The Volkswagen classic van, nearly seventy years since its introduction, remains one of the most beloved and recognizable vehicles in automotive history.
With its engine positioned at the back, the van offered drivers a clear, expansive view of the road ahead, as well as ample space for surfboards, camping gear, and other essentials for adventures.
From its debut in 1950 through the late 1960s, the Volkswagen van served as the original minivan, providing a more spacious alternative to the traditional station wagon.
As the counter-culture movement took hold, the van became a symbol of freedom and rebellion, cementing its place in history as the quintessential ride for hippies, beachgoers, and road-tripping adventurers.
By the 1980s, however, the van’s association with the 1970s led to a decline in its popularity, as trends shifted away from its laid-back image. Yet, looking back, the van’s charm remains undeniable.
Officially referred to by various names depending on its body type—such as the Transporter, Kombi, or Microbus—the Volkswagen Type 2 became a global automotive icon under a range of informal monikers.
In the United States, it was commonly known as the Volkswagen Station Wagon or simply the Bus, while in the UK it earned the nickname Camper, and in Germany, it was affectionately called the Bulli.
The designation “Type 2” originated from its place in Volkswagen’s production lineup, following the company’s flagship “Type 1,” the original Volkswagen—or Beetle, as it is more commonly known across the world.
In the 1950s, it was a revolutionary design—distinct from anything else on the road. Affordable, incredibly spacious, and beautifully simple, it offered endless possibilities.
Whether used as a family camper, a mobile business, a surf van, or a personalized love shack complete with shag carpeting, the Volkswagen van was truly a blank canvas for creativity.
Unlike its iconic sibling, the Beetle, the VW van underwent constant reinvention, evolving into unique and diverse styles.
Among the most famous variations were the Samba, featuring numerous windows and a skylight roof; the “Westy,” a camper with a pop-up top for extra space; and the Caravelle, known for its luxurious interior upgrades.
Each version offered something special, making the van as versatile as it was iconic.
This collection of nostalgic images shows the second-generation Type 2 VW vans—affectionately nicknamed “Breadwagons”—produced from 1967 to 1979.
(Photo credit: VW Catalogue via Flickr by Damian Hailstone / Pinterest / Wikimedia Commons).