Volkswagen Microbus – A Woodstock-Style Wedding

This tale begins in the spring of 1947, when Ben Pon, Volkswagen’s Dutch importer, was touring the Wolfsburg factory and stumbled upon the Plattenwagen, a decidedly unusual cart. Self-propelled, it was essentially a “decapitated” Beetle discarded from production and repurposed to haul heavy materials from one workshop to another. “Why not turn it into a commercial vehicle?” Pon wondered. Back home, he sketched out his ideas and presented them to Heinrich Nordhoff, the company’s then-director. Inspired by what he’d seen, Pon set out to develop a true utility van. On November 12, 1949, the prototype Transporter made its debut. It required further refinement—most importantly, a reinforced chassis—and only in March 1950 did the first production models roll out. Thus was born the very first Volkswagen minibus.

German enthusiasts affectionately dubbed the T1 model “Bulli.” It borrowed much of its creative DNA from the Beetle, including the successive engine-size upgrades over the years. With its robust build, clean lines, and remarkable versatility, this van—by the late 1960s—had become a youth-culture status symbol. From Europe to California’s sun-drenched coast, the “flower children” piled into two main versions: the Samba (a two-tone variant with an opening roof and oval windows) and the Westfalia camper. By 1967, when production of the T1 ceased, about 1.8 million units had been built. The “Split” (short for Splitscreen), instantly recognizable by its divided windshield, remains to this day a coveted icon of the vintage era—capturing the hearts of both couples planning a wedding and anyone longing for a bygone, free-spirited lifestyle.

In Britain, it’s known as the VW Panel Van; in the U.S., the VW Bus; in South Africa, the Campervan; and in Brazil, the Kombi. Produced as well in Peru, Australia, Argentina, Thailand, Pakistan, Turkey, and beyond, the original Volkswagen minibus has enjoyed countless lives. Ironically, neither the T1 nor the subsequent T2 initially catapulted the model to icon status—both were priced too high for a true mass market. Instead, its popularity exploded on the secondhand scene. Third-hand models, repainted in vibrant hues, became the emblem of a lifestyle unbound by convention. This grassroots success is underlined by the celebrities who still covet these vans: chef Jamie Oliver, race-car driver Jenson Button, broadcaster Richard Hammond—and musicians Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, and Robbie Williams, to name a few. Such widespread enthusiasm sent original prices—once $1,250 to $1,900—soaring into the stratosphere. Today, market listings hover between $44,000 and $58,000.

Light blue, making up roughly 20 percent of all production. With a top speed around 104 km/h (65 mph), the original “mother” edition has proven its mettle over time—despite endless tweaks and the fact that in its debut year the T2 alone sold 9,541 units. Modern successors boast nearly double the performance: the T6 California tops out at 193 km/h (120 mph), yet the nostalgia factor only intensifies. The VW Bus remains a favorite on film and TV sets—Lost being a prime example—and in 2011 even LEGO paid tribute with a detailed set featuring a split windscreen and rock-’n’-roll–style interior for those pining for that timeless hippie vibe.

Remarkably, T2 production continued until December 31, 2013, in Brazil—an extraordinarily long run that speaks to the model’s enduring allure. Today, the Volkswagen minibus isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a prized collectible. One example sold at auction with a £90,000 (€100,000) starting bid, setting a record that underscores this van’s legendary status.