Volkswagen
Germany · Founded 1937
The people's car. From Nazi-era origins to counterculture icon, VW became synonymous with simple, honest transportation.
Heritage
The Beetle was designed as cheap transportation for the masses under Nazi Germany, but became something far more interesting in America. The air-cooled engine, the friendly shape, the anti-establishment vibe — VW accidentally created the car that defined the counterculture. The Bus extended that ethos into a lifestyle vehicle. Even as VW went upmarket with water-cooled cars, the air-cooled originals retained their cult status.
Volkswagen Vehicles (2)
1967 Volkswagen Type 2 Bus (T2)
The VW Bus transcended transportation to become a cultural icon. It was the vehicle of the counterculture, the road trip, the alternative lifestyle. The split-window 'Splitties' and later bay-window 'Baywindows' carried surfers, hippies, travelers, and dreamers to wherever they wanted to go, slowly. The Bus proved that a vehicle could be more than transportation — it could be a statement, a home, a lifestyle. Every modern camper van owes something to the Type 2.
1974 Volkswagen Thing (Type 181)
The Thing is what happens when you take a military utility vehicle and sell it to beach towns. Based on the WWII Kubelwagen design, VW updated it for the '60s and '70s as a recreational vehicle. In America, it became a cult item for exactly two years before failing new safety standards. That brief window and the quirky design created instant collector appeal. The Thing is the ultimate beach cruiser — doors off, top down, completely impractical, and absolutely joyful.