The prototype of the famous Transporter was developed in 1938 by the engineer Alfred Nesner. The car was known as KDF. In 1949, the world saw the first Transporter, but at the time it was affectionately called Bulli (bull). By design, the car resembled the legendary "Beetle". From him, he borrowed a standard engine of 1.2 liters and a power of 25 hp. located at the rear of the carrier chassis base in the same way as on the "Beetle", only the chassis itself was built from more durable metal profiles. Suspension, headlights, instrument panel, steering wheel - everything was borrowed from the Beetle.
Bulli had a perfectly flat floor, which noticeably facilitated the loading, unloading and placement of luggage. The car is becoming very popular in the automotive market. High demand contributed to the release of a variety of modifications. VW Transporter was used as an ambulance, as well as a fireman and a police car. Foreigners often hired a car traveling around Germany.
Willingly bought Transporter and personal property. Gamma models allowed to choose from an empty van, which the buyer could stuff with everything you need yourself, to luxury homes on wheels. Every year, Transporter has continuously improved. In 1963 he received a new 42 hp engine. These forces were quite enough to disperse a minibus with passengers up to 90 km / h. Fuel consumption at the same time was only 10.5 liters per hundred.
In August 1967, the second generation Transporter starts. Now the exterior of the car looks completely different. First, a panoramic glass appeared instead of two V-shaped halves; sliding front side glass windows instead of sliding doors, and a chrome emblem. Rear mounted engine with 47 hp plus a four-speed, fully synchronized gearbox. In 1972, another upgrade of the Transporter takes place. The dimensions of the car were 4420 mm in length, 1785 mm in width and 1940 mm in height. An engine capacity of 1.6 liters provided 50 hp power.
The maximum speed of 110 km / h. Installed "magic" bumpers, leaving a collision inside, leaving the body intact if the accident occurred at speeds up to 30 km / h. In 1979, the third generation appears. The designers who modernized it adjusted the original concept to modern requirements, and since September 1982, all the machines of this family are equipped only with water-cooled engines.
The noise level has decreased, moreover, the water-cooled engine consumes 2.5 liters / 100 km less fuel than air. In 1985, experiments with all-wheel drive finally embodied in the first production model - Transporter Syncro. Permanent four-wheel drive is carried out through a viscous coupling developed and patented by the Austrian company Steyr-Daimler-Puch. In September 1990, the fourth generation Transporter was born.
Now the basic version is an all-metal semi-erected van designed for the carriage of goods with a total weight of up to 1 ton. The glazed version of this van was a dual-purpose vehicle. It was equipped with easily removable seats and could carry from 3 to 9 passengers plus cargo, the weight of which varied depending on the number of seats removed from the passenger compartment. Among the versions were models with low and high roof, short and long wheelbase. The body undergoes zinc phosphating during production, and the internal cavities are filled with hot wax. The fourth generation engine is located in front and has a drive to the front wheels.
A turbo diesel engine with a volume of 1.9 liters and a power of 68 hp was installed on the base model. Able to reach speeds of up to 132 km / h. In 2003, the fifth generation Transporter was released. The new model embodies all the advantages of previous generations and technical innovations of our time.
Independent suspension for all wheels, improved chassis, original transmission make the car extremely easy to manage. It can comfortably transport up to 9 people, and soon an 11-seater version may appear on a long base of 3400 mm. Easy transformation of the cabin will allow you to turn the car into a cargo wagon in seconds - all the seats are removed by pressing the levers. What is especially pleasant for the buyer is to choose from: six engines, two base options, three roof heights, four options for the permissible total weight (from 2.8 to 3.2 tons), and soon - all-wheel drive version!
Passenger safety is taken care of: driver's airbag, ABS (anti-lock braking system), EDL (electronic differential lock), ASR (traction control) and MSR (engine brake control system). The car body is equipped with tinted windows, heated rear window, as well as a sliding door on the right with safe closing and a hanging door at the rear on the shock absorbers. Additional services are also possible, such as hinged rear doors, installing a sliding door and, on the other hand, adjusting the driver’s seat. At the exhibition of road transport in Amsterdam, the fifth generation Transporter won the title "Van of the Year 2004".
