1968 Volkswagen T2 Transporter – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

Beyond its technical merits, the Volkswagen T2 Transporter became part of everyday life and popular culture. In Germany, it earned a reputation as a dependable “Lastesel,” while in the United States it was increasingly used as a family vehicle, a fact noted even in period road tests.

Technical Details:

Introduced for the 1968 model year, the Volkswagen T2 Transporter represented a thorough technical evolution of the original VW Bus. The chassis retained the 2,400 mm wheelbase of its predecessor, but overall length grew to 4,420 mm, an increase driven by longer front and rear overhangs. Track width was widened by 15 mm, contributing to improved stability. One of the most important engineering changes was the move from the old portal rear axle with reduction gears to a new double-joint rear axle with semi-trailing arms. This redesign reduced ground clearance from 240 mm to 185 mm, lowered the load floor, and significantly increased usable interior space.

The front axle concept remained largely unchanged, though revised bearings reduced maintenance requirements. Braking was upgraded to a standard dual-circuit braking system, improving safety. Early T2 models were powered by a 1.6-liter Type 1 engine producing 47 PS at 4,000 rpm and 103 Nm of torque at 2,200 rpm. Power was transmitted through a newly developed gearbox with ratios tailored to commercial use and operated via the characteristic long gear lever. Later updates brought incremental improvements: for the 1971 model year, revised cylinder heads raised output to 50 PS, and from 1972 a 1.7-liter flat engine delivering 66 PS became available.

Noise insulation was improved through revised engine mounting, although contemporary testers still criticized engine noise at higher revs. Fuel consumption was reported at around 12 liters per 100 km, rising further at sustained full throttle. As a working vehicle, the T2 also stood out in its Pritschenwagen configuration, offering a 4.3 m² loading area measuring 2.7 × 1.57 meters, plus an additional 0.7 m³ storage compartment beneath the bed—0.34 m high, 1.3 m wide, and 1.6 m deep—often referred to as a “Tresorraum.” This version was priced at 6,995 DM, with canvas and frame offered separately.

• Manufacturer: Volkswagen
• Model name: Volkswagen T2 Transporter (VW Bus T2)
• Year of manufacturing: 1968–1979

Design:

Visually, the Volkswagen T2 Transporter marked a clear departure from the T1 while remaining instantly recognizable as a VW Bus. Development began as early as 1964 under the direction of Gustav Mayer, and the result was a more modern front-steer design. The most striking change was the rounded front end with a single, strongly curved panoramic windshield replacing the split window of the earlier model. Air intake slits integrated into the rear roof pillars became another defining feature.

The body shell itself was newly designed, offering greater rigidity and more interior volume. Although the vehicle grew longer, its width remained almost unchanged at 1,770 mm, giving it a compact but sturdier stance. Enlarged side sliding doors—1,050 mm wide as standard—greatly improved access to the cargo or passenger area, and an optional second sliding door could be specified. Design updates over the years included larger rear lights, enlarged fresh-air intakes, a repositioned fuel filler that could be accessed even with the sliding door open, and broader front wheel arches. Inside, the layout was functional and clearly oriented toward work, though testers noted compromises in driver seating comfort due to the steep backrest and limited thigh support.

Historical Significance:

The Volkswagen T2 Transporter arrived at a time when expectations for light commercial vehicles were changing. No longer just basic workhorses, vans were increasingly expected to combine practicality with car-like handling and comfort. Under tight deadlines set by Heinrich Nordhoff, Volkswagen’s engineering team delivered a vehicle that met these demands. Contemporary road tests praised the T2’s handling, describing it as having a “passenger-car chassis” that remained forgiving even under rough driving inputs. Build quality was consistently rated highly.

The Volkswagen T2 Transporter also played a key role in Volkswagen’s global success, particularly in the United States, where it found buyers not only among businesses but also private families. While competitors such as the Ford Transit began to close the gap in terms of size and payload, the VW Bus retained advantages in price, finish, and reliability. Over its production run from 1968 to 1979, the T2 demonstrated how continuous technical updates—rather than radical redesigns—could keep a vehicle competitive for more than a decade.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

Beyond its technical merits, the Volkswagen T2 Transporter became part of everyday life and popular culture. In Germany, it earned a reputation as a dependable “Lastesel,” while in the United States it was increasingly used as a family vehicle, a fact noted even in period road tests. The Pritschenwagen variant, with its cleverly packaged underfloor storage compartment known as the “Tresorraum,” became a favorite among tradespeople who valued secure space for tools. The long gear lever, distinctive engine sound, and unmistakable silhouette all contributed to the T2’s character, making it instantly recognizable on the road.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at Motorworld Classics Bodensee in 2022. This event, held in Friedrichshafen, is a popular gathering for classic car enthusiasts in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The 2022 edition featured over 800 exhibitors spread across multiple halls and open-air spaces, offering a vibrant mix of vintage automobiles, motorcycles, boats, and aircraft. Visitors could explore restoration workshops, parts markets, and club presentations. A key highlight was the live vehicle auctions and dynamic driving demonstrations on the event grounds. The show reaffirmed its reputation as a hands-on celebration of classic mobility culture.

Conclusion:

The Volkswagen T2 Transporter was more than a facelift of its predecessor. Produced from 1968 to 1979, it combined thoughtful engineering updates, practical design improvements, and a clear visual identity. From its revised suspension and braking systems to its versatile body styles—including the Pritschenwagen with a 4.3 m² loading area and hidden storage—the T2 addressed real-world needs with precision. Its lasting presence in both commercial use and everyday culture underlines why the VW Bus T2 remains a significant chapter in automotive history.