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VW Transporter: Illustrated History Books & Guides (1/2)

Explore the best illustrated books on the VW Transporter. Discover the history, models and evolution of Volkswagen vans (1/2). Perfect for enthousiasts, collectors, and anyone passionate about Volkswagen..

Volkswagen Bus (1950-1990) - Essential Buyer's Guide

Looking for a good Volkswagen Bus? This Essential Buyer's Guide, written by a brand expert, is full of practical advice for purchasing a VW Bus.

Models: T1, T2 and T3.

Years of manufacture: 1950-1990

This Essential Buyer's Guide for the VW Bus helps you find a suitable vehicle at the right price and answers the following questions:

- Walk away or stay? Initial evaluation of a Volkswagen Bus.
- What is the right price? Valuation using a unique scoring system.
- How to check authenticity?
- Which models are most suitable?
- What are the known faults?
- What are the possibilities and impact of a restoration?
- What are the maintenance costs?

Product details

Author:Richard Copping, Ken Czervenka
Details:64 pages, 7.7 x 5.5 in (19.5 x 14 cm), paperback
Illustrations:104 color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2006)
Series:The Essential Buyer's Guide
ISBN:9781845840228
Book cover: Volkswagen Bus (1950-1990) | The Essential Buyer's Guide | Veloce

Volkswagen Bus (1950-1990)

Language: English

Box on Wheels - Extraordinary VW Busses

"Though this be madness, yet there is method in't." The Volkswagen camper van has been a cult classic for decades with fans worldwide.

Author Norbert Nettekoven focuses not on perfectly restored collector vehicles but on the most unusual, creative, and extreme camper vans. From rejuvenated rust buckets to lowered street racers, from stretch limousines to steampunk creations, this book showcases the wildest and most imaginative examples of VW campers.

With vibrant photography and detailed descriptions, it captures the humor, ingenuity, and individuality of each vehicle. This is a celebration of the creativity and personality that make the VW camper van an enduring icon.

Pages of the book Box on Wheels - Extraordinary VW Busses (1)

Pages of the book "Box on Wheels - Extraordinary VW Busses"

Product details

Author:Norbert Nettekoven
Details:144 pages, 9.7 x 13.6 x 0.71 in (24.5 x 34.5 x 1.8 cm), hardback
Illustrations:120 color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Delius Klasing Verlag GmbH (D, 2018)
ISBN:9783667113245
Book cover: Box on Wheels - Extraordinary VW Busses | Delius Klasing

Box on Wheels - Extraordinary VW Busses

Language: English

The Volkswagen Bus Book - Type 2 Transporter, Camper, Panel van, Pick-up, Wagon

This book tells the story of Volkswagen's classic Type 2 Transporter, universally known as the "Bus." The idea originated in the mid-1940s when Dutchman Ben Pon saw motorized trolleys moving parts around the Wolfsburg factory.

Blueprints were completed by November 1948, and production began a year later. Milestones include the 100, 000th Transporter in 1954, the millionth in 1961, and the three-millionth in 1971, with total production exceeding 6.5 million vehicles. The basic concept changed little over decades and production continued in Brazil until recently, nearly sixty years after its German debut.

This thoroughly researched book explores the full history of the VW Bus, covering all Type 2 models, including Campers, Vans, Pick-ups, and Wagons. It presents the story in a clear, engaging style and includes detailed specifications, production information, and practical advice for buyers.

Originally published in 1997, this Classic Reprint edition has been updated and reissued, providing a complete reference for enthusiasts of this iconic, long-loved vehicle.

Pages of the book The Volkswagen Bus Book (1)

Pages of the book "The Volkswagen Bus Book - Type 2 Transporter, Camper, Panel van, Pick-up, Wagon"

Product details

Author:Malcolm Bobbitt
Details:208 pages, 9.8 x 8.25 x 1.22 in (25 x 21 x 3.1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:44 b&w and 212 color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2016)
Series:Veloce Classic Reprint
ISBN:9781845849955
Book cover: The Volkswagen Bus Book - Type 2 Transporter, Camper, Panel van, Pick-up, Wagon | Veloce Classic Reprint | Veloce

The Volkswagen Bus Book - Type 2 Transporter, Camper, Panel van, Pick-up, Wagon

Language: English

Volkswagen Transporter - A Celebration of an Automotive and Cultural Icon (Haynes Great Cars Series)

This book, part of the Haynes Great Cars Series, chronicles the history of Volkswagen's original "box on wheels, " the Type 2 or Transporter. Focusing on the first two fully air-cooled generations, author Richard Copping provides a clear introduction to the vehicle's development and model history.

The book includes new studio photography of five carefully restored Transporters, alongside key archive material from the author's collection. It offers insight into the design, engineering, and cultural significance of this iconic vehicle. Aimed at classic car enthusiasts, it provides a comprehensive yet accessible overview of the early Type 2 models.

