VolkswagenBUS history page - 2 -

Changing of cource

The first prototype is built on a existing Volkswagen passenger vehicle. Naturally, this is the VW Beetle. With the installation of the beetle engine, the prototype typ 29 takes his first ride. Unfortunately the chassis of the beetle is to weak for the heavy typ 29 body. unthinkable what will happen with a full cargo load! It is April 1949, but in spite of this setback, work by Volkswagen the factory is continues.
A small scale model of the transporter with a rounded cabin is successfully tested in the wind tunnel.
It is even stronger, the Volkswagen factory targets production of typ 29 by the early fifties. The course is changing completely. They decide to develop a brand new chassis for the typ 29, a so called "self-carried" chassis is unique for it's time. This was the start of the passenger car and vans division. They are working hard on the brand new typ 29. After testing, the brakes and the steering mechanism are improved, and the engine compartment became smaller. This means that there is more cargo space !
This is the prototype from 1949. There is a windshield wiper for the driver only, and the passenger doors do not fit well. The transporter is built on a beetle-chassis which is not sufficient. Volkswagen decides to build a new chassis as quick as possible. This is the so called "self floating chassis".

Everything but a name.

The typ 29 is almost finished. The austerely technical managing director says in October 1949 about the typ 29: "It is a van with a lot of possibilities. It is maneuverable it has enough power uphill, it is has low cost in use and maintenance. It is easy to load and reliable in summer and winter. It is a real Volkswagen...... A universal company van able to transport cargo everywhere in the world." The only thing missing for Volkswagens first transporter is a name. All names like Bulli and Juwel are owned by patent in Berlin. When the first production transporter was ready it's name is simply, "type 2". Seeing that type 1 is the beetle. Later generations of type 2 until 1990 are named T1, T2 ,T3 and T4, but commonly referred to as "transporter". Not until 1990 did the name transporter become officially registered. Briefly; At Volkswagen, November 1949, the bus is introduced to the press it has everything except a name. But it's name is soon to come......

Volkswagen-managing director Heinrich Nordhoff during a press conference at 1949:
 "Finally the focus was not on the actual chassis, but on cargo space. In front of the cargo floor is the drivers seat, behind the cargo floor is the engine. The point of departure is clear and without compromise. Only this car has his cargo floor exactly between the axles. The pressure on the axles is always the same, it doesn´t matter if the car is loaded or not."

VolkswagenBUS history page - 2 - ...To be continued.

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