The return of the Microbus alias the Bulli !
When the Volkswagen Bus made its appearance on the market in 1950, its internal code name was T1, for Transporter 1. For the German public, it was known as the Bulli while Americans called it the Microbus. In order not to be left behind, the French baptized it the Combi. Whatever its name, this vehicle has known great success on five continents. In a few decades, the first mono-space vehicle of automobile history has become a true legend and many unconditional adepts of the brand are currently spread throughout the planet.
In spite of its popularity and its brilliant design, it has been replaced by either the Caravelle or the Eurovan here at home. But as years roll by, many rumours have been circulating about a comeback of the legend. To fuel some passions, VW presented a concept vehicle called the Minibus, at the Detroit International Auto Show, at the beginning of this century. But the project had to be dropped because the retail price would have been prohibitive.
And here today, the people at Volkswagen are re-interpreting the original form of this automotive legend by presenting a concept vehicle for a new generation of Bulli models. If the Microbus never got off the ground, this idea was still present with this constructor. As of today, the time has come to give a form to this vision, especially since durable technologies necessary to its realization can be easily acquired and used.
More compact and more easily accessible than the project model produced back in 2001, the new Bulli just made its first appearance in Geneva. It has an electric engine, offers six seats and is equipped with an iPad, used as an interface to manage information and entertainment on board.
This study has the potential necessary to define a new category of mono-space type vehicles. Many believe that the Bulli can also become an important icon such as the T1 bus, sold at record prices at second hand auto sales outlets, and become one of those automobiles which will defy the wear and tear of time.
One thing for sure is that the mechanical aspect will definitely be more modern than the old rear mounted air cooled engine of yesteryear. This concept vehicle is totally electric. Its engine is fed by a ion-lithium battery allowing 300 kilometres of autonomy, according to the manufacturer. Performance wise, 0-100 is done in 11 seconds, with a top speed of 140 km/h.
Evidently, if such a concept vehicle ever becomes a reality, it is quite plausible that a thermal engine version model be commercialized.
As far as little history is concerned, without the help of Ben Pon, the Volkswagen importer for the Netherlands, the T1 might never have seen the light of day and even the results of this study group on the Bulli, here in Geneva, would never have been known. As a fact, this man just drew, on the 23rd of April 1947, a compact bus in his notebook. Basically, what he did was just shorten the length of the bus by giving it a Volks Beetle’s wheelbase. He painted an m at the rear to indicate the motor’s location. That’s it. The first mono-space was born even if presented as a station-wagon. Little did we know this was the beginning of a legend, a legend that could be reborn.
