Hi all ! Great web site and please let us know if we can help anyone ( I'll try and monitor it once a week if I can but were always very busy so bear with us!) . Maybe we could also organise a 'Danbury family' weekend meet up? All the best - Jason. www.danburymotorcaravans.com or e mail : beetlesukltd@yahoo.co.uk
Interesting history of VW T2 for you all that I've copied from a recent article on Danbury:
Timelines
1949
The first prototype van is built using the Beetle's chassis. This was not up to the job, and a unitary body was developed instead, leaving just the engine to come from the Beetle.
1950
Production begins of the Van, Kombi and Bus. All have split front screens and 1131cc/25bhp Beetle engine. Pick-up version follows in 1952.
1962
Engine has grown over the years to 1192cc and 30bhp. This year it is also joined by the 1500 (1493cc), which managed 40bhp initially.
1967
Redesign sees the split windscreen and sculpted nose replaced with a single bay window and smooth front panel. Same wheelbase, but longer front and rear overhangs. Revised rear axle allows a lower floor. Engine is 1.6-litre, 47bhp unit from the Type 3.
1971
1.7-litre engine from the VW 411 is offered as an option, giving 66bhp and better packaging thanks to relocated cooling fan. For the 1974 model year, this is replaced by the 68bhp 1.8-litre unit.
1975
1.8 engine grows to 2-litres (1970cc) and 70bhp. Available with automatic gearbox option.
1979
Production of the T2 ends in Germany, to be replaced by the angular T25. It continues at the VW factory in Mexico with the 1.6 air-cooled engine.
1991
Mexican Type 2s finally ditch the air-cooled engine, but continue for a further five years using an adaptation of the Golf's 1.4 water-cooled powerplant.
1996
Production ends in Mexico, but carries on at the VW factory n Brazil producing both air-cooled variants for domestic consumption, and water-cooled ones for export to Mexico.
2005
Brazil finally gives up on the air-cooled motor, and all T2s built from December onwards are powered by the new improved water cooled unit. This delivers 78bhp on petrol and 80bhp when run on ethanol.
2010
New model (here already at Danbury Motorcaravans in Bristol). New style front grille, new speedo layout, new gearbox speed sensor etc, high level rear brake light.