75 years of the VW Transporter Buses

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) is celebrating the birthday of its biggest icon – 75 years of the VW Bus.

It is the commercial vehicle with the longest production run in Europe. On 8th March 1950, the first Transporter – or T1 for short, left the production line in Wolfsburg.

Since then, more than 12.5 million more VW Buses have followed – produced in Hanover from 1956. This makes it the most successful European commercial vehicle of all time. It has already been dubbed a cult vehicle for an eternity.

From the T1 to the sixth generation T6.1, one platform always provided the basis for all derivatives – from vans to camper van icons. But the era of electric mobility necessitated a transformation of the all-rounder and thus a paradigm shift, described by VWCV as ‘One VW Bus for all’ becoming ‘The right VW Bus for everyone’.

The current Multivan marked the start of a new era in 2021 – a van designed for leisure and work, available for the first time with an optional plug-in hybrid drive. The first all-electric VW Bus in large-scale production followed in 2022 with the ID. Buzz.

In 2025, the also new Transporter product line is launching as the third model series. The current VW Bus range thus consists of three pillars with six base models: the Multivan and identical-design California, the ID. Buzz and the ID. Buzz Cargo commercial vehicle, as well as the Transporter and technically identical Caravelle shuttle version. They all carry the DNA of the multifunctional T1 in their design and layout to this day. And VWCV says ‘that’s how it will stay’.

Rolling back the years in the Volkswagen Transporters
The first Transporter (T1 for short), went into production on 8 March 1950. It has since become the longest-built and most successful commercial vehicle in Europe to date. The first generation in particular is very popular among collectors; depending on the variant, up to six-digit euro sums are paid.

T1 (1950 to 1967)
The first VW Bus of 1950 has now become three product lines in 2025: the Transporter/Caravelle, Multivan/California and ID. Buzz/ID. Buzz Cargo. It was part of an era from 1950 to 1967 when Europe reinvented itself.

The first version of the 4.10-metres long. The Transporter or T1 was a panel van without windows in the load compartment. Its load compartment had a considerable capacity of 4.5 cubic metres. The two-piece split-window windscreen resulted in it being given the nickname “Splittie” in Great Britain and Ireland.

With the 18 kW (25 PS) four-cylinder flat engine from the Beetle, the T1 reached a top speed of 80 km/h; later the output would increase to 32 kW (44 PS) with a maximum speed of 105 km/h.

Further body variants followed quickly: a Kombi version (with windows at the rear) was already available in April 1950, followed by a minibus and a dropside. The special model that is today considered the most legendary of all classic VW Bus vehicles made its debut in June 1951: the ‘Small Bus Special Version’ – christened ‘Samba bus’ by fans. It had room for nine people and came with up to 23 windows, two-tone paintwork and a luxurious specification including a panoramic folding roof.

T2 (1967 to 1979)
Production of the T2 started in their Hanover plant in 1967. Its wide range of variants and robust properties made it a worldwide success.

It as been described as where children discovered the world with their parents – in the back of the VW Bus. And also where the postal service delivered parcels, with which Europe’s tradespeople went to work, as well as in which policemen and paramedics did their duty. As a camper van, the T2 became an indestructible vehicle for globetrotters.

In August 1969, musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and Joan Baez made history in Woodstock. And in the middle of it all was the VW Bus. Three days of peace & music in Woodstock at which the most famous of all VW Bus photos was taken: a picture of the “flower power T1” – the Light Bus with a couple on its roof. It burned itself into humanity’s collective memory and made the VW Bus an icon of automotive freedom.

The new front end was the most distinctive feature of the T2. Instead of the V-shaped vertical modulation between the round headlights a design with horizontal lines now emphasised the width of the Volkswagen. But it was not just these details that made the T2 look more modern. It also featured visibly larger side windows and the now one-piece, strongly curved windscreen stood out the most. In addition, the T2 now had a sliding door as standard.

The development engineers noticeably modernised the technology. The most obvious progress was made in the area of the chassis and brakes. With an unchanged wheelbase at 2.40 metres and a slightly increased width, the body gained 20 centimetres in length. As a result, the T2 impressed with even greater spaciousness.

A major facelift followed in 1972 and consolidated the success of the world bestseller. In 1978, the 4.5 millionth Transporter left the production halls. One year later, German T2 production was discontinued. By then, 2.2 million units of this second generation of VW Bus had been produced.

T3 (1979 to 1992)
In 1979, the third generation of the Transporter was pioneering in terms of technology. Catalytic converter, turbodiesel and all-wheel drive were used on the T3 for the first time.

The T3 was the most angular VW Bus of all time. But the T3 was also the technically best Transporter to date. In addition, icons such as the first ‘California’ and the first ‘Multivan’ models were created on its base. Conceptually, the T3 followed the previous models, but it transferred the technical DNA to the then present thanks to new and modern technologies.

