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How the T2 VW Campervan Upgraded and Evolved the T1

VW manufactured the Volkswagen Type 2 “Bay Window” bus from 1967 until 1979, supplanting the Type 1 that it had produced commercially since 1950. Then, the Type 2 continued production under license in Brazil and Argentina until 2013.

Heavier and easier to produce, the second-generation Type 2 did away from its predecessor's unique split front windshield. It featured a slightly larger 1600cc, 36bhp engine designed to attain a top speed of 80mph, using the same single port engine design as the Beetles of the era. Those who place a premium on original engines can find carburetor conversion kits such as a twin Solex and single Weber, which increase power on the original T2 models.

In 1971, VW introduced a new 1600cc twin port T2 engine that fitted each cylinder head with dual intake ports and boosted power to 50bhp. In 1972, the 1.6 air-cooled engine gave way to a 1.7 “pancake” air-cooled flat 4 engine that, while only marginally larger, provided significantly more power. The 1974 T4 engine increased capacity to 1800cc (67bhp); in 1976, this again increased to 2000cc (69bhp). Porsche 912E and Porsche 914 models used the same engine found in the T25, the Bay’s successor.

The suspension became another major change as it eliminated the swing axle rear suspension of the Split and the Beetle. Such systems employed reduction boxes that served as an extra gearbox and increased ride height. The T2 featured half-shaft axles with constant velocity joints, which accomplished the same task of raising the ride height while doing away with extreme changes in the camber (the outward and inward tilt of the tire and wheel assembly).

Before the T2, wheels would tilt significantly, which caused uneven tread wear and a tendency of the vehicle to pull to one side. (To this day, off-road racers who employ air-cooled VW components seek out the T2 transaxle for its stability and functionality).

Starting in 1968, engineers implemented various safety-related changes in the T2, including a firewall set between the engine and fuel tank and a new hazard light configuration. In 1971, the T2 got front disc brakes for the first time, and rear wheel arches provided better clearance for the new, larger wheels. From 1976 to 1979, the Bay had extremely few updates, as VW engineers had shifted to designing and refining the upcoming T25 generation of buses.

One interesting side note of the T2 era is that this marked VWs first foray into vans outfitted with electric drive systems. It became the work of the VW “Future Research” development division, founded in 1970. In 1972, VW successfully produced a test T2 electric model, leading to a small batch of commercially produced vehicles.

The initial prototype weighed 2.2 tons and had a 1,940-pound battery with a 21.6 kWh capacity. Compared with contemporary EVs, it made the vehicle extremely heavy, with significantly less battery storage capacity. As a comparison point, the next generation Volkswagen ID. The Buzz van, launched in 2024, weighs only 1,102 pounds and has a 77 kWh capacity.