Volkswagen T2a KOMBI COBI 24617 - Action Town 1:35

Did you know:

• While rusty sheets of metal raced across East German roads under the name Barkas, Volkswagen was already preparing the second generation of the legendary Transporter. However, its origin must be traced back to the Netherlands.
• The foundation of the legendary Transporter was laid by Dutch Volkswagen dealer Ben Pon, who noticed supply carts with a front loading area and a cabin behind the cargo at the assembly lines. Post-war Europe lacked all kinds of vehicles, so the enterprising B. Pon began offering these carts to his customers. The demand was huge, but Dutch authorities refused to approve a vehicle for road use where the driver sat behind the load. However, that did not discourage Ben. He cut up a period flyer, glued a picture of the cabin in front of the load platform on white paper, and headed to Volkswagen.
• The VW management evaluated and accepted the concept. And so a legend was born—one that is still in production today, now in its seventh generation.
• Series production of the T2 began in the summer of 1967. Volkswagen couldn't keep up with the demand. Within the first few months of its market release, the manufacturer recorded tens of thousands of orders. Production capacity had to be increased to 270 units per day. For comparison, the East German Barkas managed to produce over 30 years as many units as VW did in just 1.5 years.
• The vehicle's design was simple and reliable. Over time, the standard van was joined by a flatbed truck, Kombi, microbus, Caravelle, ambulance, and even a Samba version with a retractable canvas roof.
• The microbus was offered in several interior configurations. One of the most popular was the version with 8 seats + driver.
• The KOMBI version was intended for transporting up to 5 passengers in a configuration of driver and front passenger + 3 people on the second bench, along with cargo transport.
• For an additional fee, it was possible to order fans for better cabin heating and a plastic glove compartment.
• From 1972, the Transporter was equipped for the first time with front disc brakes and three-point seat belts for the driver.
• A total of 1,280,000 units of the T2 were produced in various versions.

Technical specifications:

• length 4420 mm, width 1765 mm, height 1960 mm
• curb weight 1265 kg
• gasoline Boxer 4 engine with a capacity of 1600 cm³ and output of 35 kW
• number of gears: 4 forward + 1 reverse
• fuel tank capacity: 45 l
• maximum speed: 104 km/h
• fuel consumption: 10 l/100 km
• number of happy passengers: 1+4
• trunk volume: 1400 l

From the Road & Track magazine test, 1972:

"This thing, even in its first version, inspired an entire generation of young people to just angrily pack up and head out into the unknown. If you’ve ever dreamed of life behind the wheel, this is the car for you. And if you're not put off by the lousy sound of the built-in stereo—which you won’t hear anyway past 40 miles/h—you’ll probably fall in love with this newcomer."