1957 VW Kombi Panelvan

The Volkswagen Type 2 - better known around the world as the Kombi - was introduced in 1949 with the same reliable running gear as found in the Beetle and soon carved a niche as a reliable, versatile and endearing workhorse. The Kombi's bodywork was of unitary construction and was available as a van, bus or pick-up, although as time went on these basic models were expanded into a bewildering array of offshoots, including the Microbus, the Samba Bus and the Transporter. First seen in Australia in 1953 and sold as Completely Knocked Down vehicles assembled at the Clayton plant in Melbourne from 1954, the Kombi proved a huge success here and for years they were a common sight on Australia's roads. The original Kombi featured a split windscreen body style (retrospectively termed T1) and initially kicked off with an 1131cc engine, later enlarged to 1192cc with 30bhp for 1953. With higher compression in 1955, output jumped to 34bhp while the body also came in for some revisions that year, the resultant T1B having a smaller engine bay cover (previous models are called 'barn doors'), changed roofline and 15-inch wheels. The original Type 2 remained in production until 1979 and has a cult following around the world today. Once the vehicle of choice for hippies in search of cheap transport, the Kombi has in recent years become highly collectible and early split window models like the van on offer here are now starting to get the proper restorations they deserve.