The Bovag automobile and garage company published a textbook of great value in the 50s. One of the first questions was: “What types of automobiles do you know?” This question seems simple, but the answer is not so easy. The correct names of the types are: A) Passenger cars, B) Vans, C) Trucks.
The introduction of the Volkswagen Transporter
From the first production, Volkswagen had the right approach and launched the Transporter in many variants from 1950 onwards. On March 8, the first T.1 saw the light of day, it rolled off the assembly line in Wolfsburg, and in the first year of production, 9059 Transporters already rolled off the assembly line. A considerable number, but the high demand could not yet be met at the time.
Enterprising Netherlands and the Volkswagen Bus
The Volkswagen bus provided enterprising Netherlands with much-needed mobility during the construction years. They are time machines with stories that go back to childhood and made an unforgettable impression for many. Everyone has a memory of one or more commercial vehicles with the VW logo on the nose. As a professional in his construction and handyman company, Hans knows that a classic car promotes contacts. In addition to being a company car, his VW is primarily an advertising vehicle that is used for summer trips and events.
Classic Bulli
This Transporter is of the second generation (Type T.2) and had the reputation of being one of the most versatile commercial vehicles of its time. The open Pickup version can still be closed with a canvas hood. It has a large flat loading floor suitable for many industries, especially in construction, it was easy to load from all sides. And for all variants there were the famous VW features: the powerful air-cooled engine, the low operating costs, so economically responsible and of course the loading capacity.
Priceless fun
Hans: “After a restoration period of 3/4 years, the fun could begin. For me, the VW bus represents freedom, it clearly has charm and always brings smiles to the faces of the people who see it drive by. In fact, I am sometimes chased by other driving VW enthusiasts to take a closer look at the Pickup.”
Photo report
Hans: “Describing all the restoration work is no easy task. I therefore made a large photo report so that all the work can be seen in detail, such as the sheet metal, the special steel construction of the loading floor, the finish with beautifully lacquered wood, and especially the wooden side walls that produce shiny pictures.”
Adjusted motor power
The engine is no longer standard, it now has double the power of a normal 1600 cc engine. The cooling comes from Porsche, has double webers and a spaghetti exhaust for the sporty look. The experts know that restoration is a profession in itself. It takes a lot of patience (the art of waiting). But also the use of energy and the necessary euros, which may not be commercially responsible but do provide "priceless" pleasure, actually an emotional investment.
Star status
The famous VW Van now has star status. It is a living legend, thorough and reliable. Hans' Pickup is alive and ready for a new future as a classic on the road, it adds shine to his hobby life. (Although he admits that he sometimes works “air-cooled” in the summer and uses the Pick Up for a business purpose.)
Part of the hobby life
A subscription to Auto Motor Klassiek also adds shine to the car enthusiast! It is even part of hobby life. And the piggy bank can remain intact, for less than 50 euros the trade magazine will be delivered to your doorstep every month for a year. Every month the most beautiful stories about classic cars and motorcycles. And as a bonus, you can register for free and read a story on the website almost every day. Could it be more beautiful??
They are still (much) overpriced coffee grinders, although this pick-up is nicely derived from American models. If you had bought it, it would not only have been cheaper, but you would also have free violence! 😉
I still have the 1st edition of the above-mentioned book from 1941, and it indeed contains fun and interesting things that we can no longer imagine today.