As of today, for the first time in 64 years, the machines and people dedicated to the manufacture of the VW Kombi bus are at full stop. We’ve known this day would come for a very long time, but that makes it no less melancholy. Another victim of advancing safety and efficiency regulations, the Kombi, 10 million units later, is no more with the last factory in Brazil ceasing operations on December 31st. It’s the end of an era to be sure, but with so many busses already on the road, we’ll be seeing them for decades to come. If you’re lucky––really lucky––you might someday see one of the last 600 limited editions made in this, the final year.
Technically speaking, that 64 year stretch of production includes both the Type 1 and Type 2 generations of busses. The Type 2 bus began production 56 years ago and to commemorate that date, the limited edition vans are dubbed “56 Anos Kombi” busses. Painted in retro baby blue with white accents, they are very attractive versions of the original. The 14” wheels are paired to white-wall tires and classic hubcaps. The interior is updated for optimal comfort without disrupting the timeless styling. Features are spartan, borderline austere, but the elegant simplicity is what makes it so beautiful.
The engine is a water-cooled flex-fuel 1.4 liter boxer paired to a four-speed transmission. The 78 hp gives the bus the purposeful mosey it’s known for. It is a fitting final iteration of a roadway legend. For the lucky few to get a numbered “56 Anos” bus, their $35,000 investment will likely prove to be a wise one as these new busses are sure to gain value quickly.
