The Volkswagen T1 (Revell Shoplink), affectionately known as “Bulli,” celebrates its 75th anniversary this year – coinciding with the birthday of the Federal Republic of Germany. Since its introduction in 1950, the T1 has created an impressive history. The Bulli not only shaped German automotive history but evolved into a global cultural icon. The VW T1 Bulli, born out of post-war necessity, developed from a simple utility vehicle into a mobile symbol of freedom that equally inspired generations of craftsmen, families, and world explorers. Its evolutionary development from factory sketch to design icon reflects not only technological progress but also social transformations – from the economic miracle to the hippie era.
How the Volkswagen T1 Bulli Came to Be
The origins of the T1 lie in the improvisational art of Wolfsburg factory workers who constructed simple transport carts from leftover parts of the Kübelwagen Type 82 in 1947. These “platform wagons” with their characteristic seating position above the rear engine caught the attention of Dutch importer Ben Pon during a factory visit. His visionary sketch from April 23, 1947, already shows all the essential features of the later T1: cab-over design, box body, and rear engine. The revolutionary space arrangement allowed a payload of 750 kg with a total width of only 1,660 mm – a masterpiece of space efficiency.
Under development director Alfred Haesner, the first prototype with the internal designation “Type 29” was created by 1949, with its body still handcrafted from wood. The production version from March 1950 surprised with innovative details: The front double wishbone suspension with torsion bar springing enabled precise chassis geometry despite simple construction, while the 1.1-liter boxer engine from the Beetle (Type 1) provided sufficient traction through adapted gear ratios. With a base price of 5,850 DM, the T1 undercut competitors like the Tempo Matador by over 20%. This was a decisive factor in the economically strained post-war Germany.
What Bulli Stands For
The nickname “Bulli” probably originated from the combination of the terms “Bus” and “Lieferwagen” (delivery van). Interestingly, Volkswagen was not allowed to officially use this name until 2007, as the naming rights belonged to Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug AG. Only for the 60th anniversary of the series did VW acquire the rights to the name “Bulli.”
A particularly sought-after model of the T1 is the “Samba” bus, which was presented at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in 1951. Originally referred to as “Special Edition Minibus,” it was characterized by two-tone paintwork, 23 windows, and a large folding sunroof. The name “Samba” quickly established itself, although its exact origin is unclear. It may be derived from “Sunroof version with special dashboard” or is a reference to the dance of the same name. In the US, this model was marketed as the “Microbus Deluxe.”
Ironically, Volkswagen initially feared the “hippie reputation” that especially the Samba Bus built up as a threat to the brand’s serious image.
The Panel Van Variant
For our 1:16 anniversary model, we have also chosen the version of the workhorse that was advertised with the slogan “The car for every profession.” The panel van, which probably shaped the economic miracle street scene of the 1950s and 1960s in Germany like no other vehicle.
Production of the T1 began in 1950 at the Wolfsburg plant and was moved to the new plant in Hanover in 1956. By the time it was replaced by the T2 in 1967, a total of 1.8 million units of the T1 had been produced.
The T1 is known for its distinctive design with the split windshield, round headlights, and V-shaped front grille. These features have made it a symbol of the 1950s and 1960s. The characteristic front section also earned it the nickname “Splittie” (because of the split windshield).
In Germany, production of the T1 ended in 1967 when the more modern T2 was introduced.
Nevertheless, the Bulli holds the record for the longest-produced vehicle model in the world, considering production in Brazil until 2013. In total, over 10 million units of the VW Transporter (across all generations) have been built.
The Technology of the VW T1
Until German production ceased in 1967, the T1 went through over 17 technical development stages. In 1953, the synchronized 2nd-4th gear transmission revolutionized drivability, while the 1.2-liter engine introduced in 1954 with 30 hp increased the top speed to 80 km/h. The engine remained installed in the rear of the vehicle, giving the Bulli an unusual weight distribution and characteristic driving behavior. The fresh air supply above the front windshield installed in 1955 ended the stuffy atmosphere in the cabin, and the 12-volt electrical system introduced in 1960 enabled more powerful electronics.
Highlights of the Model Kit
From 144 individual parts, hobbyists or very experienced model builders at Level 5 get a finished model with a length of 27.2 centimeters and a width of 11.5cm.
- Scale 1:16 reproduction with high level of detail
- True-to-original cockpit
- Multi-part engine with precise details
- Fully movable doors for authentic presentation
- Neutral decoration for individual design options
- High-quality decals for an authentic look “Volkswagen – Porschewagen Spare Parts Service”
Here is the Revell Shoplink
Building Inspirations
The oldest VW Bulli still registered is named Sofie and already closely resembles our model, and the story of how the Bulli came from the cap factory in Hildesheim to Denmark still makes for a great read 🙂
Equally interesting is the barn find of Germany’s first Bulli radar speed trap, which was rediscovered near Hanover after more than 50 years. So if you’re looking for a special mod of the kit, you’ll find it here.
Even after seven decades, the T1 remains an iconic vehicle. Volkswagen has launched the ID.Buzz, a modern, electric interpretation of the classic Bulli, carrying the T1’s legacy into the future. The ID.Buzz was presented at the IAA Transportation in Hanover and will be available in Germany from 2025.