This Sunday, March 5th, Volkswagen’s original Type 2 Transporter will take center stage at one of the most prestigious collector-car events in the world, the Amelia Concours d’Elegance. To celebrate the upcoming North American debut of the ID. Buzz, the Concours is hosting a class for first-generation Volkswagen Type 2 Transporters.
The Concours, now in its 28th year, traditionally features a special class that stands apart from traditional concours categorization. In the past, the Amelia Concours has featured movie and advertising cars as well as custom coachwork Beetles. This year’s class celebrates a vehicle that has become an undeniable cultural icon—the original Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter.
”We are excited that the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is hosting a class for the humble Type 2 Bus,” said Cameron Batten, Chief Communications Officer, Volkswagen Group of America. The Volkswagen Bus is a cultural icon in America and we can’t wait to write the next chapter in its history with the introduction of the ID. Buzz, its electric successor for the 21st century.”
“Few vehicles have been embraced by such a diverse group of admirers and enthusiasts as the beloved Volkswagen Type 2. This year’s display tells the story of VW’s transporter: from the classic passenger bus and transport truck to the ambulance and fire truck. The eclectic appeal of the Type 2 makes it the perfect choice for a featured class at The Amelia Concours d’Elegance,” said Matt Orendac, Vice Chairman, Concours Group, Hagerty.
The class will showcase Volkswagen Type 2 Transporters, in their many forms. As well as one of the oldest Buses to be delivered to the United States, there are a high-roof ambulance, a pickup converted into a fire truck, the unique half-track Fox from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ collection, and an English Dormobile camper conversion. Three of the vehicles have unique connections to the world of entertainment: the Bus from Fast Times at Ridgemont High; a replica of The Light Bus that featured at the Woodstock Festival; and Jerry Garcia’s personal Bus. Dr Bob Hieronimus, who painted both the original Light Bus and the replica, will also be at the event.
The Type 2’s electric successor, the ID. Buzz, will be shown in normal-wheelbase, European form in the Taking Charge parade of EVs on Sunday morning, as a way of alerting concours attendees that the debut of the longer wheelbase North American version will be taking place in California this summer and hitting the street in June 2024.
