The Long, Weird Trip of the Volkswagen Bus | Up To Speed

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  • čas přidán 2. 06. 2024
  • Thank you to Gran Turismo 7 for sponsoring today's episode! Gran Turismo 7, Rated E for Everyone, is out now for Playstation 4 and Playstation 5. The game is the latest installment in a franchise that many people consider the absolute pinnacle of automotive video games, and - no surprise- it’s been getting rave reviews from the press and fans alike. Get your copy and start playing today: bit.ly/3qe9Lxz
    For seven decades, the Volkswagen Bus-or the Kombi, the Transporter, the Caravel, the Hippie Van, the Vanago, or the Type 2, if you prefer-has been a global icon on the roads. But the staying power of this hardworking, underpowered cab-over that bursts at the seams with personality wasn’t a sure thing. After it became a phenomenon, a conspiracy between an American president and a powerful labor union (yes, the States used to have those) nearly stopped the Bus in its tracks, and it all came down to chickens. From its humble origins as a back-of-the-napkin design exercise, to its upcoming all-electric rebirth, this is everything you need to know to get up to speed on the Volkswagen Bus!
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  • Auta a dopravní prostředky

Komentáře • 1,6K

  • @GuilMotta
    @GuilMotta Před 2 lety +766

    As a Brazilian, hearing James saying "lotação" brought joy to my day. So perfect.
    And yes, our Kombi version definitely crushes every other version.

    • @Lokaci_wolf
      @Lokaci_wolf Před 2 lety +20

      nossa versão é a melhor mesmo

    • @driveslow48
      @driveslow48 Před 2 lety +31

      Only died here due to that fancy nutella ABS bs...

    • @marcioeduardo4187
      @marcioeduardo4187 Před 2 lety +16

      @@driveslow48 "fancy ABS bs" hahaha

    • @igorR061
      @igorR061 Před 2 lety +10

      Tivemos até híbrida... entre o T1 e T2, além de diesel, sem contar a água.

    • @arthur9511
      @arthur9511 Před 2 lety +7

      @@igorR061 meu sonho uma Kombi diesel

  • @kombilife
    @kombilife Před 2 lety +682

    I can personally recommend the Kombi - I only had to remove the engine 11 times during my first road trip (true stroy) 😂

    • @Cig4ras
      @Cig4ras Před 2 lety +14

      WHAT xdd since im kinda young (20s) , can you explain WHY and HOW , can you even do that , while on a road trip ? xd sounds like a memorable trip tho xd

    • @reggiexp69
      @reggiexp69 Před 2 lety +10

      i guess with a screw driver and a 10 you can take every thing out? (or are it wierd german sizes like mercedes and bmw like to use)

    • @Cig4ras
      @Cig4ras Před 2 lety +5

      @@reggiexp69 oh xd guess they aren't as complicated as new (new'er?) cars , since I just cannot imagine , taking an engine out even once while on a road trip , with new cars that is xd

    • @reggiexp69
      @reggiexp69 Před 2 lety +3

      @@Cig4ras hahahh for real, in france my friend always say you can take a citroen 2cv apart with just a 10mm
      good old cars with carbs

    • @Cig4ras
      @Cig4ras Před 2 lety +2

      @@reggiexp69 lol , can imagine , but in my country , citroen 2cv are probably almost non-existant or at least can't recall seeing one xd

  • @EpicEvilMonster12
    @EpicEvilMonster12 Před 2 lety +205

    Donut media has single handedly made me a car guy. I've always had an interest in cool cars but I've never had someone who could really educate me on them. This channel is the absolute best.

  • @biladaalada4341
    @biladaalada4341 Před 2 lety +53

    Here in Brazil when they ended up the production due to airbag becoming mandatory, they made a "retirement ad" for the bus.
    "GOING SOON.
    Every car deserves a release announcement, but only an icon like the Kombi also deserves an retirement announcement."
    It started like this and in the end they invited people to tell their stories with the VW Kombi on their site, ngl that ad made me feel

  • @DatzTragicNewPatek
    @DatzTragicNewPatek Před 2 lety +1359

    You guys make car related content digestible and approachable for everyone. Even people who arnt “gear heads”. I show these videos to my gf and she’s entertained even though she cares very little about cars. Great videos guys. Have been a fan for years!

    • @j.c.4139
      @j.c.4139 Před 2 lety +28

      With Yota's tacos, it's always digestible my friend. Give it the beans!!

