A type of front windshield that tilts outward for additional ventilation. found only on Microbuses , and usually only on on those in equatorial/tropic countries.
Usually refers to the Microbus Deluxe Station Wagen, with 21 or 23 Windows and a Sunroof.
The ¾-ton version of the VW pickup truck. seating for three people.
The Microbus , made from 1949 to 1967. also called a Split-Window.
Upper mid-range model of the bus with nicer interior components than the Kombi , but without the extra trappings of the Deluxe model. Standards have headliners, while Kombis and Panels did not.
A type of rear axle that is 'fixed' at the wheel (that is, it is not able to flex up or down), but is able to move up and down at the transmission end. It required the rear wheels to move in an arc, rather than vertically, when hitting bumps. in some cars (beetles and corvairs and some early porsches), it could cause the wheel to tuck under the car during high speed cornering.
The four-wheel drive version of the Vanagon , made between 1986 and 1991. using a viscous coupling arrangement, the front wheels could be made to automatically provide pulling power (at any time the rear wheels began to slip or spin). This term also applies to the four-wheel drive EuroVans , which are unfortunately not imported into the United States.
The first generation of Transporters , from 1949-1967. Note that this is not Type 1, but just T1 (for Transporter 1 ). Strictly speaking, it should be Type 2 , T1 . Known as the Station Wagon or Microbus .
The 2 nd generation of Transporters , from 1968-1979, known as the Station Wagon or Bus .
The 3 rd generation of Transporters , from 1980-1991, known in North America as Vanagon , and elsewhere as Caravelle or just Transporter .
The 4 th generation of Transporters , from 1992 to the present, known in North America as the EuroVan , and elsewhere as Caravelle or just Transporter .
(Technischer Überwachungs Verein) An agency of the German Federal Government. sort of a combination of DOT and EPA , as well as being responsible for inspecting cars every few years. They very thoroughly checks the car's safety features (breaks, body rust, steering). Older cars often fail, so they head for Eastern Europe, while Germany is left with only spic-and-span cars. Some people believe there is a collusion with car manufacturers to increase turnover.
Any of Volkswagen smaller trucks and vans. known as Type 2 , they evolved through four (4) 'generations': T1 , T2 , T3 , and T4 , but the entire line of vehicles has always been called ' Type 2 '.
An Australian manufacturer of EuroVan camper conversions. Also see: TRAKKA web page
An affectionate name for Transporter . An American slang term for 'transmission'.
Any Volkswagen Transporter . Since the Beetle was the first car produced by VW, it became known within the company as the Type 1. The bus or transporter was the second type of vehicle produced, so it became known as the Type 2. The Squareback/Fastback was the Type 3, and the 411/412 was the Type 4 (which had the same engine as the 1972-1982 Type 2's ( buses ).
Vehicle Identification Number. This is a number that uniquely identifies your vehicle. It is usually located in several locations on the vehicle, the most common being under the windscreen just forward of the driver (and intended to be viewed from the outside of the bus.) You'll also find the VIN on the frame rail under the van near the front edge of the sliding door. Also see: Table for interpretting the Vanagon VIN
Any Volkswagen Transporter from 1980-1991, distinguished by squarer body contours and extremely large windows and windshield. Also known as T3 Transporters , or Caravelle.
The engine used in the water-cooled Vanagon. The term 'Wasser' is german for 'water'. 'boxer' refers to the flat opposing piston structure of the engine (i.e., the pistons are boxing with each other.)
Another name, usually British, for the Vanagon body series.