Author Topic: NSR: VW Bus is 75 this month  (Read 134 times)

Stig / Major Tom

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NSR: VW Bus is 75 this month
« on: March 12, 2025, 08:13:30 PM »
75 years ago, March 1950, the first VW T1 Transporter was delivered in primer grey to a dealer in Cologne, Germany.
There, the VW van received the livery of the perfume company, "4711".



The original Echt Kölnisch Wasser, has used the same formula for more than 200 years.
WWII German submariners were issued the stuff in lieu of bathing - and Holly Golightly used it in Breakfast at Tiffany's.
So, "unisex".



A few years ago, the VW Museum obtained a restored dove blue example of the oldest known 1950 VW Transporter.


The speedometer seen here has actually turned over once since the restoration was completed.


These first VW's had a single brake light and no rear window, or bumper.


The gas gauge was a wooden stick used to check the level in this interestingly located fuel tank.


Stig

examples of restored early VW Transporters have sold for big $.
$150,000 to a little over $300,000
« Last Edit: March 12, 2025, 08:26:17 PM by Stig / Major Tom »
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randyo

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Re: NSR: VW Bus is 75 this month
« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2025, 09:28:42 PM »
My brother hit a cow in the fog with his '57 Transporter
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big blue

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Re: NSR: VW Bus is 75 this month
« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2025, 09:51:59 PM »
I had two of them a 1963 and a '67, they were both Westphalia Campers. The '67 was a pop top and they both were green.
2012 Kymco Like 200i LX (Sold)  Salem, Oregon USA

randyo

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Re: NSR: VW Bus is 75 this month
« Reply #3 on: March 13, 2025, 03:29:49 AM »
I had an '82 Vanagon, last year they were air cooled, toasty warm in winter cause it had a gas heater (@ -25°f, it got maybe 8-10mpg at best). Faithfully known as the "Hippy Van" to my son's hockey teammates.
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Stig / Major Tom

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Re: NSR: VW Bus is 75 this month
« Reply #4 on: March 13, 2025, 02:01:00 PM »
I had an '82 Vanagon, last year they were air cooled, toasty warm in winter cause it had a gas heater (@ -25°f, it got maybe 8-10mpg at best). Faithfully known as the "Hippy Van" to my son's hockey teammates.
After years of VWs - bought the first year Vanagon. And, heck yes that thing was thirsty!
Wicked combination ~! - slow and thirsty!
There was a Champagne Edition bay-window still on the show-room floor at the same time. It was $3K less.
After living with the thirsty Vanagon (remember when VW reviewers promoted them as the "Porsche of Vans"?) - I wished I'd purchased the lighter weight bay-window. Traded that Vanagon for a new Subaru after a year.

I think this is the only photo I have of that Vanagon, Cream over orange, choc. brown interior.
He is 49 yrs old now~!


Stig
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randyo

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Re: NSR: VW Bus is 75 this month
« Reply #5 on: March 13, 2025, 09:44:58 PM »
I got about 20mpg with mine in the summer, gas heater in winter drank a lot

not mine, but same color

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