    • @parkerbethke
      @parkerbethke Před 2 lety +12

      Get a new girlfriend if she cares very little about cars

    • @DatzTragicNewPatek
      @DatzTragicNewPatek Před 2 lety +13

      @@parkerbethke bruh moment

    • @samholdsworth420
      @samholdsworth420 Před 2 lety +1

      Volkswagens are notsee vehicles

    • @nassermansour5706
      @nassermansour5706 Před 2 lety

      I always love the way they make their videos
      German Fact: In my opinion the T4 and T5 are like the most seen Van here in NRW (nord-Rhine Westphalia)

  • @elinzmeyer3550
    @elinzmeyer3550 Před 2 lety +4

    The 5 years (1999-2004) I spent in Germany with my overhauled TYP II are some of my best memories. Bought a basket case, threw a bunch of money and time at it and was rewarded. Finland, Poland, Ireland, Slovenia... took this little camper everywhere, broke down on nearly every trip, and still...best memories ever! Sometimes the trip is the journey, doooood!

  • @user-by5jg6ro6f
    @user-by5jg6ro6f Před 2 lety +6

    We had two T2s in the family, one for camping, with full Westfalia kit and a second, closed working van for my grandpa's motorcycle servicing shop. We loved them both, the one was actually had a name; Buffalo Bill ✌🏼

  • @jamesbachand8521
    @jamesbachand8521 Před 2 lety +62

    “It used to be just called ‘living’,” 🤣
    I don’t know if I watch for the car info or just the humor anymore.

    • @kaglekoa
      @kaglekoa Před 2 lety +1

      Both. Mostly the humor

  • @gymusen
    @gymusen Před 2 lety +233

    The “Last Edition” VW Bus, or as we call it in Brazil, VW Kombi, has one of the most heartwarming and sad advertisements ever, since it was one, if not, the advertisement for the end of production of one of the most beloved vehicles ever, I cried the first time I saw it, and still do every time I watch it.

  • @michaelwalsh3474
    @michaelwalsh3474 Před 2 lety +7

    James rocking "The Life Aquatic" look like a boss.
    Also, Ford was fined $1.2Billion dollars for dodging the chicken tax on the Transit. 🤯

  • @maurobellotti
    @maurobellotti Před 2 lety +5

    Great one, guys. I still drive my 1995 Kombi Clipper here in Brazil (1.600 cc boxer with two carburators).
    We had diesel, trucks and many other models here... with gas tank always positioned right above the engine, turning many Kombis into bonfire vans. Cheers!

  • @Ernestinhomugiwara
    @Ernestinhomugiwara Před 2 lety +324

    My mom drove one as a School Bus!
    Here in Brasil we called VW Kombi, It's part of our society
    It continued production to late 2010's, 1.5 liter water cooled, but airbags killed the bus here

    • @adamthompson4072
      @adamthompson4072 Před 2 lety +29

      It still shocks me how long they were built and sold for. Like the last O.G. Beetle rolled off the assembly line in 2013

    • @Ernestinhomugiwara
      @Ernestinhomugiwara Před 2 lety +12

      @@adamthompson4072 yessss, beetle stopped production here in the 1980's, but it was replaced by another popular vw aircooled (vw gol)
      My first car was a beetle haha the best cheap car for our horrible road network

    • @damilolaakanni
      @damilolaakanni Před 2 lety +10

      @@adamthompson4072 I believe the last Beetle (not the "new" Beetle) was produced on 30th July, 2003 in Mexico.

    • @binhonz
      @binhonz Před 2 lety +13

      @Antonio FG I think it's only called the vw bus in the united states to be fair. I'm from Brazil but migrated to New Zealand some years back and here they call it a Kombi too. Have also met people from Asia and Europe who also use this name and not vw bus so yeah. I love the donut guys but sometimes it feels like they forget their videos reach a much broader audience than only their own country's.

    • @adamthompson4072
      @adamthompson4072 Před 2 lety

      @@damilolaakanni well you know what? You're right

  • @pedrofelix6181
    @pedrofelix6181 Před 2 lety +111

    My dad had 17 of these in his lifetime here in Brazil. He passed away in 2020, and my brother and I will keep the last one he had until the end. It is the last model manufactured here, with a 1.4 liter flexfuel engine (Ethanol/Gas). Thank you Donut Media, this video made my day!
    Brazil! 🟢🟡

    • @elvis1745
      @elvis1745 Před 2 lety +5

      Damn, that's a heartwarming story! I hope you guys manage to mantain it so that one day your children can enjoy driving it!