Product details

Author:Richard Copping
Details:160 pages, 10 x 10 x 0.87 in (25.5 x 25.5 x 2.2 cm), hardback
Illustrations:50 b&w and 150 color photos
Language:English (technical dictionaries in 19 languages are available for free download here)
Publisher:Haynes Publishing (GB, 2011)
ISBN:9780857330673
Book cover: Volkswagen Transporter - A Celebration of an Automotive and Cultural Icon (Haynes Great Cars Series) | Haynes (GB)

Volkswagen Transporter - A Celebration of an Automotive and Cultural Icon (Haynes Great Cars Series)

Language: English

VW Bus and Pick-Up- Special Models - SO (Sonderausfuhrungen) and Special Body Variants for the VW Transporter 1950-2010

Since its launch in 1950, the Volkswagen Transporter has become legendary for its versatility and suitability for many commercial uses. Special Models, originally called Sonderausführungen (SO), were usually converted by approved specialists, companies, or coachbuilders.

This book, using archive material, promotional literature, and both historic and contemporary photographs, traces the development and range of SO and other Special Body conversions from 1950 to 2010, covering all five generations from T1 to T5. In addition to officially SO-designated models, many rare and unusual conversions are included, with full photographic features.

Models covered include:
Airport Buses - Ambulances - Binz Double Cab - Brazilian Body Variants - Broadcast Buses - Cherry Pickers - Disaster Vans - Display and Exhibition Buses - Drinks Delivery Vehicles - Electric Buses - Fire Trucks - Half-Track Alpine Bus - Hearses - Ice Cream Vans - Police Vehicles - Ladder Trucks - Low Loader Pick-Ups - Miesen Ambulances - Military Conversions - Mining Buses - Mobile Shops - Money Transporters - Rail Buses - Refrigerator Vans - Tipper Trucks.

This comprehensive reference showcases the creativity and adaptability of the Transporter platform and will appeal to enthusiasts, restorers, and collectors of special Volkswagen models.

Product details

Author:David Eccles, Michael Steinke
Details:192 pages, 12 x 8.7 x 0.71 in (30.5 x 22 x 1.8 cm), hardback
Illustrations:700 color photos
Language:English
Publisher:The Crowood Press Ltd (GB, 2011)
ISBN:9781847972767
Book cover: VW Bus and Pick-Up- Special Models - SO (Sonderausfuhrungen) and Special Body Variants for the VW Transporter 1950-2010 | Crowood

VW Bus and Pick-Up- Special Models - SO (Sonderausfuhrungen) and Special Body Variants for the VW Transporter 1950-2010

Language: English

Bulli - Fahren, Fühlen, Leben

This book presents the diversity of Bulli enthusiasm through fifteen owners and their vehicles. The carefully created portraits show typical models from VW history and reflect the distinct lifestyle associated with the Bulli.

The previously unpublished photographs offer vivid insights into this world and will greatly appeal to all Bulli enthusiasts.

Product details

Author:Thomas Cortesi, Michaël Levivier
Details:240 pages, 14.4 x 11 x 0.98 in (36.5 x 28 x 2.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:220 b&w and color photos
Language:German
Publisher:GeraMond Verlag (D, 2020)
ISBN:9783956131226
Book cover: Bulli - Fahren, Fühlen, Leben | GeraMond

Bulli - Fahren, Fühlen, Leben

Language: German

Die Bulli-Legende - Als Bullis noch Samba tanzten

The VW Bulli, now in its 6th generation, is a cult transporter with a large following. In the 1950s it symbolized the economic miracle, in the 1960s its model range expanded. In the 1970s it was the favorite vehicle of the "Love-and-Peace" generation, and in the 1980s it became an accepted transporter.

Alexander Storz takes readers on a journey through five decades of the VW Bulli. Illustrated with private photos, the book presents not only the 50-year history of the Bulli but also the social and cultural atmosphere of Germany during these decades.

The book provides a lively overview for fans, historians, and classic transporter enthusiasts.

Pages of the book Die Bulli-Legende - Als Bullis noch Samba tanzten (1)

Pages of the book "Die Bulli-Legende - Als Bullis noch Samba tanzten"

Product details

Author:Alexander F. Storz
Details:192 pages, 10.4 x 9.1 in (26.5 x 23 cm), hardback
Illustrations:122 b&w and 186 color photos
Language:German
Publisher:Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2016)
ISBN:9783613038837
Book cover: Die Bulli-Legende - Als Bullis noch Samba tanzten | Motorbuch

Die Bulli-Legende - Als Bullis noch Samba tanzten

Language: German

Volkswagen - Tradition mit Zukunft

Volkswagen made headlines even before its founding: as Hitler's favorite project, during the difficult postwar period, and through its rapid rise in the economic boom years.

