Gallery: The Volkswagen Type 2 through the years

Microbus. Kombi. Transporter. Camper. Whatever the name, the Type 2 is one of the most iconic models ever to be built by Volkswagen. Not only did it open up the possibility for families to hit the open road, the the Type 2 established itself as the poster car for surfers and hippies alike. Since its introduction more than five decades ago, Volkswagen sold 1.5 million copies of the Type 2 in every shape and form — from the iconic mini bus to a crew-cab pickup.

Volkswagen Camper
Handout, Volkswagen

Currently, Volkswagen’s Sao Bernardo do Campo plant in the southern region of Sao Paulo, Brazil, manufacturers the Type 2, which remains true to the original. However, new safety regulations mean Volkswagen will discontinue the Type 2 after 56 years of production in Brazil. The final models are expected to roll off the assembly line by Dec. 20.

“It is fitting that the introduction to the definitive book on Volkswagen’s Transporter reads like a blissed-out hippie’s stream of consciousness”: Hit the link to read David Booth’s story about the Volkswagen Type 2