Volkswagen Transporter T2 – The Evolution of an Icon

In 1967, Volkswagen ushered in a new era of van design with the launch of the Volkswagen Transporter T2, the second generation of its now-iconic Type 2 line. Taking the foundation built by the T1—beloved for its charm, simplicity, and functionality—the T2 refined the formula, introducing modern engineering, increased space, and a smoother, more capable drive. It retained the spirit of the original but with broader shoulders, a stronger frame, and a new face fit for the 1970s.

From T1 to T2 – A Smoother Shape and a Smarter Drive

While the T1’s split windscreen and rounded form were design signatures, the T2 opted for a more contemporary look. The split front window was replaced by a single curved windscreen—earning the nickname “Bay Window” among enthusiasts. The bodywork became more robust and streamlined, with integrated bumpers, wider tracks, and a redesigned rear end for better airflow and visibility. The structure was sturdier too, providing improved crash safety and load capacity.

The mechanical layout remained familiar: a rear-mounted air-cooled flat-four engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission. However, Volkswagen made continual improvements throughout the T2’s life, introducing larger engine displacements (up to 2.0 litres) and, in later models, dual carburettors and electronic ignition systems to boost performance and efficiency. In 1972, the introduction of the Type 4 engine brought additional torque and smoother power delivery, ideal for heavier campers and fully loaded commercial variants.

Versatility in Motion – Commercial, Emergency, and Global Reach

The T2 quickly became the backbone of commercial fleets, public services, and emergency response units. Across Europe and beyond, the T2 served as:

  • Delivery vans for postal and logistics companies
  • Ambulances with extended rooflines and medical equipment
  • Fire command vehicles in bright red liveries
  • Police transport and riot control vehicles
  • Mobile workshops for utility companies

Governments and municipalities embraced the T2 for its reliability, spacious interior, and ease of repair. Its mechanical simplicity and low running costs made it ideal for long-term public service use, especially in rural or hard-to-reach areas.

Volkswagen’s global production network also expanded dramatically during the T2 era. In addition to Germany, the T2 was assembled or manufactured in Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Australia, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Argentina. Each region produced unique variants tailored to local conditions, from left-hand drive ambulances to high-clearance pickups used in mountainous regions.

Westfalia and the Campervan Boom

If the T1 laid the groundwork for the camper movement, the T2 solidified it as a global lifestyle. Once again, Westfalia led the charge as Volkswagen’s official camper conversion partner. Using the longer and wider body of the T2, Westfalia introduced a host of enhancements including:

  • Pop-top roofs with extra sleeping space
  • Fold-out rock and roll beds
  • Compact kitchens with gas cookers, fridges, and sinks
  • Storage lockers, curtains, and built-in lighting

These camper conversions—branded under names like “SO 72/73” or later “Berlin” and “Helsinki” layouts—turned the T2 into a self-contained home on wheels. Surf culture, road-trippers, families, and hippies all found freedom and function in Westfalia’s brilliantly packaged designs. Today, these original Westfalia T2s are collector items in their own right.

Facelifts and Updates – Early Bay vs Late Bay

From a visual perspective, the T2 is split into two major design eras:

  • Early Bay (1967–1971): Featured rounded bumpers, smaller rear lights, and front indicators mounted low on the body. Engine access was via a smaller hatch, and the interior retained many features of the T1.
  • Late Bay (1972–1979): Introduced safety updates including stronger crumple zones, larger rear light clusters, square-profile bumpers, and improved heating systems. The engine bay was widened to accommodate larger engines, and disc brakes became standard on the front axle.

These facelifts not only enhanced safety and serviceability but also allowed for continued engine evolution and improved road manners. The Late Bay is especially prized among restorers for its mechanical robustness and factory features.

Longevity and Global Production

German production of the T2 ended in 1979 with the arrival of the T3, but the T2’s story was far from over. In Brazil, production continued uninterrupted for more than three decades—finally ceasing in 2013. The Brazilian T2s, known locally as the “Kombi,” received updates over time, including water-cooled engines and fuel injection. They even introduced safety upgrades like ABS and airbags before regulatory changes finally ended the T2’s incredible 63-year run.

In Mexico and South Africa, CKD (complete knock-down) kits were assembled well into the 1980s, often with local adaptations like revised dashboards, high roofs, and alternate powertrains to suit regional requirements.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The T2 Transporter became more than a utility van—it was a cultural statement. From the festival fields of Glastonbury to the mountain roads of the Andes, the T2 became a symbol of counterculture, creativity, and independence. Whether used by tradesmen, emergency services, or globe-trotting campers, its familiar face and mechanical dependability won hearts around the world.

Today, surviving T2s are cherished classics. Enthusiasts restore them lovingly, often blending period-correct features with modern upgrades such as solar panels, lithium batteries, and contemporary interiors. Vintage rallies, Kombi parades, and camper shows across Europe and the Americas continue to honour the legacy of this endlessly adaptable and lovable van.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Transporter T2 took the charm of the T1 and transformed it into a broader, more capable, and globally respected platform. It was the van that built businesses, carried dreams, and shaped a generation. With a legacy stretching across six continents and more than four decades of production, the T2 isn’t just a van—it’s a living, rolling piece of automotive history.