VOLKSWAGEN KOMBI
THE POST MASTER-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT BOUGHT THOUSANDS OF THEM
Australia saw its first Volkswagen Type 2`Transporter’ models in the mid-1950s. Despite the proximity of World War 2 and their German origins, `Dak Dak’ vans quickly gained popularity with fleet buyers and especially the Postmaster-General’s Department – back then responsible for postal services and telephones – which bought thousands of them.
Bodystyles available here included the seven-seat Microbus, delivery van, drop-side utility and dual-cab utility. The original engine was the same 1147cc as in the Beetle and produced 36bhp (27kW ). Top speed was 95-100km/h but when wound up with a bit of a downhill run a Kombi could make it to 110.
Major change came in 1967 with replacement of the `split window’ Kombi with a physically larger and more powerful `bay window’ version.
In addition to their larger, single piece windscreen and more capacious body, these Type 2s sat on a wider track and could carry up to nine passengers or 1.2 tonnes in cargo. Early versions used 1.6-litre engines but as the 1970s rolled by, engine capacity expanded until finally reaching 2.0 litres.
By 1978 a 1970cm3 version of the horizontally-opposed engine was producing 51kW of power and came with the option of three-speed automatic transmission.
Top speed increased from the raucous 112km/h recorded by a 1.6-litre Microbus in 1971 to a far more civilized 130km/h. Acceleration also improved – 70-100km/h in 1980 taking 10.6 seconds.
Fuel consumption is determined by driving technique and conditions – a fully-laden `bus being pushed along at 100km/h into a headwind will chew fuel like a V8 but a 1.8-litre driven for economy can achieve better than 10L/100km.
Gen. 2 Kombis took a more serious view of safety with heavier cabin framing creating a `safety cell’ to protect occupants – those up front anyway – in the event of side or frontal impacts.
New bumpers from 1973 provided additional protection and were introduced in conjunction with relocation of the indicators to a more visible spot high on the front panel. The seats improved but the `wheel in the lap’ steering position wasn’t negotiable.
As Japanese models began to dominate the delivery end of the van market, Kombis became more focused on family or corporate transport duties. They also found fame as the basis for self-contained campers and many survive as viable `weekenders’.
Wider wheels with radials helped with steering response and disc brakes were welcomed, especially by owners who filled the space in the back with lots of gear.
Kombi variants from the pre-1980s maintain strong resale values and are among the cheapest vehicles in the market to maintain. Today and following the lead of split-window versions, the money being sought for 1968-82 versions has increased alarmingly and a basic van might cost $30,000. At the opposite end of the market some fully-restored camper conversions have been seen in the vicinity of $60,000.