    • @benclampman
      @benclampman Před 2 lety

      Very cool.

    • @riversider2506
      @riversider2506 Před 2 lety +1

      WOW 😮 That's a lot of awesome memories, shared with the Kombi 🤞... My Most Sincere Condolences for y'alls devastating loss 🙏

  • @ottocardonarosado
    @ottocardonarosado Před 2 lety +116

    I'm so glad to see James much more livelier! Stay healthy man! You have people who care for you!!!

  • @sizo32gaming
    @sizo32gaming Před 2 lety +10

    In South Africa, the T3 was called the Cara Cara. There was even a song made about it roughly 10 years ago. It really got popular and people were even fitting air suspension on them. So many customization were made even home made four door flat beds. There was just so much love for it

  • @oldfordcarsandtrucks
    @oldfordcarsandtrucks Před 2 lety +3

    As a kid, I remember trading our "old" VW camper van in on a brand new, off the showroom floor, 1973 pop-top camper van. Soooo cool !

  • @lowfro02
    @lowfro02 Před 2 lety +47

    My dad had a Westy when I was a little kid. That thing was so cool! When the engine blew, he let it sit for like 10 years. The image of it being dragged out of the driveway by a tow truck is burned into my brain til this day... I miss that thing.

    • @AAtheDUDe
      @AAtheDUDe Před 2 lety

      always sad to let a loved car go

    • @lowfro02
      @lowfro02 Před 2 lety

      @@AAtheDUDe Don't get me started on the 70s Celica that was parked behind it.......

    • @Someone-um6hi
      @Someone-um6hi Před 2 lety

      @@AAtheDUDe yeahh I still want my 99' subaru forester back

  • @pizzaofataco
    @pizzaofataco Před 2 lety +141

    in the little town my father is from in Mexico, my grandfather used to take the local transportation that would go up a mountain to the fields and end up in the nearest “big” city and they called it the “La Combi”. Only now did I realize it was spelled “Kombi”
    thanks, donut

    • @471CDA
      @471CDA Před 2 lety +3

      Yep! They were all over the place. They would pack em so tight with people that some would be standing in them.

    • @BrunoLate98
      @BrunoLate98 Před 2 lety +7

      I keep calling them Combis… despite the fact most are Nissan

    • @isaacserrano4869
      @isaacserrano4869 Před 2 lety +3

      In mexico city they were the main type of public transportation for decades even now theres t6s but everyone calls them combis

  • @cmcclarney
    @cmcclarney Před 2 lety +6

    Your editors deserve a raise! These guys are killing the game!👏👏👏

  • @muko2002
    @muko2002 Před 2 lety +7

    I remember when we were in Mexico my dad had a Kombi and would take passengers from one town to another . Pretty good memories. Sucky part was work on it since the engine was right in the middle of the front seats and it was a pain to take it out to work on it .

  • @TheMarslMcFly
    @TheMarslMcFly Před 2 lety +108

    As a German I love James saying all these German words. 😂

  • @youraveragenoob7556
    @youraveragenoob7556 Před 2 lety +43

    My parents got a 1969 vw bus when they got married and i learned how to drive and spent a lot of my young years driving it around it’s on its 5th engine and it’s still in their driveway today

    • @brianworden7022
      @brianworden7022 Před měsícem

      I just picked up a 69 Beetle as my first car. One day, I might get a bus if I have the money to do so.

  • @garinramadhan6572
    @garinramadhan6572 Před 2 lety +5

    My dad used to own a Brazillian made T2 Kombi, it was a nice experience owning one, with removal of the middle row you can easily fit a motorcycle or a bike or basically anything

  • @WillxYes
    @WillxYes Před 2 lety +1

    Awwww Yeaaahh... The Kombi... We LOVE Kombis here in Brasil. We only had the T1 and T2, and, as you said, it stopped production just 9years ago. When my family moved to a new city, back in 2004, my dad traded our Ford Verona for a 1999 Kombi. That thing could barely go up hills. We lived in a small 10 houses condominium, with a small private street. Dad used to park the Kombi in front of our house. WHen I made friends with 2 girls next door, that was sister, we used to spend some hours inside that Kombi, just talking about whatever. I was 14 at the time. We really liked just being inside that metal box, just having fun. I told my wife that I'll have a Kombi when I can afford one, but she didnt liked this idea. She thinks its a dangerous van. But I surelly will have.

