The prototype for the VW transporter was introduced in November of 1949
in Germany.

Production (and sales) occured in 1950 in Europe (not sure about North
America). Wikipedia confirms that 1950 was the first year of
production.

This is the Type 2, which includes rear engined Split window buses, the
so called bay window buses and the Vanagons.

I presume you meant your post to compliment mine, not to dispute it.

On Aug 8, 2005, at 4:12 PM, bueses wrote:

> Single cab trucks 1952 model year
> VW DC trucks 1959 m.y.
> Westfalia-Camping box option about 1954-55?
>
> "Vans" were first made in 1980?  A 1958 would have been a "bus"-first
> year
> of the non "pressed bumper" buses.