A-Z of Bus Types
The Clipper
When VW launched the new Bay Window ‘Deluxe Microbus’ in 1968 they called it the Clipper, but American company Pan Am objected to this as they called their planes Clippers. VW had to withdraw the name, but ironically Pan Am subsequently went under, Clippers and all!
The Transporter
The Transporter used the standard Beetle engine, ranging from the 1.1-liter 36-horsepower to the 1.5-liter 53-horsepower version, depending on the year of production.
Fillmore
The character Fillmore, voiced by actor George Carlin in the 2006 animated film “Cars,” was a Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter.
Copying the VW Camper
By 1959, Chevrolet copied the Volkswagen concept with its rear-engine Corvair car and the Corvan. Soon, the Ford Econoline, the Dodge A100 and Chevrolet’s ChevyVan were introduced, all with cab forward design and 6-cylinder engines.
Campervan values
In the 1960’s a converted campervan would have set you back between £850 and £1300. Their value has now risen to anything from £3000 for a wreck in need of major restoration to in excess of £50,000 for a fully restored Splitty!
The Volksie Bus
In South Africa the camper was called Volksie Bus, notable in a series of that country’s TV commercials. Kombi is also a generic nickname for vans and minibuses in South Africa and Swaziland, often used as a means of public transportation. In Nigeria it was called Danfo.
Camper mania
VW Camper mania is now such that you can buy anything from clothing to clocks and kitchen items to tents that look like a camper!
Fun Facts
The Transporter used the standard Beetle engine, ranging from the 1.1-liter 36-horsepower to the 1.5-liter 53-horsepower version, depending on the year of production.
By 1959, Chevrolet copied the Volkswagen concept with its rear-engine Corvair car and the Corvan. Soon, the Ford Econoline, the Dodge A100 and Chevrolet’s ChevyVan were introduced, all with cab forward design and 6-cylinder engines.
The character Fillmore, voiced by actor George Carlin in the 2006 animated film “Cars,” was a Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter.
In South Africa the camper was called Volksie Bus, notable in a series of that country’s TV commercials. Kombi is also a generic nickname for vans and minibuses in South Africa and Swaziland, often used as a means of public transportation. In Nigeria it was called Danfo.
When VW launched the new Bay Window ‘Deluxe Microbus’ in 1968 they called it the Clipper, but American company Pan Am objected to this as they called their planes Clippers. VW had to withdraw the name, but ironically Pan Am subsequently went under, Clippers and all!
In the 1960’s a converted campervan would have set you back between £850 and £1300. Their value has now risen to anything from £3000 for a wreck in need of major restoration to in excess of £50,000 for a fully restored Splitty!
VW Camper mania is now such that you can buy anything from clothing to clocks and kitchen items to tents that look like a camper!
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