While Volkswagen stopped importing the model to the United States some years ago, the “people’s van” continues to sell in other markets. Since 1950, Volkswagen has sold more than 13 million examples of the Transporter. The brand released countless variants of the model, too, including camper van and panel van versions as well.
The first Transporter rolled off the production line in 1950, and since then it’s made a name as both a fleet and family vehicle. The aptly nicknamed “Bus” also became synonymous with the hippie movement of the 1960s. We’ve compiled a massive photo gallery of every generation of Transporter at the bottom of this piece to give add further perspective to this automotive icon.
Volkswagen Transporter T1: 1950-1967
This was the van that started it all. Now known as the T1, the first Transporter was also known by the names Bus, Bulli, and Kombi. Collectors fawn over clean examples of the original Bus; especially the incredible 32-window version.
Volkswagen Transporter T2: 1968-1979
The Transporter T2 was more or less an evolution of its predecessor. Although it kept the prior Transporter’s basic shape, the second-generation model did without distinct features such as the split-windshield and available roof-mounted windows.
Volkswagen Transporter T3: 1980-1992
The T3 is the most rugged-looking of the rear-engined Transporters. Sold as the Vanagon in the U.S., the T3 was the first Transporter model to offer an available all-wheel-drive system.
Volkswagen Transporter T4: 1993-2003
Although its not as memorable as its rear-engined predecessors, the front-engine Transporter T4 made its way to North American showrooms for the 1993 model year bearing the EuroVan nameplate. Sold exclusively as a passenger van in the U.S., the boxy EuroVan maintained the outdoor-friendly vibe of its predecessor thanks to its optionally available pop-up tent.
Volkswagen Transporter T5: 2004-2015
The fifth-generation Transporter evolved upon its predecessor. Although no longer sold in the U.S., the industrial-looking T5 entered a number of the world’s other markets with a variety of engine options, a surprisingly high-quality interior, and looks that arguably mimicked those of the Ford Transit.
Volkswagen Transporter T6: 2016 – Present
The T6 is the latest version of the long-running Transporter. It’s also arguably one of the best looking variations of the van. That’s especially true if you give it to a certain German tuning firm by the name of ABT Sportsline. Look it up, you won’t regret it.
