Who hasn't dreamed of leaving everything behind and traveling the world in a van? For enthusiasts of this kind of trip, the Volkswagen Combi is a must-have. Blending nostalgia and aesthetics, this vehicle has become a true legend over generations.
The creation of the VW Combi – the birth of the van
The story of this cult vehicle begins in April 1947, when Ben Pon, a Dutch importer, visited the Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg, Germany. In the parking lot, a vehicle particularly caught his attention. Built by Volkswagen workers, this utility vehicle was used to transport heavy pallets to simplify the employees' work. It consisted of a tiny cabin where the steering wheel was located, and a steel board with 4 flaps at the front, forming a mini-trailer.
Following this discovery, Ben Pon had the idea to start drawing a new type of car: in his notebook, he sketched a box-shaped structure with a steering wheel at the front and an engine at the back. Two years later, in November 1949, Ben Pon presented his idea to Heinrich Nordoff, former CEO of the Volkswagen brand. Nordoff was immediately captivated by the idea and decided to have a prototype built, whose rather round shape would earn it the nickname Bulli.
In 1950, the vehicle officially named Type 2 was presented at the Geneva Motor Show. This was the first time the model was presented to the public. The following year, in 1951, the Samba bus was presented. This was a type of van exclusively designed for transport, comparable to a mini-bus. Its bodywork was two-tone and the roof was convertible, but what truly made it famous were its legendary 23 windows and chrome inserts, setting new standards in the automotive industry of the time. It laid the groundwork for what would become the camper van by appearing as the first model. The VW bus could carry up to 8 people, and its two rows of seats were removable, allowing for cargo transport.
From innovations to innovations: the birth of the camper van
Also in 1951, the Volkswagen Combi began to be converted thanks to a partnership between the brand and the German converter Westfalia. Legend has it that a British officer requested the conversion of a Volkswagen vehicle so that he could sleep and work in it. It was in this context that the VW Combi was equipped with a sofa bed, a folding table, storage units, and checkered fabrics, for the modest sum of $200: the camper van was officially born! The model was exhibited in Frankfurt in 1952 in its first version, then it returned to the 1954 exhibition with new improvements such as an export version with full trim or the addition of a roof hatch.
Thanks to its immediate popularity, by 1952, 100,000 Type 2 vehicles had already been sold. At that time, there were already more than 30 different versions, alternating between bus, flatbed, and van. An additional factory would be dedicated to production in Hanover.
Combi VW T2 Bay-Windows
In 1967, the Combi VW T2 Bay-Windows was born. It was a much more modern and attractive vehicle than its predecessor, the T1, which was beginning to look dated. It was a great success, which encouraged the Volkswagen brand to continue its momentum.
Combi VW Transporter T3
Starting in 1979, the new Combi VW Transporter T3 was born. It would be produced in Brazil and equipped with the same engine as the Polo car. Numerous technical innovations would be added to this model to make it more rigid and practical to use. Notably, improvements were made to the bodywork to offer better visibility.
The T3 was initially offered in 2 versions with a square-shaped design before other models appeared. It was the first vehicle to be equipped with a water-cooling system and a diesel engine. The version of the T3 that created a buzz was the model called Joker: it was a true 2-in-1 Combi, usable during the week for daily life as well as on weekends or holidays for family trips. A little later, the Joker 3 would be equipped with a raised roof and a panoramic window. In 1985, it would also be adapted into a 4x4 version.
The Combi VW T3 made its mark even more with the release of a legendary version: the California version. Launched in 1988, this version was affordable and basic, with a selling price under €20,000, thus attracting those on a tight budget. More than 157,000 units were sold, and the series continues to be released today, demonstrating its historical impact.
Combi VW T4
In 1990, the T4 arrived with a feature previously unseen in Combis: the engine moved from the rear to the front! It also boasted a more inclined windshield, power steering, and much more modern suspensions. Inside, rail-mounted benches were installed to allow them to be moved forwards or backwards as desired. There was also a sliding table and an electric compression fridge. Some versions became very popular: for example, the Highway 94, which was a special, over-equipped series to celebrate 150 years with only 500 units, or the Biker 95 with a rear bicycle rack.
The Combi VW T5: the end of the collaboration with Westfalia
In 2003, the collaboration between Volkswagen and Westfalia ended. The automotive brand chose to convert its vehicles itself in its factories. The Combi VW T5, released the same year, was thus the first to be manufactured by the brand from A to Z. Aluminum finishes with an electric roof and new furniture were added to this new model. 2 folding chairs stored in the tailgate also appeared to equip this vehicle. The T5 would be produced until 2015. For its part, Westfalia continued to convert the interiors of other brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Fiat, and Opel.
The Combi VW T6: the latest version of VW Combis
To date, the T6, whose production began in 2015 and is still active, is the latest in the line of legendary VW Combis. Full of technological innovations thanks to the rise of the 2000s, it will be available in several versions such as the Beach models, which include only a sleeping area; the Coast model, which offers a mini camper with a fridge, air conditioning, and all necessary furniture; or the Ocean model with a rearview camera, cruise control, and heated seats. Finally, the Edition 30 version boasts a sporty look for the price of €64,000!
The VW Combi today: a myth coming to an end?
Contrary to what one might think, the influence of the VW Combi is far from fading. Culture strives to remember these mythical vehicles by constantly bringing them to the forefront: thus, films like Back to the Future or Little Miss Sunshine pay homage to this era by using VW Combis. Inscribed as a heritage in the American Way of Life, it is not uncommon to see VW Combis on the roads. Old models, if well preserved, can be worth a fortune because they are vehicles with high emotional value that perfectly combine nostalgia, practicality, and aesthetics, particularly benefiting from the trend and renewed interest in vintage and retro.
In 2022, the great book of the VW Combi's history will surely reopen, as rumors and information suggest that a new 100% electric version may see the light of day. This prototype could travel up to 600 km on a single charge and measure 4.92 meters long by 1.9 meters high.
To be continued…
