The Iconic VW Bus Is Iconic For A Reason -Torch Drives

Our own Jason Torchinsky gets to drive a 21-window Microbus and explain why the VW Microbus is such a legend.

[@NorseNerdleMeister]

I never knew these had portal axles, awesome vid!

[@Wreckerboy]

‘67 is the penultimate year for both T1 and 2. I loved my walkthrough Kombi Deluxe.

[@Oldsmobile69]

More cars should have windshields that open

[@SmallBlogV8]

You think you know all about something as recognisable as this... and then you're shown so many things you haven't seen before! The Typ2's aero is indeed a funny one; the frontal area is the obvious problem, but the dead-straight sides are actually perfect for maintaining laminar airflow along to the tail. I remember once someone pointing out that its overall drag force is _lower_ than a D-Type Jaguar Le Mans car!

[@JB-uj5ue]

I've been an Autopian member since day 1, but I've never made it to the videos. This is a great review, and very interesting.

[@On3Lung-OneLung]

Grew up driving a '68 Westphalia all through high school. Absolutely loved it and have always wanted one as a 'grown up'

[@kurtinfl]

Was this shot on Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach?

[@rossgrady]

Next time we are in the same physical space, remind me to show you the big scar on my right knee from the dash of my ‘72 bus, when I was run off the road on the way to high school & rolled it on its side.

[@JaysonElliot]

Love this tribute to the original Bus! I never realized just how big that opening was under the canvas top. The only bummer for me was the end, it felt like VW needed you to say something nice about their new T6 variant that they're dressing up in a Microbus costume. It's got none of the things that made the T1 special, in my eyes. Maybe my expectations were just too high. Still, it's amazing to see such a perfect example from their heritage collection get out on the road and do what it loves to do. That sketch of the original concept by Ben Pon is wonderful. I want it as a poster.

[@robmclaughjr]

What about the heater!

[@Desmaad]

Is this supposed to be the spiritual successor to the "Jason Drives" series you did for Jalopnik?

[@retiredguy7273]

That was terrific thanks so much. I know you guys got a lot to do but, if this was a regular feature that would be just great for me. I remember Jason's driving vids over at jalopnik. Best wishes in your broader endeavors guys, Jason, David, and Beau.