In this fascinating and engrossing book, VW expert Richard Copping
covers the complete history of the first generation VW Transporter or
'Camper', probably the most famous commercial and leisure van of all
time. Beginning with the prototype vehicles produced in 1949, the author
covers the development of the innovative but utilitarian Kombi and the
more upmarket Micro Bus, followed by the De Luxe Micro Bus, the
Ambulance and the Pick-up. He covers the highlights of each vehicle and
analyses the success of the range as a whole. The book covers the
revamped model line from 1955, when the success of the VW Transporter
called for the building of a whole new factory in Hanover. At this time,
due to popular demand, Volkswagen authorised a whole series of coach
built variations on the Transporter theme with vehicles as diverse as
mobile shops, refrigerated vans and police mobile offices. The author
also covers the revised model introduced in 1963 with its more powerful
engine and revised tailgate and rear window as well as the ongoing
success of the model in the United States. By the time German production
ended in July 1967, over 1.8 million split-screen, first generation
Transporters had been built.
