It is part of the memories of several generations ... and of our passion for the retro. That's why we present some curious facts about the combi.
The combi (or bus) is undoubtedly a recognized and unmistakable hippie icon around the world. Surely you have seen some on television, in the movies or on the street, because, although they stopped occurring a few years ago, about 3.5 million replicas were launched on the market. Today its popularity is such that it has become a highly acclaimed vehicle for lovers of retro and bohemian style.
The origins of the combi have a close link with the hippie movement of the sixties. More than a fashion as we know it today, being a hippie was a complete lifestyle. The hippies were a youth group that emerged from the profound changes produced by the Second World War in society and culture, and which was characterized by nonviolent anarchy, concern for the environment and rejection of Western materialism. They formed a politically bold and anti-war counterculture, and artistically prolific in the United States and Europe.
The psychedelic and colorful style with which they were decorated was inspired by hallucinogenic drugs such as lysergic acid (LSD) and was embodied in fashion, in the graphic arts and music of singers like Janis Joplin, or bands like Love, Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane and Pink Floyd.
This group of young creative, pacifist and passionate about freedom, little by little was acquiring certain identifying elements, such as colorful clothing and mostly loose, a free sexuality and the famous combis, which are the central element in this article.
The reasons why the combi was adopted as an emblem for the hippie movement are basic to their lifestyle:
1: The combi ... an economic car
Created between 1947 and 1950 by the Volkswagen company, the combi was a vehicle designed for the economy. The arrangements made to the classic engine of 1,200 cm³ and 30 HP of the first beetles added strength to walk and climb slopes, and had no greater cost. It was a revolutionary and inexpensive design to keep, so people with little budget like hippies (who lived like that at will) could have a combi.
2: It had a design never seen before
In addition to revolutionary bodywork, the design of the combi was supercool and innovative. Something like a bus, but with a rounder front and large windows. It has been easy to decorate with all kinds of details that combine perfectly with the psychedelia characteristic of hippies. Also, if you look closely, he seemed to have a happy face, which added empathy for the vehicle, that is, it was easy to become attached to him. You could almost associate with a pet, a travel companion.
3: It was charming ... but also off-road
It was off-road. The engines used in the combis were four cylinders boxer, cooled by air. This allowed them to lack water, radiator (they only carry one oil) and water pump. Thanks to this, they were very reliable in extreme climates, because they were not frozen in the cooling circuit or put to boil. This quality is key to explain the tremendous expansion that this vehicle had, capable of driving in any climate.
The combi has always been understood as a symbol of freedom, as there are no limits for a "cart" like that. The groups that traveled in it went in search of happiness and ecstasy on the roads.
4: It was ideal to travel with friends
The number of seats allowed to travel comfortably in large groups. Not only the hippies, but also other groups, such as surfers, made the most of this vehicle. From north to south (and vice versa), traveling among friends, traveling new paths freely.
5: Satisfied passion for big cars
Some combis were mobile homes, ideal for long trips. Others were used to transport cargo. Regardless of the use and the model, they have always been an excellent option for any lover of large vehicles.
6: People love them ... and popular culture too
These elements gave a lot of fame to the buses, and made them the ideal vehicle for the youth of the 1960s and later. His popularity continued to grow with famous appearances such as Scooby Doo, Back to the Future, Argo, That 70's Show, Cars and Little Miss Sunshine. Without a doubt, the combis have all been characters on the big screen, which we will remember forever.
It is completely understandable why young people loved combis for generations. Regardless of the lifestyle, anyone can be your fan. Whether because of its design, its usefulness or its memory, many can feel identified with this vehicle from the sixties.
Sure you also want to walk in one of these. Unfortunately, it was announced that its production came to an end in 2014. This fact adds a lot of extra value to existing combis, as they are almost collector's items. Before the aforementioned scenario, the Volkswagen company decided to invest in renovations, to restore some of the oldest models and make them look phenomenal in different ways.