As we celebrate the arrival of a new year and the prospect of another 12 months of veedub fuelled fun and frolics, there’s likely to be a tinge of sadness cast over the VW fraternity and cool people around the world in general as they say goodbye to one of VW’s most epic creations ever – the Bay window Bus. After a staggering 63 years, the final few quietly rolled off the production line in Brazil in the closing weeks of 2013…

Having started as a worktool initially at launch in 1950, the VW bus has gone on to become one of the world’s most celebrated motoring icons of all time, loved by millions and basically worshiped throughout the universe. Even celebrities such as Jenson Button and chef Jamie Oliver have taken hold of the van’s skinny white steering wheel in recent times. Of course the early split screen Buses and Samba versions with the skylight windows in the roof have gone on to become the most desirable models, with the best examples frequently making in excess of £30,000. The most expensive bus ever was a 1963 23-window Samba which sold for an astronomical £121,740 at auction in Orange County in 2011. Yes, really.

Germany stopped production of the VW Bus in 1979 because it no longer met European safety requirements and in the end it was similar regulations that put paid to the Brazilian model; its lack of airbags and ABS making it obsolete overnight.

With around 1.5 million having been made in Brazil since 1957, around 1,200 ‘Last Edition’ versions were made to commemorate the sad end. Each priced at an estimated £26,000, it will be interesting to catch a glimpse of the first one as it reaches these shores although whether anyone here will be willing to pay such a premium when reasonably tidy ‘70s import can be had from the States for half this amount of cash remains to be seen.

 

While the last example from Brazil has probably already found its new home, it’s absolutely certain that the VW Bus will stay in the hearts of Dub lovers for many years to come. A film is already being made about the last Bus and VW has even issued a ‘unlaunch’ ad. That’s got to be a first in itself, we’re sure – and the advert asks owners to become part of the never-ending story by submitting their own account of what, precisely, it is about their Bus that has gone on to make it such a legend. If you’re a VW Bus owner, get involved by visiting http://kombi.vw.com.br/en.

Long live the Bus!

Ian