SPLIT PERSONALITY

VW’S BEETLE derived commercial/panel van was launched in 1950. As Volkswagen’s second model line (after the Beetle) it was designated the Type 2. The Microbus with windows and seats quickly followed in 1951 with the top of the range being the Microbus Deluxe. In fact, the design’s simple and versatile structure and different combinations of bodies, doors, seats and windows – as well as left or righthand drive – resulted in more than 50 Type 2 variations. The first generation Type 2 – affectionately known as the 'Splitty' due to the divided flatglass two-piece split windscreen – lasted until 1968 in Germany and Australia before being replaced by a heavily revised model with a larger one-piece curved windscreen. Interestingly, the original Split screen continued to be manufactured in Brazil until the mid-1970s.