  • @thecommentingcommentor7657
    @thecommentingcommentor7657 Před 2 lety +37

    As someone living close to Wolfsburg it's always a pleasure to hear James pronouncing German cities

    • @elvis1745
      @elvis1745 Před 2 lety +8

      Was kinda disappointed they spelled it "Wolksburg" in the video

    • @ericrombouts7698
      @ericrombouts7698 Před 2 lety +2

      Frontwheeldrive to expensive to buy and maintain

    • @kugul1683
      @kugul1683 Před 2 lety

      I also usd to live in that area!

    • @admix493
      @admix493 Před rokem

      ich wohne in Wolfsburg 😂😂😂

  • @RemnantSRT440
    @RemnantSRT440 Před 2 lety +54

    Honestly the new Buzz would of been super awesome with rounded headlights. Hopefully the next gen they would do it

    • @customjohnny
      @customjohnny Před 2 lety +4

      I thought the same thing!! Not a huge fan of the headlights on, they don’t quite complement the rest of the design well- retro or not

    • @TheEmeraldSword04
      @TheEmeraldSword04 Před 2 lety

      Modern techniques used in headlight made into a disk shape probably could look sick.
      Unless they only use the new methods for rectangular lights and just Ctrl+C Ctrl+V headlight designs from Harley or BMW bikes, but that could still look nice.

  • @bafmey
    @bafmey Před 2 lety

    Bought a first gen when I was 18yo. It was a piece of steel with no wheels, engine, transmisión or windows.
    I put an original engine in and about a week after (when I got to 40mph) decided to swap it out for a 95hp fuel injected AP16 engine, which made it feel like a rocket. My girlfriend and I hand built the interior for a few years to be one of the nicest in Chile.
    Fast forward 10 years and my girlfriend and I are getting married on September and getting away on the bus. This machines truly bring joy and love to people. Not a hippie but truly share the love for the bus.
    Thanks for making an up to speed about it 👍🏻.

  • @FLUXXEUS
    @FLUXXEUS Před 2 lety +8

    They're actually used as transportation in Mexico to this day (in certain areas) and are known as "Combis" rightfully so 😬

  • @targatom
    @targatom Před 2 lety +34

    Ive just rebuilt a T3 Westfalia syncro (all-wheel-drive with 2 locking diffs) and having lots of offroading fun, its incredibly capable even if it only has 98hp

    • @Truminashadepressure
      @Truminashadepressure Před rokem +1

      You are a man of taste, that thing is probably great off road being so light too!

  • @CringeTheGinge
    @CringeTheGinge Před 2 lety +17

    I’ve had my 1984 Vanagon Westfalia for almost 2 years now and I’ve never looked back. It’s the slowest thing I’ve ever driven but I love it like it was my first child, such a sweet ride.

  • @josephfarler4802
    @josephfarler4802 Před 2 lety +1

    I can’t be the only one who thinks James could be a modern day Chris Farley, “we’re gonna turn this bus around” reminded me so much of Farley in Billy Madison. Truly comedic geniuses.

  • @luisfranco6099
    @luisfranco6099 Před 2 lety +2

    You’re the new classic top gear crew +1. Nolan is James May, Jeremiah is Richard Hammond and James is of course Jeremy Clarkson. Zach is the Stig, no doubt. How awesome would it be if Donut could make a top gear type of show where they review the coolest cars, test them on their own track and do ratchet road-trips, one can only dream.

  • @JSwatchesthings
    @JSwatchesthings Před 2 lety +36

    I love these old VW microbuses and Vanagons from back in the day. The hippie movement was powered by air-cooled VWs and it makes me happy that they own it. "The most iconic van" though is either the Mystery Machine (Dodge A100) or the A-Team's GMC Vandura.

    • @dr.floridaman4805
      @dr.floridaman4805 Před 2 lety +2

      TMNT van

    • @reggiexp69
      @reggiexp69 Před 2 lety

      i mean the A team van was lit i always wanted one till i grew up and saw how much fuel it used and how slow it was (americaaa power)

  • @dobremihai8183
    @dobremihai8183 Před 2 lety +47

    The only other voices I can’t stop listening besides James, Nolan, Zack and Jeremiah are May, Clarckson, Hammond, Harris

  • @notchrisrivera7717
    @notchrisrivera7717 Před 8 měsíci

    1971 VW Riviera owner here, wish there was more info on the Riviera conversions. Always liked how my roof lifted completely horizontally instead of the angled roof like a Westfalia

  • @cenccenc946
    @cenccenc946 Před rokem

    I was literally just given a 1990 Brazilian made kombi camper for free that was abandoned in a container. Not being a VW enthusiasts, I was searching youtube to learn about them. I am actually more a Toyota offroad enthusiasts (I also got a 2002 Hilux from the same container), but makes me appreciate it even more that there is such a strong fan base dedicated to them. so looking forward to getting to know the Kombi.

