24 April 2025

One of the world’s most famous models is Volkswagen’s Transporter, which has gone on to see more than 13 million units produced since launch 70 years ago time, over six generations - and a seventh announced at the end of its Platinum Jubilee year.

Classic shape, famous names

The Transporter’s split-screen, soft-curved boxy shape is a famous as any silhouettes in automotive history, and played a key part in Volkswagen’s growth in the 1950s and 60s.

The first generation was, potentially confusingly, called the Type 2, though also referred to as the ‘T1’, just to keep everything as bewildering as possible. The ‘Type 2’ refers to the fact it followed Volkswagen’s Type 1 - more commonly known as the Beetle. As such, the Type 2 was Volkswagen’s second model, and in later years was called the T1 as the first-generation Transporter.

The first year saw a little over 750 Type 2s sold in the UK, which used the same air-cooled boxer engine and gearbox as was used in the Beetle. It was offered in a variety of body styles, including panel van and pick-up, though perhaps the most famous was the ‘Samba’ bus minibus. Fitted with windows all-around, the split-screen ‘bus remains one of the most sought-after versions from the Transporter canon.

The T1 survived until 1967, when the similarly-shaped, but updated T2 second-generation model arrived. Also known as the ‘Bay Window’ version due to its large, single piece of curved glass for the windscreen, the T2 continued many of the established themes from the T1. That means the air-cooled, rear-mounted engine, and van/pick-up/minibus options, the ‘Breadloaf’ came with a new front end, a sliding door as standard, and a pop-up camper version offered.

Evolution to revolution…

The T2 made way for the T3 in 1979 which, although was a much squarer shape when compared to the T2, was still built along a similar line. The windscreen was less curved but raked more, and the chassis allowed for more interior space thanks to a wider-body for greater load or passenger room.

Although visually quite different, it remained a rear-engine, rear-wheel drive model, though during its time in production, a host of new features were added to the equipment. This includes a diesel engine, catalytic converters, turbos, and all-wheel drive, with more than one and a quarter models built.

The first revolution came around with the T4, which not only saw the Transporter badge used extensively, but also saw the model go front-engine, front-wheel drive for the first time. This also saw a great change in design - or as great a change as you ever really see with a van. The windscreen was raked further back, and a proper bonnet was added, since the engine was now up front, ahead of the driver.

The T3 and T4 actually overlapped, with the former being built until 1992, and the T4 introduced in 1990 and, by the time the T4 was in full swing, it was offered as a panel van, double-cab, pick-up, kombi, and chassis with single- or double-cab. The Caravelle (a van with windows and seats), Multivan (MPV), and California (campervan) were also established, further adding to the Type 2 story.

… and back to evolution

The T5 - around from 2003 to 2015 - and T6 & T6.1 - from 2015 to 2019 and, with the 6.1 version, until present, have clear visual links to the T4, and retain the now traditional front-wheel drive, front engine layout of most ‘one-tonne’ panel vans. Of course, Volkswagen’s various offerings, including camper, MPV, kombi, and LCV range.

In recent years, the attention has shifted away from major changes to the layout and chassis, and onto cabin quality and driving experience. Now more car-like than ever, the cabin is similar to that of the larger VW passenger car range, and it’s a trend that’s only going to continue as rivals do something similar.

The Transporter name will continue for at least another generation, regardless of the presence of the Multivan and ID.Buzz in the range, with diesel, plug-in hybrid, and full electric models wither available or due further down the line.