VW T1: the small van with a big heart that failed to conquer Bulgaria

As early as the mid-1950s, Western car manufacturers began to return to the Plovdiv Fair, and not long after, part of it gradually took on the appearance of a real car showroom. In 1964, Volkswagen joined this increasingly colorful palette, thanks to the Bulgarian representation of the brand in the person of the State Enterprise "Raznoiznos". During this period, the sale of Volkswagen passenger cars began in our country, as well as the delivery of relatively large quantities of tourist minibuses on request of "Balkantourist". A large part of the technical and promotional literature began to be translated into Bulgarian, and so the native audience was captivated by the impactful advertising messages that accompanied the presentation of each new model piese auto online.

VW T1: the small van with a big heart that failed to conquer Bulgaria

It is a tourist bus – because it is spacious and equipped with so much love. It is so bright and friendly. All passengers sit comfortably and pleasantly on the wide and so well-upholstered seats. There is plenty of space for luggage, which can be easily and quickly loaded or unloaded through the wide rear door.

It is a bus for the company – a reliable and economical assistant in the hotel industry, air transport, shipping companies, transport companies and car rental companies. In general, for all companies that think about their customers. It is not so luxurious, but it is practical, expedient, comfortable and elegant. So that you do not have to worry when you welcome your guests, travel with partners for meetings or just with friends to the Riviera. One thing is for sure – with this bus you will not make a mistake in your plans…

It is a family van – it is as economical as any Volkswagen car and just as manoeuvrable (it is only 21 cm longer than the VW 1200 limousine). It is true that you will need a little more petrol, but in return you can take up to 8 passengers with all their luggage. It is particularly suitable for outings and holiday trips. It will take your children to school and offers the whole family something special all year round. Because this car is something special…

It is a camper van – that means: it is your living room, dining room and bedroom at the same time. With wardrobes, dishes, insulated boxes for provisions and tanks for clean water, even nice curtains and a lamp for lighting. Seats that turn into two comfortable beds for adults at night, and there is even a hanging bed for the child. A large tent-entrance can be easily attached to the van, which can be used as a bathroom or just for shade. Your mobile office or conference room. Everything is as you wish. You just need to remove the seats and install the special Volkswagen equipment “camping mosaic”. This is your “villa on wheels”. You travel wherever you want and can stop wherever you want, without depending on anyone or anything…

In early 1967, the then CEO of Volkswagen, Heinrich Nordhoff, personally announced the official intentions of the concern to build an assembly plant in Bulgaria, where this particular model would be produced. However, it soon became clear that free industrial initiative could hardly be implemented in sync with the centralized economy of communist Bulgaria. As a result, Volkswagen not only withdrew from our market, but for the next more than two decades did not present its products at the Plovdiv Fair…

Car parts AutoPower
Car parts AutoPower

It is a tourist bus – because it is spacious and equipped with so much love

It is a bus for the company – a reliable and economical assistant in the hotel industry, air transport, shipping companies, transport companies and car rental companies