  • @myd4980
    @myd4980 Před 2 lety +7

    It is stunning to me that no one talks about the factory camper they sell in Europe TODAY. There is the VW California and also a Sprinter sized Grand California!

    • @Drskopf
      @Drskopf Před 2 lety +1

      Who cares? They never made it to the Americas anyway!! We did our custom camper version of the Kombi, with whatever we had available, actually that is still a thing today, bc thousand of latinos and gringos love to travel from back and forth from Usuhaia Argentina to Alaska in vans like this through Pan-Americana highway

    • @myd4980
      @myd4980 Před 2 lety

      @@Drskopf I know, but it is shocking to me that they do a lot of research before each episode and they don't see the California in Volkswagen's website next to all the other T6.1 models. I wish they see this comment and learn about it's existence.

  • @KallyelBarbosa
    @KallyelBarbosa Před 2 lety +29

    In Brazil it's called "Kombi", and the Beetle, "Fusca".
    Shout-out to any Brazilians reading this!

    • @caio613
      @caio613 Před 2 lety

      Salve

    • @ein7813
      @ein7813 Před 2 lety

      In Mexico they call the beetle “bochos”

    • @Saibert1
      @Saibert1 Před 2 lety

      @@ein7813 we see that in FH5.
      Even in our dub (PTBR) they still call "bocho" instead of "fusca:

    • @gabrielv.4358
      @gabrielv.4358 Před 2 lety

      Salve

    • @KallyelBarbosa
      @KallyelBarbosa Před 2 lety

      @@Saibert1 ohh, didn't know bout that, one flaw on the dub

  • @anvilsvs
    @anvilsvs Před rokem

    I was stationed in Germany 66-69. Once had a 57 Bus. 1100cc, 36HP. Mine was the fastest of those I ever saw, would reach 47 mph. But the brakes weren't up to that extreme speed and the handling was worse that the brakes. I've been told that you can roll one of those at 12mph in a flat parking lot and I believe it. They were designed for city delivery (50KPH/30mph speed limit) in Germany and were sort of adequate for that. Police in Kassel where I was stationed told me that engines lasted 2-3 months for them. They'd start them cold and instantly redline them in 20 degree and colder temps. But they didn't care because the VW replacement parts plant was in Kassel and VW replaced their engines for no charge. Wife had a 65 model which went through three engines in 40K. The next gen model from 68 handled better and had more power, but was if anything, even less reliable. Sister in law had a Westfalia which went through three engines in 80K, typical for that model. Basically not too bad for city delivery in Germany, pretty incompetent for anything else. I just roll on the floor laughing every time I see one of those going for some serious money at auction.
    I've always been a minivan person. Always thought I wanted a VW until I had one. I've been running Caravans and Chryslers for 35 years now and they're really good. Too bad that Chrysler is longer in business. Peugeot is now in charge and they treated me so badly on life time warranty for my 09 that I will never buy or recommend a Chrysler product again until Peugeot is gone. Kept my 09 for 5 MONTHS for transmission repair when the local dealer had the reman transmission in stock and could have installed it in two days. But they wouldn't authorize that, insisted on dealer rebuild. Car sat on various dealer lots while they fiddled around finding a dealer tech they would authorize to rebuild it. They probably "saved" maybe a thousand dollars on that repair and lost a lifetime customer who currently owns 5 minivans and 5 RM diesels.Never again.

  • @Del129
    @Del129 Před 2 lety +6

    This is one of the best Up to Speeds yet, James had me in stitches haha!

  • @facundootero7973
    @facundootero7973 Před 2 lety +3

    In Argentina, we called the VW Bus 'Pan Lactal'because it looked like a loaf of bread, however it came with a defect from factory that made it become somewhat like the German version of the Ford Pinto, the tube which carried the fuel to the engine was made out of rubber and was close to the bumper so if anyone crashed into your rear then there would be a fireball. Of course, people took notice of it and the owners decided to change their tubes material as well as the position to avoid this.

