1969 Volkswagen Transporter Dual Cab Pick Up

One of the world’s favourite classic commercials, Volkswagen’s Type 2 Transporter was first seen in 1949 and its versatility, allied to the same bulletproof running gear found in the Beetle, made it a smash hit for the German car maker over the next four decades. With a unitary construction body supported by a ladder frame, the Type 2 (better known to Australians as the Kombi) was ideally suited for load carrying, with a low, flat floor and easy access through the side or rear doors. By mounting the air-cooled engine in the rear, Volkswagen freed up valuable space at the front of the vehicle and improved the weight distribution for better handling. The Type 2 was initially sold in three basic body styles – the van, bus and pick-up - although as time went on the model range diversified into a myriad of offshoots, including campers, ambulances. First seen in Australia in 1953 and sold as Completely Knocked Down vehicles assembled at the Clayton plant in Melbourne between 1954 and 1976, the Kombi proved hugely successful in this country and for years they were a common sight on our roads. The original Kombi featured a split windscreen body style (retrospectively termed T1) and initially started out with an 1131cc flat-four engine, with mechanical changes mirroring the Beetle. Towards the end of 1967 Volkswagen released a revised Kombi with a one-piece curved glass windscreen and beneath the so-called T2 bodywork lay bigger changes, including new rear suspension that did away with the previous swing axles and constant velocity joints to control the ride height. The second generation Kombi was powered by a 1600cc version of the Beetle’s engine developing 47 horsepower, making it much more pleasant to drive. Once the preserve of hippies looking for cheap transport, the Kombi now enjoys a cult following around the world and has become a sought after collectors item, fetching record prices in recent auctions.