1955 Wolfsburg Bus

Built on 19th March 1955, this Microbus would have been amongst the first to roll off the production line and is the oldest post-Barndoor Bus in the UK.

- DAVID ECCLES

Although the new Hannover factory for the Type 2 Transporter was well under way when this bus was built, it would be March 1956 before it was fully operational, meaning the first year of post barndoor models were still built at Wolfsburg and continued in tandem with Hannover after its opening during March / April 56. Buses built at Wolfsburg were very slightly different from the Hannover versions, using up some older style parts from Barndoor models, such as the 3 piece front wheel arch, the longer ribbed front bumper and the four-piece engine lid. (Buffers Bit: One easy way to spot a post-March 55 Wolfsburg bus is found by checking the cab air vent box, Hannover buses will only have three dimples, Wolfsburg buses will have five or six!)

This Standard Microbus was finished in Palm Green over Sand Green (a new color introduced in March 55) and as it was a US export model had an mph speedo and laminated glass options. It also had M99 tubeless snow tires fitted and, like many US Microbuses, features six pop-out windows.

Little is known about its past, until it was imported to the UK by Anton Murrells, by which time it had been repainted in Brown and Cream. He fitted an upgraded 2110cc motor complete with remote oil cooler and to get that street rod stance fitted a narrowed Weedeater adjustable beam with 2” dropped spindles and adjustable rear springs along with 15” SA Sprint Wheels for period custom styling. Fellows Willwood Porsche disc brakes provide the necessary boost in stopping power. Other custom touches included front and rear Safaris, a Butty’s Bits accelerator linkage, a Creative steering rack, and a Flat 4 Banjo steering wheel complete with that very cool St Christopher / Zodiac center boss.