Even severe crises have been used by the company to reinvent itself. The diesel scandal and heavy fines will not stop VW from shaping the future of mobility.

In this book, Joachim Kuch presents a current and comprehensive model chronicle of all vehicles that have shaped the streets - from the Beetle, Golf, and Tiguan to the Passat and Bulli.

Product details

Author:Joachim Kuch
Details:224 pages, 12 x 9.1 in (30.5 x 23 cm), hardback
Illustrations:550 b&w and color photos
Language:German
Publisher:Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2021)
ISBN:9783613043817
Book cover: Volkswagen - Tradition mit Zukunft | Motorbuch

Volkswagen - Tradition mit Zukunft

Language: German

VW Bulli - Das beste von Samba, California und Co.

Since 1950, the VW Bus has been a style icon and leader in its class. Used as a work vehicle, family car, adventure van, service vehicle, or tuned showcar, it is extremely versatile.

This book highlights the VW Bus's diversity: from a complete model overview and typical uses to customized vehicles from the fan scene. Numerous photos and detailed descriptions illustrate the different variants and equipment.

The volume is completed with portraits of dedicated VW Bus owners, including families, students, and classic car enthusiasts, sharing their passion and personal stories.

Product details

Author:Joachim M. Köstnick, Georg Otto
Details:224 pages, 11.2 x 8.5 x 0.71 in (28.5 x 21.5 x 1.8 cm), hardback
Illustrations:550 b&w and color photos
Language:German
Publisher:Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2023)
ISBN:9783613045804
Book cover: VW Bulli - Das beste von Samba, California und Co. | Motorbuch

VW Bulli - Das beste von Samba, California und Co.

Language: German

VW Bulli - VW Transporter T2 seit 1967 (Schrader Typen Chronik)

The VW Transporter T2 was introduced in 1967 during the "Summer of Love" and marked an important new beginning for Volkswagen. Its rounded front soon earned it the nickname "Bulli". More important were its technical qualities: the vehicle was robust, reliable and suitable for daily use. For fifty years, it has accompanied people around the world in travel, work and leisure.

This book by Michael Steinke offers a clear overview of the T2's development. It follows the main stages of its history, from the early production years to its role as a versatile commercial and leisure vehicle. Numerous illustrations show models, technical features and typical uses.

The volume is aimed at readers who want to understand the cultural relevance and long use of this model. It presents essential facts about design, equipment and variants, explaining why the T2 remains a symbol of an era.

Pages of the book VW Bulli - VW Transporter T2 seit 1967 (1)

Pages of the book "VW Bulli - VW Transporter T2 seit 1967"

Product details

Author:Michael Steinke
Details:96 pages, 8.7 x 9 in (22 x 24 cm), hardback
Illustrations:46 b&w and 73 color photos, 12 drawings
Language:German
Publisher:Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2016)
Series:Schrader Typen Chronik
ISBN:9783613038455
Book cover: VW Bulli - VW Transporter T2 seit 1967 | Schrader Typen Chronik | Motorbuch

VW Bulli - VW Transporter T2 seit 1967

Language: German

VW Bulli: VW-Bus-Täume von T1 bis T3

The VW Bulli became an unexpected milestone in automotive history. With the T1, Volkswagen introduced a new generation of versatile minibuses in 1949, which soon became one of the major post-war success stories. The later T2 and T3 models continued this development and shaped the Transporter's image for decades.

Photographer and VW expert Jörg Hajt provides a concise overview of the first three classic generations from T1 to T3. Numerous photographs are combined with clear information on technology, model versions and areas of use.

This richly illustrated volume is aimed at both newcomers and enthusiasts seeking an affordable and comprehensive introduction to the early VW buses.

Product details

Author:Jörg Haijt
Details:256 pages, 10.8 x 8.7 x 0.98 in (27.5 x 22 x 2.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:350 b&w and color photos
Language:German
Publisher:Heel-Verlag GmbH (D, 2019)
ISBN:9783958438972
Book cover: VW Bulli: VW-Bus-Täume von T1 bis T3 | Heel

VW Bulli: VW-Bus-Täume von T1 bis T3

Language: German

VW Bus und Transporter - Vom Samba-Bus zu California, Multivan und I.D.Buzz

The VW Transporter is a worldwide automotive legend, winning the hearts of millions of fans. Durable, reliable, and versatile, Transporters are perfect all-round vehicles.
The rear-engine models from 1950 to 1990 have especially loyal followings.

This volume by Randolf Unruh presents all generations of the popular VW Transporter. With clear texts and color illustrations, it tells the story of the Bulli and details all models with their technical specifications.

