The Fleet - Posies Flower Truck

A Little VW Transporter History

Volkswagen’s bus is one of the most recognizable vehicles ever made. The VW bus wasn’t only a hit in post-war Germany, as its popularity stretched across the Atlantic to the U.S., where it became a counterculture icon of the 1960s. Though it had its U.S. heyday in the 1960s, the van’s history stretches before and after this time period, with tons of enthusiasts and collectors all around the world.

Known in the U.S. as the VW Bus and in the U.K. as the VW Camper, the official name for the vehicle is the Transporter. This name for the VW bus is especially fitting, as the vehicle quickly became popular for its ability to carry large groups of people. With the automobile’s huge influence on the countercultural movements of the 1960s and its striking design, it’s easy to see how the iconic VW bus evolved through the years.

Known as a Type 2 Transporter, the trucks were introduced in early 1950 and was one of the most advanced commercial vehicles of the time due to its frameless unit-body construction, which had more than 10,000 welds.

Because the Transporter was derived from the Beetle, VW engineers purposely shared their mechanical components as much as possible for supply simplicity and reduced costs. The four-speed manual transmissions and air-cooled boxer four-cylinder engines (1,200-, 1,300-, and 1,500cc’s) powered both vehicles through 1967, which was the Transporter’s last year with split-windshield styling. Despite being chronically underpowered, the Bus and its variants’ curb weights were kept down, and VW engineers equipped them with reduction boxes. These boxes contained two extra gears on the ends of both rear axles that reduced the transmission’s final drive ratio to a basement-level 5.73:1; this allowed for a respectable 3/4-ton payload capacity but limited top speed to 50-65 mph, depending on engine size. The Beetle also donated its basic four-wheel independent suspension with enclosed torsion bars, suitably modified for heavy-duty use.

Both Volkswagen models underwent a gradual metamorphosis, evolving only as engineering refinements or safety regulations decreed. The medium-sized Transporter proved popular for both commercial and private use. The box-on-wheels could be had as a basic panel van, a work/personal Kombi van with removable seats (1950), a deluxe “Samba” bus that seated eight (1951), and in 1952, as a Single-Cab truck (a factory-built three-door Double Cab would follow in 1959). The VW Pick Up bed was lined with oak strips, earning the German nickname “Pritschenwagen,” and designed as a platform with no wheel-arch intrusions. Its folding side and tail drop-gates gave the vehicle amazing flexibility for loading and hauling. The locking compartment under the bed, situated between the engine compartment and the cab, and popularly known as the “treasure chest,” offered another 20 square feet of weatherproof storage. Single Cab and Double Cab Pick Ups could even be optioned with a bed-mounted metal and wood frame that was covered with a fitted canvas tarpaulin.

In ten years of production, the 1962 Pick Up had gained engine displacement, grown a full-length dashboard, new bumpers and DOT-appeasing lamps, received a better fresh-air ventilation system and minor sheetmetal refinements.

Fun Bits About The Trucks

We drive them everywhere & it’s a blast, even with the old school 4 speed transmission, no air conditioning or power steering

If you give us a honk on the road and we are in the OG just know her horn doesn’t work, we will try to give you a peace sign

We have the best VW mechanic located in Safety Harbor, Florida & we call him the “VW Whisperer” & when either VW visits we to it as a “Spa Retreat”

Posies fleet ranges from 1960 to 1971 & are all German made

There’s a large Florida based VW group called Local Volks that all of the girls belong to

The trucks have a sister from another mister, a 1965 VW Camper Bus named Sky #skyvwbus

🛷The Sleighs Have Been Filled! 🛻

@hydeparkvillage Friday & Saturday (new!) December 20th & 21st, 11am-3pm - this is our first Saturday pop up at the fountain with MANY more to come <— new in 2025!

@armatureworks_tampa Wednesday - Sunday opening at 10am (see link in bio for closing times) <— our new inside location!

We will be closed to local truck runs from December 22 to January 4. We will be open inside Armature Works Wednesday thru Sunday (closed Christmas Day) for all your BYOB needs (build your own bouquet silly).

On the trucks: Jumbo Hydrangeas, Burgundy Peonies to die for, Fresh live wreaths, Christmas tree branches that smell divine, Ranunculus, Garden Roses, Lisanthus, beautiful fresh Baby Blue Eucalyptus & so much more!

We also have gift cards on the trucks and on our website for last minute gift ideas!

#posiesflowertruck #christmas #christmastime #flowers #hydeparkvillage #armatureworks #merrychristmas #peonies #ranunculus #sleigh #babyblueeucalyptus #eucalyptus #gardenroses #tampa #tampabay

Dec 19