Everyone knows the iconic look of the VW Bus. Not only is it one of the best-known Volkswagen models, it’s one of the most recognizable vintage automobiles on Bedford roads. But do you know the history of the VW Bus? For instance, when was the first VW Bus made? The VW Bus origin story is an interesting one, and we’ll go into detail below. We’ll also talk about the modern spiritual successor to the VW Bus, the ID.Buzz.
The VW Bus origin did not happen on a drafting table in the design department of Volkswagen. No, the history of the VW Bus starts all the way back in 1947, with a Dutch importer named Ben Pon. It was his job to import the Beetle to the United States and other countries around the world. But one day, while visiting a VW factory in Berlin, he noticed the squatty transport vehicles, stripped-down versions of the Beetle, which were used to take parts to various locations in the factory. Ben was inspired. When he got home, he sketched out a design for a new vehicle that could easily transport people or goods. The result was something that looked more like a shortened version of a bus than a van. He submitted the sketch to upper management at Volkswagen.
But when was the first VW Bus made? It took less than three years to get from the point of the VW Bus origin on paper to the first model rolling out of the factory in 1950. By the time it made it to production, the design had been tweaked somewhat from Ben’s original sketch and added multiple body styles. Prominent among these is the split windshield.
Beach culture became prominent in the 1950’s, and the VW Bus became identified with it, as it was an ideal vehicle for conveying both surfboards and a group of friends. The Vietnam War ignited, and by the end of the 1960’s, hippy culture had emerged. The VW Bus would become a symbol for this and counterculture in general. Also prominent in the 1960’s and into the 1970’s was the Civil Rights Movement, and the VW Bus was placed right in the middle of it when it was used to bus black children to and from school in Charleston, South Carolina, which was segregated at the time.
A lot of Willoughby drivers have been eagerly awaiting the ID.Buzz, which is a descendant of sorts from VW Bus. Its friendly, boxy exterior definitely calls to mind the iconic look of the Bus. But the interior is replete with modern sensibility. Additionally, it’s all electric.
Why not come down and look at the current selection of quality Volkswagen automobiles? While you’re here, check out the VW National Offers. And, if you’d like to learn more, take a look at our other Volkswagen research. We’re just down the road from Chardon. So, drop by or contact us today.
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