1963 Volkswagen Split Window Kombi Van

Arguably best known and most collectible commercial vehicle ever made, Volkswagen’s Type 2 Transporter – better known as the Kombi – was introduced in 1949 and soon carved a niche as a reliable, versatile and endearing workhorse. With clever unitary construction designed to give a flat floor and dependable running gear lifted from the Beetle, the Kombi was sold in three basic versions, namely the van, bus or pick-up, with a bewildering array of offshoots, including campers, ambulances and other derivatives offered over the years. First seen in Australia in 1953 and assembled from Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits at the Clayton plant in Melbourne from 1954, the Kombi proved hugely successful in this country and was a common sight on our roads for many years. The original Type 2 featured a split windscreen body style (retrospectively termed T1) and was initially powered by an 1131cc flat four engine, with the motor enlarged to 1192cc in 1953. With higher compression in 1955, the power output rose from 30 to 34 horsepower, while the body also came in for some revisions that year, the new so-called T1B version characterised by a smaller engine bay cover (previous models are called ‘barn doors’), altered roofline and 15-inch wheels. The last major development for the first generation ‘Split Window’ Kombi was the introduction of a 1500cc engine in 1963, along with the option of a sliding door. 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.