Softcover Book Volkswagen Transporter The Legendary Type 2 1950-1982 Laurence Meredith

Laurence Meredith’s Volkswagen Transporter is a respected reference work that documents the history of VW’s Type 2 vans, from their 1950 launch through later generations. It exists in two main editions: The Complete Story (1998) and The Legendary Type 2, 1950–82 (2006).

 Key Details

• Author: Laurence Meredith – British motoring historian known for works on VW and Porsche.

• Editions:

  • Volkswagen Transporter: The Complete Story (Crowood Press, 1998) – Hardcover, 176 pages.

  • Volkswagen Transporter: The Legendary Type 2, 1950–82 (Crowood AutoClassics, 2006) – Paperback, 160 pages.

• ISBN:

  • 186126805X (Legendary Type 2)

   

Content Overview

• Origins (1950): Development of the Type 2 alongside the Beetle, designed as a cheap, versatile light commercial vehicle.

• T1 Split-Screen (1950–1967): The original Kombi, Microbus, and pickup variants.

• T2 Bay Window (1967–1979): Larger engines, improved suspension, and camper conversions.

• T3 / T25 (1979–1990): Squarer design, water-cooled engines, and expanded camper market (covered in Complete Story).

• Special Editions: Samba buses, Westfalia campers, and rare commercial variants.

• Photography: Richly illustrated with factory images, period advertising, and restored examples.

• Cultural Impact: Explains how the Transporter became a symbol of freedom, counterculture, and practicality.

Historical Context

Laurence Meredith’s Transporter books are praised for combining technical accuracy with cultural storytelling, making them valuable both as reference guides and enthusiast reading. The 1998 edition covers the full Transporter story up to the T3, while the 2006 edition focuses specifically on the classic air-cooled era (1950–82).