First, some history of the Koffer Aufbau (“Box Body”), as these enclosed container vans were known. They first appeared in 1953 based on Pick Up models and by 1958 had their own Special Model SO codes. They were not factory models but VW approved conversion in various formats, by coachbuilders such as Westfalia and Strike. By the time of the introduction of the T3, special models became known as Sonderfahrzeuge, which could be ordered from various conversion companies. Interestingly the VIN number of the Box Van featured here shows it is not based on a Pick-Up, as most were, but on a Panel Van, and whilst the original convertor is not known there are striking similarities to the versions produced by Karmann in the ’80s, especially the rear vents and design of opening side sales flap /serving counter and large rear door.
The body shows the history and uses that Bertha (as the bus is now known) has had over the years. The original color appears to have been Merian Brown (a 1986 color),
However, as can be seen in the patina and paint peel, it’s been many colors over the years, including yellow and green, before being painted in blue.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Issue 153-Ausgabe von Volkswagen Camper and Commercial.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Issue 153-Ausgabe von Volkswagen Camper and Commercial.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Lance & Lisa Beaver tell the story of their...‘Old School' Westfalia Bay
The history of our bus is varied. I heard that it used to belong to a soccer player who lived in it for a while, and a tale of a cross country trip that was taken in it. Since we’ve owned it, we have been to numerous car shows with our car club Kahiko Kula and enjoy that immensely, but taking it camping is our joy.
Messing About in Boats
“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”
Hector A Cautionary Tale.
We’d wanted a splitscreen bus for years. And first got the bug, after hiring one for a holiday in Cornwall in 2009.
Ruby Red
Since the tender age of just 3, Joanne Dix has been into splitscreen Volkswagens.
Playing with Fire
‘There we were, all just sitting around the campfire...’
Four lads take on Le Mans
We’d had the Le Mans 24 hour race on our bucket list for a long, long time...
Happy 70th Birthday, Miss Sofie!
This T1 Bulli from 1950 is the world’s oldest street-legal VW bus and is kept in VWCV’s Classic Vehicles collection in Hannover.
Sitting on the Dock of the Bay…
Lockdown Projects.
California Dreamin'
The beginning of our second week and we were being treated to a day out...
Brochure Line - A 2.6 litre T3!
Taking a peep at a highly desirable VW Bus few of us will ever see in its ‘Exclusiv’ finery