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)