V.W. Transporter and Microbus.

Specifications and Modifications 1950-1967

by David Eccles.

At long last one of the most eagerly anticipated books, containing everything you ever wanted to know about the Splitscreen Bus Years, is finally in print and available from all good bookshops now!

David has spent five years researching and compiling information for the book, with the help of Bus enthusiasts all over the world, to produce the most definitive guide thus far. Using rare archive photographs he traces the development from Ben Pon’s sketch through to production at Wolfsburg and then Hannover. This is followed by full details of Model codes, paint codes, M codes, chassis and production numbers, and export codes – some of which are in print for the first time. All have been fully updated in new easy to access tables and lists, with photographic panels to illustrate examples. Specification and Model changes are thoroughly detailed chronologically month by month, and matched to chassis number; again illustrated by groups of photographs to show details.

The various model types are clearly identified along with specific features, colours and options. By referring to this book owners can find the original factory specifications of their vehicle, whether it be paint colours and codes, factory fitted optional equipment, precise date of manufacture or original features for a particular year / model.

However, this is not just a book for buffers! Over 400 photographs illustrate the changes in design and styling over the years and many unusual and rare buses are used to exemplify models or changes. Each chapter features buses, ranging from the only known surviving Barndoor walkthrough to a fully restored ladder truck. A section on Transporters At Work covers commercial use from the first ever Transporter to be sold through to the present day, whilst a separate chapter covers the Emergency Services with full specifications and details of fire, police and ambulance buses. Transporters produced in Brazil, Australia and South Africa are also featured along with the specifications and history of these versions produced outside Germany. One of the most interesting chapters details the range and variety of SO (special body) models, using a mixture of archive and period material and profiles of buses that can still be seen today, including rail buses, a working half-track and a glass sided exhibition bus.

Whether you are contemplating a serious full on restoration or are just a lover of the ‘Bus with a Face’, this book is a must for your bookshelf.