How the Volkswagen Bus Became a Symbol of Counterculture

Seventy years ago, on March 8, 1950, Volkswagen started producing the Type 2, which came to be the first van. We called it the microbus. Like the Type 1 (the Beetle), it slowly made its way across the Atlantic and began to compete with both the family station wagon and work trucks. But it really caught on with younger people.  

As the Microbus became more accepted in America, it began to take on a cult status with fringe groups. Its boxy appearance—so unlike anything the major auto manufacturers in Detroit were producing—became a symbol for counterculture types, who wanted to stand out from the rest of crowd. Some owners painted peace signs on the Microbus, earning it the nickname “hippie bus.”

“It became popular with people who were rejecting mainstream American culture,” White says. “It was their way of saying, ‘We don’t need your big V8 cars.’”

The VW Microbus was also a favorite of marginalized members of society, who could use the versatile vehicle to transport people to rallies, polling stations, protests and more during the political and cultural upheaval that laced the 1960s.

The microbus also became a symbol for the road trip. While the underpowered engine could fail, the multiple people inside knew they were in this together. Read about the Volkswagen microbus and its effect on America at Smithsonian.

(Image credit: Bernard Spragg)


Newest 4
Newest 4 Comments

My 1st husband (1985) had one that he had modified to add a homemade pop top. Long haired hippy looking pot smoking type. After a few dates, we each drove our own vehicles to, I found out about the Porsche in the garage, the engineering degree and the rather important job at a large firm in Palo Alto. Don't judge a book by its cover.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"How the Volkswagen Bus Became a Symbol of Counterculture"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More