Pages of the book VW Bus und Transporter (1)

Pages of the book "VW Bus und Transporter - Vom Samba-Bus zu California, Multivan und I.D.Buzz"

Pages of the book VW Bus und Transporter (2)

Product details

Author:Randolf Unruh
Details:364 pages, 10.4 x 9.1 in (26.5 x 23 cm), hardback
Illustrations:500 b&w and color photos
Language:German
Publisher:Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2019)
ISBN:9783613042018
Book cover: VW Bus und Transporter - Vom Samba-Bus zu California, Multivan und I.D.Buzz | Motorbuch

VW Bus und Transporter - Vom Samba-Bus zu California, Multivan und I.D.Buzz

Language: German

VW Bus: Alle Modelle (1950-1990) - Baureihe T1 bis T3 - Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf

Looking for a good Volkswagen Bus? This buyer's guide, written by a VW expert, gives clear advice for buying a T1, T2 or T3.
Years: 1950-1990

It helps you find the right bus at the right price and answers:
- Walk away or stay? First quick check.
- What's a fair price? Value with a simple scoring system.
- How to check if it's original?
- Which models are best?
- What are common problems?
- What does restoration cost and achieve?
- What are normal running costs?

Product details

Author:Ken Cservenka, Richard Copping
Details:64 pages, 8.25 x 5.9 in (21 x 15 cm), paperback
Illustrations:100 color photos
Language:German
Publisher:Heel-Verlag GmbH (D, 2012)
Series:Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf
ISBN:9783868526011
Book cover: VW Bus: Alle Modelle (1950-1990) - Baureihe T1 bis T3 | Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf | Heel

VW Bus: Alle Modelle (1950-1990) - Baureihe T1 bis T3

Language: German

VW-Bulli - Flotter Transporter

The VW Transporter, known internally as the "Type 2, " originated from a 1948 idea by the Dutch VW importer and began a unique success story.

Transporters supported Germany's postwar recovery, solving transport problems for trade and crafts and earning the nickname "workhorses of the economic miracle." They were produced as pickup trucks, panel vans, and minibuses.

The durable air-cooled rear engine and versatile body options quickly made the Transporter a sought-after commercial vehicle worldwide. Camper versions became international icons for leisure and travel.

The first T1 model, with a V-shaped front and split windscreen, was replaced in 1967 by the T2, featuring a single windscreen and stronger engine, becoming a major export success. Of the 2.5 million built in Germany, over two-thirds were exported. The T3 followed in 1979.

This book illustrates the early years of the VW Transporter with contemporary photos and graphics, telling the story of one of Germany's most successful vehicles.

Product details

Author:Peter Kurze
Details:112 pages, 9.7 x 8.5 in (24.5 x 21.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:many b&w and color photos
Language:German
Publisher:Delius Klasing Verlag GmbH (D, 2017)
ISBN:9783667111562
Book cover: VW-Bulli - Flotter Transporter | Delius Klasing

VW-Bulli - Flotter Transporter

Language: German

Volkswagen Transporter

This book tells the story of the rear-engined Volkswagen Transporter, which shared its mechanics with the Beetle. Born from a simple sketch in a diary, the Transporter appeared during the post-World War II reconstruction, when inexpensive and practical vehicles were urgently needed to support economic recovery.

The first model, nicknamed the Bulli for its divided rear windows, was produced in many versions. It served shopkeepers, artisans, holiday operators, and large families, becoming a versatile "mobile box." Its adaptability was unmatched, with more options for personalisation than any competitor offered at the time.

Rear-engined Transporters remained in production until the late 1980s, after which they were replaced by front-engined, front-wheel-drive models similar to other vans on the market. The book highlights the design, engineering, and cultural impact of this iconic vehicle, showing how it became an essential part of postwar mobility and a symbol of practicality, flexibility, and ingenuity.

Product details

Author:Marco Batazzi
Details:96 pages, 11 x 9.7 x 0.39 in (28 x 24.5 x 1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:164 b&w and 100 color photos
Language:Italian
Publisher:Giorgio Nada Editore (I, 2012)
Series:Le vetture che hanno fatto la storia
ISBN:9788879115445
Book cover: Volkswagen Transporter | Le vetture che hanno fatto la storia | Nada

Volkswagen Transporter

Language: Italian

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Book cover: VW Bus - Camper - Van 1979-1991 | Performance Portfolio

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Book cover: The VW Bus: History of a Passion

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Book cover: Volkswagen T4 1990-2003 - Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan, Camper and Eurovan

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Book cover: The VW Camper Story

The VW Camper Story

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Book cover: Volkswagen T4 - Transporter, Caravelle and Camper models (1990-2003) | The Essential Buyer's Guide

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Book cover: VW Bus - 40 Years of Splitties, Bays & Wedges

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Book cover: Volkswagen Kombi et Transporter - De fidèles serviteurs | Top Model

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Book cover: Samochody z Wielkopolski 1971-2020

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