FROM HIPPLE CHIC TO MAINSTREAM

The Volkswagen Bus is one of the most iconic vehicles of the 1960s — the classic “hippie van.” They were a lot of fun back then and they’re still a hoot today, especially the camper versions.

The idea for the original VW bus was first proposed in April 1947, and it was initially meant to serve as a vehicle to haul car parts around the VW factory. A Dutch VW importer had hand-built a Beetle-based van to haul automotive parts, and the little truck worked very well. After seeing it, Volkswagen engineers and designers went to work creating a similar vehicle that would boast an extraordinary amount of interior room despite being based on the Beetle’s