History of the VW Truck :

VW Bus

There has been a lot written about the history of the VW bus. A classic car since its conception in 1949, the Volkswagen bus has a loyal following that rivals many classic cars today.

In 1947, Ben Pon, a Dutch Volkswagen distributor drew the initial idea for a Volkswagen commercial vehicle based on a variant of the VW Beetles that he had observed running at the VW factory. The variant Beetles at the VW factory had been modified for hauling parts by adding a flat bed and 3 drop down tailgates.  Mr. Pon called his design for the new commercial VW vehicle “a box on wheels”.

In 1948, Mr. Pon's idea for a new VW commercial vehicle was officially accepted by Volkswagen and detailed drawings for a prototype were developed.  Many of the components for this new vehicle, including the engine, transmission, and running gear were borrowed directly from the Beetle. 

The new commercial vehicle was called a Type 2 or Transporter. Although the aerodynamics of the first prototypes were poor, heavy optimization took place at the wind tunnel of the Technical University of Braunschweig. The wind tunnel work paid off, as the Type 2 was aerodynamically superior to the Beetle despite its slab-sided shape.

Testing began on the prototype Transporter. Unfortunately, because the first prototype was based directly on the Beetle's frame, it did not have the necessary strength to withstand the stresses produced by the additional weight of the Transporter's body.  After going back to the drawing board, a second prototype using unibody construction was produced. 

In November 1949, the first Volkswagen Type 2 was put in to production and Ben Pon’s idea finally became a reality.

The original Volkswagen Transporters were designed as spartan work vehicles and were a hit for new businesses starting up after WWII.  The earliest Transporters were so spartan that they didn’t even have a rear window or bumpers.

In 1950, as the market grew, Volkswagen introduced a new line of passenger buses called the Kombi.  While still spartan in appearance, the Kombi offered seating in the rear compartment for passengers as well as windows down the side of the vehicle so that the passengers could see outside.  The seats were easily removed to facilitate loading of cargo, making it the first combination people/package hauler, hence the name "Kombi".

In 1951, the Type 2 passenger bus became more lavish and offered a wide range of additional features. The Samba Bus (also known as the Micro Bus DeLuxe) included more windows, a sunroof, updated interior, wet bar, surfboard racks, and a good deal of chrome on the exterior.

Also in 1951, a line of VW specialty buses also became available. For major loads you could get a special high-roof panel van. There were fire trucks, food buses and an ambulance conversion as well. Another option was a double door bus, with loading doors on both sides.

VW Truck

Finally, in 1952, Volkswagen introduced their first truck version of the VW bus.  This truck version was called the Single Cab.

The intended use for the VW Single Cab was for farm workers and construction companies. The unique fold down gates [sides] of the bed allowed the VW Single Cab to carry objects larger than itself and made the truck versatile in many situations.

In the late 1952/early 1953 time frame, a florist went to Binz, a German coach builder that was synonymous for special purpose vehicles.  The florist requested a vehicle that he could use for transporting materials, workers, and plants.  He wanted a truck but also wanted an area that was safe from the weather. Apparently, the VW Single Cab wasn’t large enough to fit his needs.

The Binz solution was to take the Volkswagen Single Cab and modify it into what is now known as the Binz Double Cab. As they built the first prototype truck for the florist, Binz realized that they had a good idea on their hands and began to produce and market the Double Cab.

To make their Double Cab, Binz would purchase a Single Cab from VW, make the conversion, upholster a rear seat that they made, and then paint the new Double Cab [the Single Cab came to Binz from Volkswagen only painted with primer].

Because of the success of the Binz Double Cab, Volkswagen contracted Binz to start making the Double Cab directly for VW.  According to a Volkswagen Special options brochure, Binz started making the Double Cab directly for Volkswagen in late 1953.

In 1958, VW took the production of the Double Cab in house and started making the vehicles at their own facilities. In 1958, the Double Cab sold for about $1800.  That was about $300 more than for the Single Cab.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Disclaimer

This history of the VW truck is as we understand the history.

It is as accurate as we can make it. If you have any corrections or additions to this history, please go the the Contact Us web page of this web site and let us know your opinion. That doesn't mean we will take your suggestions or corrections. But at least we will listen and evaluate.