Chassis No. 721095

The concept for the Volkswagen Type 2 van came from Dutch Volkswagen importer Ben Pon, inspired by earlier designs such as the 1920s Rumpler Tropfenwagen and the 1930s Dymaxion car. In 1946, while visiting Wolfsburg to import Type 1s, Pon saw a Plattenwagen, an improvised parts mover, which sparked his idea for a more refined vehicle. Pon sketched his concept on 23 April 1947, envisioning a van with a 1,520 pound payload and a front-seated driver. The Type 29 prototype, developed in three months, used a new ladder chassis and a 25 horsepower engine. The first-generation Type 2, instantly recognizable by its distinctive split windshield, was produced from 8 March 1950 to the end of the 1967 model year. Built in Wolfsburg from 1950 to 1956, these early Transporters featured the same 1,131 cc, 24 horsepower air-cooled flat-four engine as the Beetle.

As a result of Volkswagen's prolific dealership network and the Type 2's incredible versatility, they could be found in use across the globe, fulfilling myriad roles. This 1961 Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi was built on 31 January 1961, according to the copy of its Volkswagen Certificate. Finished in Light Grey (L 345) with Grey upholstery, it was simply optioned with the "M113" hinged windshields and the "M156" larger oil bath air filter.

Leaving the factory on 5 February 1961 for Cologne, the Kombi's journey was only beginning as it was next headed for the Colombian capital of Bogotá. Once in Bogotá, the van was used by the Federal Republic of West Germany embassy, where the lavishly priced folding fabric sunroof surely enjoyed in the tropical climate. After dutifully serving the embassy for nearly 15 years, the bus was sold to Posidio Ramirez by the Federal Republic of West Germany's embassy on 15 January 1976 for 14,000 Pesos. Before taking delivery, accompanying digital documentation shows that video equipment from the embassy had to be removed from the van. A digital copy of the shipping receipt shows it was then transported and cost an additional 880 Pesos.

Today the Kombi benefits from a comprehensive restoration, returning it to the marvelous condition in which it is presented in today. As evidenced in the photos, the work completed under previous ownership touched nearly every aspect of Kombi. Today, this 1961 Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi has recently been imported to the United States from Colombia, starting another chapter of its history across three continents.