1960 Volkswagen Kombi 'Split Window' Microbus

Description

The Volkswagen Type 2 – better known to Australians as the Kombi – was introduced in 1949 and rapidly established itself as one of the most versatile and popular commercial vehicles ever made. Sharing the same reliable running gear found in the Beetle, the Kombi’s unitary construction bodywork was supported by a ladder frame ideally suited for load carrying. The forward control Type 2 was initially sold as a Commercial (van) or Kombi with a removable rear seat, although as time went on these basic models were expanded into a bewildering array of offshoots, including microbus, campers and ambulances amongst the many derivatives. The pickup was announced in August 1952 and was later joined by a dual-cab model with a second row of seats, both variations featuring drop-down sides and rear giving exceptional access to the carry bed. Mechanically, the Kombi started out with an 1131cc engine, enlarged to 1192cc (with 30 horsepower) in 1953. With higher compression in 1955, output jumped to 34 bhp while the body also came in for some revisions that year, with a smaller engine bay cover (previous T1 models are known as ‘barn doors’), changed roofline and 15-inch wheels on the revised T1B body style. First seen in Australia in 1953 and sold as Completely Knocked Down vehicles assembled at the Clayton plant in Melbourne from 1954, the Kombi proved hugely successful in this country and for years they were a common sight on our roads. Once the preserve of hippies looking for cheap transport, the Kombi now enjoys a cult following around the world and ‘Split Window’ models like the van on offer here have become hugely collectible.