Volkswagen made great strides in the area of passive safety. The wider body also offered significantly more passenger and load space with moderate increases in length and height; the standard flat engines also contributed to this.

At market launch, the air-cooled T3 flat engines produced between 37 kW (50 PS) and 51 kW (70 PS). From 1981, a water-cooled diesel engine was installed at the rear of the Transporter for the first time. Its output was 37 kW (50 PS).

Just a year later, the water-cooled flat engines specially developed for the bus followed. They produced 44 kW (60 PS) and 57 kW (78 PS). Their output later increased to up to 82 kW (112 PS).

In 1985, Volkswagen added many other innovations. The petrol engines were equipped with catalytic converters, and the first diesel engines were given a turbocharger. Above all, however, the all-wheel drive models with a viscous coupling enhanced the range; they were given the additional designation ‘syncro’.

As from 1988, there was the first camper van built in-house: the California. The new T3 California immediately became a best seller: 5,000 units were sold in the first twelve months. When the last T3 rolled off the production line at the Hanover plant, further new versions such as the Caravelle and the Multivan had long since established themselves as bestsellers.

Special editions such as the Multivan White Star and Blue Start became icons at the same time. The syncro versions of the T3 and 2,500 units of the Multivan Limited Last Edition, which is now a much sought-after classic, were still produced at the Steyr-Daimler-Puch plant in Graz until 1992. In South Africa, the T3 was still produced until 2002.

T4 (1990 to 2003)
By switching to front-mounted engines and front-wheel drive, the T4 built between 1990 and 2003 made VW Bus history as a space wonder.

The fourth generation was a technical revolution. After 40 years of rear-wheel drive and a rear-mounted engine, Volkswagen completely changed the drive concept. From then on, the engines were located at the front; and they also no longer powered the rear axle, but the front wheels. The exception was, as already optionally available in the T3, the syncro drive was on board, which also powered the rear axle in the T4.

This switch to front-wheel drive changed everything with regards to design, chassis, engines and space. Much more room was now available above all at the rear, where on the T3 a fair bit of space was still taken up by the flat engine. Some of this was claimed by the new semi-trailing arm rear axle and the optional syncro all-wheel drive system, but the rest created extra cargo space. The new drive system layout made the handling even more like that of a passenger car.

At the front, the T4 became longer so as to provide sufficient space for the transversely mounted in-line four- and five-cylinder engines and to create better crash characteristics. At the market launch, T4 buyers could choose between three water-cooled petrol engines and two diesel engines (49 kW/61 PS to 81 kW/110 PS). All-wheel-drive fans could buy a T4 syncro from 1993.

From 1995, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles acted as an independent brand within the Group. This was celebrated in January 1996 with a comprehensive update of the T4.

There were a particularly large number of changes under the bonnet. A 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine was introduced in the T4 as the first turbodiesel direct injection engine (TDI) in a VW Transporter. The longer front section of the passenger car variants now allowed the integration of the VR6 petrol engine with a capacity of 2.8 litres.

From 1998, the top-of-the-range TDI produced a remarkable 111 kW (151 PS), while the six-cylinder even unleashed up to 150 kW (204 PS).

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles heralded the end of T4 production with an exclusive special model: the Multivan Last Edition with particularly generous standard equipment. After a production period of 14 years and around two million units built, the revolutionary T4 was replaced by the T5 in 2003.

T5 (2003 to 2015)
The design of the T5 introduced in 2003 is considered a milestone. Indeed, limited numbers of models in particular are already in collectors’ hands today, just 10 years after its replacement.

The new design was more spacious and variable than any other VW Bus before. The Transporter made its debut as a Kombi, panel van, dropside, double cab and chassis variant for third-party superstructures. In addition, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles redefined the VW Bus with the state-of-the-art new editions of the Caravelle, Multivan and California.

The design of the T5 was consistently based on the DNA and style of its predecessor, but looked even clearer, more powerful and more timeless. The interior was consistently designed according to ergonomic principles.

This was particularly evident around the driver, which impressed with features such as an optimally accessible joystick gearshift on the centre console and a cockpit landscape where all instruments, displays and controls were located on one visual axis.

For the debut of the T5, power was taken care of by unit injector turbodiesel (TDI) and petrol engines. The diesel engines developed between 63 kW (86 PS) and 128 kW (174 PS). The petrol engines ranged from 85 kW (115 PS) to a V6 power plant with 173 kW (235 PS).

Due to a newly developed multiplate clutch technology, the name of the all-wheel-drive versions was changed from syncro to 4MOTION. With the launch of the new California, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also moved production of the iconic camper van to Hanover.

