Volkswagen Transporter

The First 60 Years

RRP: £35.00
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 978 1 84425 579 5

A beautiful look at the VW Transporter's history and development over the last six decades This lavish volume celebrates in words and pictures the 60th anniversary of the launch of Volkswagen's ubiquitous Transporter. Making full use of Volkswagen's archive material and wonderfully staged brochure pictures, the author creates an authentic period feel as he traces the development of the Transporter through the decades. Produced in a large and extensive format, and with a superb design, Volkswagen Transporter The First 60 Years is a treasured memento of a landmark in production and an authoritative point of reference thereafter. The history and development throughout the decades are included as follows:

• The 1940s: British control and Major Ivan Hirst's 'Plattenwagen'. Early Transporter designs are shelved but later revived by new Director Heinrich Nordhoff, and production starts in 1949.
• The 1950s: rapid growth in terms of both production and model range.
• The 1960s: sales continue to escalate, partly thanks to innovative selfdeprecating adverts produced by the Doyle Dane Bernback agency.
• The 1970s: the 'bay window' years and a succession of larger engines to fend off Japanese competition.
• The 1980s: the new 'wedge' surprises many with its rear air-cooled engine, but water cooling is just around the corner.
• The 1990s and beyond: Volkswagen enters the modern age with the front engine, front-wheel-drive T4 Transporter.
• The Camper phenomenon: from officially sanctioned conversions through to modern cult status.

The author Richard Copping is a lifelong enthusiast and has written books and magazine articles on all things Volkswagen.