The Volkswagen Bus, also known as the VW Bus, has been an iconic vehicle that has left a lasting impact on both automotive history and popular culture. From its humble beginnings as a factory utility vehicle to its transformation into a symbol of counterculture in the 1960s, the VW Bus has captured the hearts of enthusiasts around the world. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most iconic Volkswagen Buses that have helped solidify its place in history.
The Volkswagen Plattenwagen, dating back to 1946, may not be as widely recognized as other VW Bus models, but it played a crucial role in the early days of Volkswagen. Originally created to shuttle parts around the factory post-World War II, the Plattenwagen’s unique design paved the way for the production of the first Volkswagen Type 2 Buses in the 1950s.
Moving on to the 1951 Westfalia “Camping Box,” this camperized VW Bus was born out of a British Army officer’s request for a mobile camper. Westfalia, a renowned coachbuilding specialist, crafted the Camping Box with innovative features such as double-opening side doors and a pop-up roof, making it a popular choice for campers in the 1960s.
The story of Esau and Janie Jenkins’ 1966 VW Bus highlights the vehicle’s role in the civil rights movement. The Jenkinses used their VW Bus to drive workers to jobs and educate passengers about their rights, leaving a lasting impact on the community. Their bus has been recognized for its historical significance and is a testament to the VW Bus’s versatility.
The 1969 VW Light Bus, famously painted in psychedelic colors by Dr. Bob Heironimus, symbolizes the VW Bus’s association with the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Used by the band Light to travel to Woodstock, this vibrant bus became an emblem of the era’s free-spirited lifestyle.
Porsche’s involvement with VW Buses is showcased through models like the Porsche Renndienst and the Porsche B32. These support vehicles, designed to transport parts and mechanics for Porsche race cars, demonstrate the close relationship between the two automotive brands. The B32, equipped with Porsche 911 components, represents a unique collaboration that resulted in a limited production run of high-performance VW Buses.
Other notable VW Buses, such as Dr. Kevorkian’s 1968 Volkswagen and the vehicles featured in popular films like “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and “Back to the Future,” further illustrate the VW Bus’s enduring presence in popular culture. Whether as a symbol of peace and love or a quirky family road trip companion, the VW Bus has cemented its status as an enduring automotive icon.
In conclusion, the Volkswagen Bus’s legacy continues to resonate with enthusiasts and fans worldwide, with each model telling a unique story of innovation, cultural significance, and historical relevance. As we look back on the top 10 iconic Volkswagen Buses, we can appreciate the lasting impact these vehicles have had on generations of drivers and passengers, solidifying their place in automotive history for years to come.