Highlights in the T5 model range at that time included the California NoLimit, limited to 222 units, the extremely luxurious Multivan Business with individual seats in Phaeton style and the all-wheel drive Multivan PanAmericana with all-terrain look.

In 2009, the TDI engines were replaced by new and quieter four-cylinder common-rail engines with an output of up to 132 kW (180 PS). The petrol engines were also replaced by new turbocharged engines: the four-cylinder direct injection engines (TSI) engines produced 110 kW (150 PS) and 150 kW (204 PS) respectively. Production of the T5 continued until 2015.

After 13 years and around two million units, it was then replaced by the extensively modernised T6.

T6 (2015 to 2024)
As the T6 (from 2015) and evolutionary stage T6.1 (from 2019), the VW Bus became more comfortable and digital than ever before in all versions.

New engines, even more comprehensive assist systems and more modern infotainment systems characterised the new generation. Thanks to numerous detailed improvements, the sixth generation of the VW Bus also represented an independent step in the model history and its quality impressed.

The T6 model variants were divided into the commercial vehicle models of panel van, dropside, double cab, Kombi and Caravelle as well as the family-oriented Multivan and the California camper van.

Outwardly, the T6 was recognisable above all by its redesigned front section. Its design combined stylish linearity with a more highly dynamic appearance. The T6 also gained charisma, exclusivity and dynamism through its low-drawn front apron. New two-tone paint finishes represented a tribute to the first VW Bus generations.

The range of engines included four new TDIs and two new TSIs, each with a capacity of two litres. In comparison with the previous model, the new engines saved around one litre of fuel. All drive systems had a Start/Stop function as standard. The power output ranged from 62 kW (84 PS) to 150 kW (204 PS). Depending on power output, they were coupled with a five- or six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed DSG.

In addition, many variants could be ordered with 4MOTION all-wheel drive. A highlight was the optional adaptive chassis control DCC. In addition, the T6 brought many new assist and safety systems to the product line.

This VW Bus generation was perfected further, as the T6.1, unveiled in autumn 2019, showed. With it, VWCV transferred the cult model into the era of digitalisation. The completely redesigned dash panel of the T6.1, for example, was offered for the first time with fully digital instruments.

The infotainment systems featured interactive connectivity via e-SIM and offered online-based functions and services. At the same time, natural voice control opens up the intuitive level of operation better than before. The 6.1 generation built until 2024 also came with an upgrade in the trim levels and a design update.

It is worth recalling that in November 2021, VWCV introduced a new Multivan generation. The drive and electronics systems of a VW Bus were based for the first time on the modular transverse matrix (MQB). With it, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles opened up a new high-tech spectrum for the VW Bus. Never before was a Multivan as flexible, connected or sustainable. The first plug-in hybrid drive was already available as an option in 2021.

2024 and beyond
In mid-2024, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles launched the new California on the basis of the long Multivan version – what VWCV say is a camper van rethought down to the last detail, while remaining absolutely iconic and transferring the DNA of its predecessors to the present and the future. Since the end of 2024, this also includes the plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive available for both the Multivan and California. VWCV says that this turns the two cult models into electric vehicles in everyday life thanks to their long electric ranges.

Both the Multivan eHybrid 4MOTION and the California eHybrid 4MOTION additionally offer electric stationary air conditioning. This can be used to cool, ventilate and heat the VW Bus and camper van. The air conditioning system is supplied with energy either by the high-voltage battery or by shore power during charging to ensure a pleasant interior temperature in the vehicle before the start of a journey.

In March 2022, Volkswagen unveiled the production version of the new ID. Buzz in a world premiere. From the outset, the electric VW Bus was offered in two versions: as the ID. Buzz Pro for family, leisure and business, and as the ID. Buzz Cargo for trade, business and industry. And this is still the case today. However, the ID. Buzz family has been significantly expanded and enhanced since 2022.

Since last year (2024), the current Transporter and Caravelle are the two latest models in the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles range. The Transporter is offered as a panel van in various versions, as a Kombi for the combined transport of larger teams plus equipment and as a dropside with a double cab and – depending on version – with two wheelbases and two roof heights.

Available in parallel to the Transporter is the Caravelle sister model, which is designed for professional passenger transport. In addition, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is offering the new Transporter and Caravelle with a five-year warranty as standard on the German market.

On the drive side, the product line is characterised by state-of-the-art turbodiesel, plug-in hybrid and electric drive systems. What we can say for certain is that the Transporter and Caravelle together with the Multivan and California as well as the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo form the largest range of VW Bus models ever. The versatility of the product line makes it impressively clear that the VW Bus will remain the original of all vans in future automotive eras – an iconic all-rounder for work, family, leisure and adventure.