VINTAGE CARS SOUTH AFRICA PART 2 of 4

When in 1937 the company known as "Gesellschaft zur Vorbereitung des Deutschen Volkswagens mbH" was founded, no one could have guessed that it would one day be Europe's largest carmaker. The history of the company - with all its trials and tribulations - is first and foremost a story of impressive success.

Volkswagen Kombi 1955 © Noleen Kutash

© Noleen Kutash


1937-1945
On May 28th, 1937 the "Gesellschaft zur Vorbereitung des Deutschen Volkswagens mbH" company is founded, and on September 16th, 1938 it is renamed "Volkswagenwerk GmbH". In early 1938, in what is today Wolfsburg, work begins on construction of the Volkswagenwerk plant which is to house production of the new vehicle designed by Ferdinand Porsche.

1945-1949
After the end of the Second World War, in mid June 1945, responsibility for Volkswagenwerk is placed in the hands of the British Military Government. Under the management of Major Ivan Hirst, mass production of the Volkswagen Beetle is started.

1949-1960
On March 8th, 1950 the Type 2 goes into production, expanding the company's product range. The Volkswagen Bus, still today known to many as the "VW Bully", soon creates rising demand thanks to its multifunctional capabilities. In 1956 a separate manufacturing base for the Transporter is established in Hanover, at the same time setting down the roots of today's Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand.

In 1955 employees and dealers from Germany and abroad celebrate the production of the one millionth Volkswagen Beetle in Wolfsburg.


On February 17th, 1972 Volkswagen breaks the world car production record: with 15,007,034 units assembled, the Beetle surpasses the legendary mark achieved by the Ford Motor Company's Model T, popularly known as the "Tin Lizzy", between 1908 and 1927.
www.volkswagen.com

6 DKW 1956 (pimped-out version) © Noleen Kutash


 Land Rover Series 1 - 1952 © Noleen Kutash

  
Ford Customline 1953 © Noleen Kutash

Chevrolet L-D-Y 1954 © Noleen Kutash

  Austin A30 1955


Austin A 35 1957 © Noleen Kutash


Borgward Combi 1957 © Noleen Kutash

Dodge Kingsway 1957 © Noleen Kutash


Hudson 1957 © Noleen Kutash


Pontiac Chieftain 1957 © Noleen Kutash


Triumph TR 3 1957 © Noleen Kutash


 Mercedes 220 S 1958 © Noleen Kutash


Chevrolet Biscayne 1959 © Noleen Kutash


Please visit us again for .....
Part 3 cars from 60 - 85
Part 4 The Heritage Group (military)