a better synonym for the economic miracle in the still young Federal Republic after the Second World War: the VW Bus T1.
Today, this icon of automobile construction has become rare and even examples in poor condition are traded at high prices.

Pages of the book VW Bus: Der T1 im Detail (1950 - 1967) (1)

In his meticulously researched, comprehensive work on the first generation of Volkswagen Transporters, David Eccles, VW Bus insider and successful specialist book author, describes in detail all the changes that were made during production between 1950 and 1967.
Comprehensive lists of all the special equipment and extras offered, as well as comprehensive color lists, help anyone who wants to get an overview of the variety of models of the cult transporter. Informative statistics on production figures - including in foreign production facilities - complete this type monograph.

With this book, all restorers and prospective buyers, as well as owners of a T1, can see at a glance whether the vehicle in question is really in its original condition or whether parts were retrofitted at some point that were not part of the original specifications.

Information

Author:David Eccles
Details:112 pages, 30.5 x 21.5 cm / 12 x 8.5 in, hardback
Illustrations:numerous b&w and colour photos
Publisher:Heel-Verlag GmbH (D, 2016)
ISBN:9783958433625
VW Bus: Der T1 im Detail (1950 - 1967)

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

Language: German

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VW Transporter T1 (Schrader Typen Chronik)

When the first model series of the VW bus, the T1, was introduced in 1950, nobody could have imagined what a legend had been born. As a seven-, eight- or nine-seater with a wide variety of equipment, as a camper van, as an expedition or school bus, as a construction site shuttle or as a rolling student's home, this vehicle has passed every kind of test with flying colors, in all parts of the world and under all climatic conditions.

Pages of the book VW Transporter T1 (1)

This volume by Alexander F. Storz documents the contemporary appearance of the VW bus/transporter in advertising and the public between 1950 and 1967.

Pages of the book VW Transporter T1 (2)

Information

Author:Alexander F. Storz
Details:96 pages, 22 x 24 cm / 8.7 x 9 in, hardback
Illustrations:81 b&w and 81 colour photos
Publisher:Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2017)
Series:Schrader Typen Chronik
ISBN:9783613040052
VW Transporter T1 (Schrader Typen Chronik)

VW Transporter T1

Language: German

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VW Bus: Alle Modelle (1950-1990) - Baureihe T1 bis T3 - Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf

As usual, this "Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf" volume presents itself as an indispensable tool for assessing the condition of a VW bus built before 1990 that is for sale. This book explains what you need to look out for when buying in order to avoid a nasty surprise later.

Information

Author:Ken Cservenka, Richard Copping
Details:64 pages, 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 x 5.9 in, paperback
Illustrations:100 colour photos
Publisher:Heel-Verlag GmbH (D, 2012)
Series:Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf
ISBN:9783868526011
VW Bus: Alle Modelle (1950-1990) - Baureihe T1 bis T3 - Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf

VW Bus: Alle Modelle (1950-1990) - Baureihe T1 bis T3

Language: German

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Related titles:

VW Transporter and Microbus Spec Guide 1967-1979

VW Transporter and Microbus Specification Guide 1967-1979 (2nd edition)

Vincent Molenaar, Alexander Prinz | English | paperback | 128 p. | 2013

VW Bulli - VW Transporter T2 seit 1967

VW Bulli- VW Transporter T2 seit 1967

Michael Steinke | German | hardback | 96 p. | 2016

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Last update: 2025-01-13