Edited by David Eccles, 96 pages with over 400 photographs. For more details see www.worldwidesplits.co.uk
In 1998 the first "Spec Guide" book was published, a collaborative effort of members of NEATO, Split Screen Van Club and Bulli-Kartei. Sometime in May-July, 2002, the newly revised, and greatly expanded VW Transporter and Microbus Specification Guide 1950-1967, will be published.
This publication brings together the complete history of the Volkswagen Splitscreen Transporter, produced from 1950-1967. It traces the development from Ben Pon's famous sketch, through the prototypes and into production, and all the specification changes, month by month, over the 17 years of production.
Find the original factory specifications of your vehicle, whether it be paint colors and codes, factory fitted optional equipment or even the precise date of manufacture. The various model types are clearly identified, and also specific features, colors and options for each model, year-by-year.
Over 400 photographs illustrate the changes in design and styling over the years and many rare and beautiful buses are featured. In particular, the variety of Special Models and unusual uses is well documented and illustrated, through both archival and period photographs and photographs of buses as they still are today.
A section on Transporters at Work covers commercial use from the first ever Transporter to be sold (to the 4711 Perfume Company) right up to the present day, while a separate chapter deals with use by the emergency services.
Transporters produced in Australia, South Africa and Brazil are also featured, along with the history and specifications of these versions produced outside Germany.
Bus enthusiasts worldwide have shared their knowledge in the compilation of this unique publication, which has taken five years to collate. Whether you are contemplating a serious restoration, or just a lover of this distinctive vehicle, this book will provide you with a myriad of information and hours of fascination.
NEATO member
price: $28 postpaid (add $3 for Canada and overseas).
Non-member
price: $35 postpaid (add $3 for Canada and overseas).
Send payment
to:
NEATO Stuff;
353 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02130
(617) 876-0390
Additional comments from
the book’s editor, Dave Eccles: "The book is totally revised and updated
and completely revamped and expanded. Looks nothing like the
predecessor. Each chapter
finishes with color profiles of feature buses that fit with the chapter.
Some VERY rare stuff including US buses profiled. Designed to be a reference
work and also an enjoyable read for non-hobbyists.
Chapters cover :
1) History and prototypes
from Pon thru to 4711—development from 1950-1956.
2) How to read the chassis
and M plates.
3) Month-by-month chassis
number with all the key changes to specifications 1950-1967 with photos
of visual body, etc. All matched to exact dates and chassis
numbers including US info
when appropriate and illustrated with pictures.
4) Export codes for the
whole world (including ALL the US codes).
5) Model numbering 1950-1967
(new pre-193 codes e.g. 24S or 21D, etc.).
6) Paint codes and colors
year-by-year and by model, including interior colors and SK and Westfalia
codes.
7) Brazilian, Australian
and South African models and specifications.
8) SO models—all the codes
and archive pictures, plus profiles of some buses, e.g., SO16 or ladder
truck, etc.
9) Emergency and Military
specifications and models.
10) Transporters at work
from 1950 to now with 400+ photos (most in color) including brochure and
archive pics and feature buses for every section.
11) Chapter on all known
M codes plus pictures of rare stuff (e.g., barndoor M options).
We are not pretending we
have everything—no one has all the info in Hannover OR Wolfsburg. It is,
however, the culmination of five years work and research from
contacts all over the world
and from Wolfsburg archives. Done for love—not money.