  • @msabawazeir
    @msabawazeir Před 2 lety +38

    Do an episode about the EV1 GM first electric car was made in 1990s. People need to know about it!!
    Best content as always 👌

    • @leehest1564
      @leehest1564 Před 2 lety

      My dad had one, my whole family was sad when they crushed them all.

    • @quillmaurer6563
      @quillmaurer6563 Před 2 lety +1

      That would be a great Up To Speed. Or, if they can find a survivor (I believe some had drivetrains removed but were given to museums, and a few of those were restored to operating condition with scraped-together parts), a Bumper 2 Bumper. Sort of a forgotten tidbit of automotive history, one so far ahead of its time, would be the sort of thing they like to cover.

    • @msabawazeir
      @msabawazeir Před 2 lety

      @@quillmaurer6563 I saw a video on youtube couple years ago, someone had found an EV2 parked in either a company's parking garage or airport parking garage. And yes the ones GM left were stripped out of the drivetrain, and were given to Museums and schools.

    • @quillmaurer6563
      @quillmaurer6563 Před 2 lety

      @@msabawazeir You mean an EV1? I'm not aware that they ever made an EV2, but perhaps had things gone differently would have eventually. From what I've heard there have been a few of the ones given to schools and museums that people have made functional, probably with a mix of genuine parts they managed to scrape together and some parts from other EVs. These days if someone had an EV1 body/interior they could probably put a new drivetrain in it fairly easily using parts of modern EVs, and get a much better result than it had been originally. Much like doing an EV conversion of a rolling chassis that happened to have originally been electric.

    • @msabawazeir
      @msabawazeir Před 2 lety

      @@quillmaurer6563 yes I know they first made EV1s around 1996. Then they updated them around the end of 1998 and corrected range issues and fitted them with more efficient batteries. Perhaps they were still named EV1, but for sure there were 2 different versions of the EV1.

  • @NickGregory
    @NickGregory Před 2 lety +7

    I absolutely love my T3, despite it having all the aerodynamics and looks of a brick!
    After upgrading to a 1.9 Golf TDI engine it’s been the perfect road trip vehicle!

    • @roland9367
      @roland9367 Před 2 lety +1

      Yeah the T3 is nice but it really needs better engines. Then it is a usable roadtrip van!

  • @quillmaurer6563
    @quillmaurer6563 Před 2 lety

    This is the most extensive coverage you've done of the often-mentioned Chicken Tax, but I think it really needs it's own video, feels like a perfect Wheelhouse episode. Go into more depth on the history of it, the under-the-table dealings, and the impacts it had, including what vehicles we don't see in the US market due to it. However to my understanding the VW Bus passenger or camper versions wouldn't have been impacted by it. It covered trucks and cargo vehicles, so the pickup and panel van versions would have been gone (these are now exceptionally rare), but passenger vehicles - even vans - were exempt. For that reason some vehicles were imported with seats temporarily installed, only to be removed and destroyed after import and the vehicles sold as cargo vans, this was done on a large scale by some companies, I believe including Ford (this too would be an interesting bit for an episode on the Chicken Tax).

  • @LuizMGRamos
    @LuizMGRamos Před 2 lety +4

    I travelled to Paraguay from Campo Grande (state of Mato Grosso do Sul) on a Kombi (the name here in Brazil since it was introduced) with 3 rows of seats full of people plus me, a cousin and her friend on the rear panel right above the engine. No seatbelts for us. Such an adventure.

  • @jakezubrod7906
    @jakezubrod7906 Před 2 lety +15

    When you wanna live in a van down by the river,
    the VW bus is the way to go.

  • @Charris4358
    @Charris4358 Před 2 lety

    Last year I rebought the 73 Kombi I drove in college way back in 1998. Getting it back on the road after a slumber. Can't wait to drive it soon. Such a strange and slightly unnerving experience sitting over the front tires. You really feel like you are sitting in the traffic!

  • @hemriks7628
    @hemriks7628 Před 2 lety +1

    James saying "Braunschweig" Made my day as a person that was born there

  • @w41duvernay
    @w41duvernay Před 2 lety +36

    WHY do I get the feeling Nolan And the crew are actually battling out at work who is the best driver?

