About the Volkswagen VanagonThe Volkswagen Bus is a rear-engine, rear-wheel drive panel van available in a wide variety of configurations. Although it is commonly depicted as a passenger van and recreational vehicle (RV), the VW Bus was also released in other configurations such as ambulances, commercial vans, pickups, fire engines, and even military troop carriers.The Volkswagen Bus was originally designed by Dutch Volkswagen importer Ben Pon and built in Volkswagen's German-based factories located in both Wolfsburg and Hannover. Over the years production shifted to overseas plants located in Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil. Originally available with 1.1, 1.2, and 1.5 liter air-cooled, carbureted engines, later models were equipped with water-cooled, fuel-injected engines as large as 2.0 liters. Most configurations came standard with a four-speed manual transmission, with a three-speed automatic version released in 1973. Seating capacity varies greatly amongst the various models, with some passenger models seating as many as 12 passengers. Pickup and cargo versions obviously seated the least, with some hybrid camper models seating more passengers than the standard ones by sacrificing various camping accessories.... View more Although gas mileage has varied over time and engine type, the latest versions were known to get as much as 42 miles to the gallon. Towing with these vehicles is not recommend. The Bus was introduced in 1950 following the VW Beetle as Volkswagen's second car model. Whereas the Beetle was a small passenger car, the Bus became the forerunner to modern commercial and passenger vans, sparking immense competition in the van space by automakers like Ford and Dodge. Despite criticisms over chronic oil leaks, reliability, and underpowered engines, the Bus has proved to be extremely popular over time. When Heinz Nordhoff (CEO of Volkswagen at the time) approved of the first production model in 1949, he had no idea the Volkswagen Bus would become a decades-long pop culture icon, with a large following of surfers, hippies, and other enthusiasts that remains strong to this day. After a strong run spanning three decades, the Bus was eventually replaced by the Vanagon beginning in 1979. The 1981 Vanagon models were quite popular, gaining in popularity in 1983 once a water-cooled boxer engine was introduced. Few cars can boast about having the same amount of accessories and options available as the Volkswagen Bus has. Various models were built with split windows, bay windows, rounded step" bumpers, and various engine hatches. In 1964, Volkswagen even offered an option sliding door to replace the standard hinged doors for easier passenger access. Although the term "minivan" would not be until twenty years later, this feature could arguably make the 1964 model year Bus the first true minivan to be produced. The Bus models developed in the early 1970s saw a multitude of safety improvements, including high-visibility turn indicators and compressible front bumpers. Even four-wheel drive options were developed. The Volkswagen Bus has earned its rightful place in history due to not only being versatile and economical, but also due to its originality. Throughout the decades, it has earned various "terms of endearment" such as kombi, hippy van, and even "shaggin-wagen". Although the Volkswagen Bus is no longer in production for the US market, updated versions continue to be marketed throughout other markets around the world. View less Volkswagen Vanagon Model Years | |||
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