Table of Contents

The 1940s: British control and Major Ivan Hirst's 'Plattenwagen'. Early Transporter designs are shelved but later revived by new Director Heinrich Nordhoff, and production starts in 1949. The 1950s: rapid growth in terms of both production and model range. The 1960s: sales continue to escalate, partly thanks to innovative self-deprecating adverts produced by the Doyle Dane Bernback agency. The 1970s: the 'bay window' years and a succession of larger engines to fend off Japanese competition. The 1980s: the new 'wedge' surprises many with its rear air-cooled engine, but water cooling is just around the corner. The 1990s and beyond: Volkswagen enters the modern age with the front-engine, front-wheel-drive T4 Transporter. The Camper phenomenon: from officially sanctioned conversions through to modern cult status.