  • @spaceramen2814
    @spaceramen2814 Před 2 lety +21

    i want one of these so bad, literally the perfect car for my friend group

    • @misterbuklau4053
      @misterbuklau4053 Před 2 lety +1

      Too bad theyre all over 20k now

    • @aphex14
      @aphex14 Před 2 lety +3

      @@misterbuklau4053 Thanks to the Barret Jackson Bus, that brought in 200K...Purposely driven by a certain group in the VW community.

    • @mexicanspec
      @mexicanspec Před 2 lety +4

      Contact me. The Mexican buses are still available and not that crazy on price.

    • @misterbuklau4053
      @misterbuklau4053 Před 2 lety

      @@mexicanspec Yeah but dont you have to import them

    • @mexicanspec
      @mexicanspec Před 2 lety +2

      @@misterbuklau4053 That is not a problem. Most of them fall under the 25 year exemption and the process is easy and not expensive.

  • @fabianbello3268
    @fabianbello3268 Před 2 lety +1

    In Mexico we still call the type 2 and it's derivatives as the "combi", even other vehicles used as minibus today are called combis, despite most minibuses today are Toyotas and Nissans

  • @MrBja-ts9xr
    @MrBja-ts9xr Před 2 lety +1

    I love how unbelivable American the wiev on the Bus is in the Video :D
    Im from Germany and here all the generations get the same love and attention from hardcore Bus nerds... Especially the T4 & T5s are currently the go to cars if you want to build yourself a camper.
    And nearly every craftsmen or family drives a bus. I belive it really is one of the most common vehicles here. But just in termes of size, its so much smaller than any american pickup truck, so why would you use it in the states as such an everyday vehicle...

  • @liamleech4748
    @liamleech4748 Před 2 lety +11

    Honestly the 2nd gen and 3rd gen with the pop up top is the one I see the most and is the one everyone wants causes you got that extra space up top😂 in Canada there are pretty common but you go to buy a half decent one and they are like 17k so it makes starting up a build impossible. A lot of old people here just redo them

    • @CringeTheGinge
      @CringeTheGinge Před 2 lety

      I got lucky with mine, bought it for 10k just outside of Calgary and all it needed was a new coolant tank

    • @JONBEEOTCH
      @JONBEEOTCH Před 2 lety

      @@CringeTheGinge I've had my vanagon westfalia for 12 years, got it in Vancouver for 3k... and there were plenty in that price range 😬

  • @prod.mozmo3
    @prod.mozmo3 Před 2 lety +5

    WOOHOO THE MICROBUS UP TO SPEED HAS COME TO LIFE!!

  • @YeeSoest
    @YeeSoest Před 2 lety

    My parents had a T2 and T3 in my childhood, a T4 in my teenager days...those things are just brilliant and quickly become a part of your family, of your house and your every vacation

  • @BrunoLate98
    @BrunoLate98 Před 2 lety +5

    As a mexican that keeps on calling public transportation vans as “Combi” after all this years, even though most are Toyota and Nissan. I grate you for telling us where the name Combi comes from.

  • @lancejuliandudero1928
    @lancejuliandudero1928 Před 2 lety +6

    Respect the Classics, Man.

  • @StSparky
    @StSparky Před 2 lety +5

    Not going to lie - as I’m old enough to be the presenters’ dad - I caused a 70s VW camper van to catch on fire on our way to a New Years concert featuring Zappa & the Dead.
    There were reasons but good memories …

  • @davidmason5796
    @davidmason5796 Před 2 lety +1

    My family had one my dad was a VAG head, it was a westfalia I think a T2 from the look of the list you showed. It had a pop up fibreglass roof with a bunk bed and there was like a cot attachment that went over the front seats.

  • @mattreid7487
    @mattreid7487 Před 2 lety +1

    I took my driving test in a 1981 vanagon, so many family memories attached to that van!

  • @prod.mozmo3
    @prod.mozmo3 Před 2 lety +19

    James has inspired me to learn German it truly is a beautiful language

    • @sandrinowitschM
      @sandrinowitschM Před 2 lety +5

      It's less impressive if you don't angrily shout everything.

    • @SuperwurstLP
      @SuperwurstLP Před 2 lety +4

      For me as a German it sounds so much more aggressive and ugly when Americans try to speak German. German is a hard sounding language yes, but especially Americans are exaggerating the sound of it way to much.

    • @sandrinowitschM
      @sandrinowitschM Před 2 lety +4

      @@SuperwurstLP I think it's because they have to force some of the harder sounds to get them halfway right and then inadvertently overdo it. Also it's a meme at least as old as Hitler.

    • @prod.mozmo3
      @prod.mozmo3 Před 2 lety +1

      @@SuperwurstLP yes I try to say it as normally as possible and completely off note my favorite word so far is Treppenwitz you guy’s language makes so much more sense than ours

  • @swapmeetlus4096
    @swapmeetlus4096 Před 2 lety +10

    Only time I’ve ever heard them being called “Kombi” was when I lived in Mexico. And bugs “bocho” we’re peoples god damn prized possession.

    • @X88DRAGON
      @X88DRAGON Před 2 lety +1

      im a Mexican and can confirm, some families of gearheads "like mine" take pride in owning at least one kombi or bug in their lifetime, sometimes even during all of their lifetime

    • @mexicanspec
      @mexicanspec Před 2 lety +1

      Spelled Vocho, of course.

    • @swapmeetlus4096
      @swapmeetlus4096 Před 2 lety +1

      @@mexicanspec My bad, been away from the motherland for 17 years now :/

  • @TituzzzD
    @TituzzzD Před 2 lety +1

    5:14 fun fact, i worked at the museum where the Rumpler Tropfenwagen is displayed at: the German Museum of Technology in Berlin. It's an interesting car. The designer realized that drops (in German Tropfen) have a great drag coefficient and designed the car like a drop. But vertically instead of horizontally. 🙈

  • @sageboneless3572
    @sageboneless3572 Před 7 měsíci

    growing up, i’ve always had either a vw bus or beetle or both in the driveway bc my dad always buys them and restores them. my favorite one was the one that we always camped in, it was sky blue and i loved sleeping in the pop up tent when it was slightly raining. he ended up selling up, but i do want to get my own bus at some point

  • @evilbeetlekustomscreations4965

    Thanks for teaching me something I thought I knew everything about✌

  • @Yashuop
    @Yashuop Před 2 lety +70

    Your consistency and quality of content never disappoints!

  • @bensullivan420
    @bensullivan420 Před 2 lety

    i work 8-5 as a mechanic and we have two t2’s on our lot right now, pretty cool vehicles. thank you donut very bussy video

  • @ExUSSailor
    @ExUSSailor Před 2 lety

    Air-Cooled VWs are all just fantastic vehicles! I had a '71 camper with a 2.0L, dual carb motor, and, a '79 with an auto trans, and, Bosch fuel injection.

  • @helpmereach45ksubswithoutvideo

    These videos makes our days better

  • @EstebanDVO
    @EstebanDVO Před 2 lety +4

    If you hate the Westfalia, we can never even be in the same room

  • @BRENTxBEAR
    @BRENTxBEAR Před rokem +1

    the new electric Bus actually looks sick! and its one electric i wouldnt mind owning.. too bad dealerships will add like $10k-$20k in "market adjustments" for it.

  • @bugjuicer
    @bugjuicer Před 2 lety

    Used to drive some restored T1's and T2's as event/wedding cars, restored and absolutely lux'd out. They were heaps of fun to drive, no power whatsoever, but backfired on the lift-off, and when it rained, the water would go up the windshield and come in the roof vent box, without fail. I got soaked on the rainy days, but sill heaps of fun

  • @sangwonlee7705
    @sangwonlee7705 Před 2 lety +4

    BRING BACK VERSUS BUT WITH TWO HOSTS ARGUING FOR EACH SIDE!!

  • @alban9465
    @alban9465 Před rokem +3

    now we certainly need an up to speed on the VW Passat! I hope you guys see it and consider it since i and i think many others would love to see it.

  • @pigeondeceased2591
    @pigeondeceased2591 Před 2 lety +1

    I’ve been a subscriber for ages…love this content. Think it’s the best automotive journalism since we lost the old crew at TopGear

  • @hectorgonzalez3512
    @hectorgonzalez3512 Před rokem

    Here in Mexico we call them "combis" and were used mostly for public transportation in small cities and in Mexico city back in the 80s, They are so iconic that the new Nissan Urvans are also called "combis"

  • @Cap_42
    @Cap_42 Před 2 lety +3

    As a bus owner myself, the whole van life movement kind of put a weird twist on ownership. Not saying it’s a bad thing, but everywhere I go people are asking me if I live in it or if I “do the vanlife thing”. I just think it’s kind of odd but I will never stop loving my air cooled investment!

  • @hemidango8977
    @hemidango8977 Před 2 lety +4

    JAMES!! For the next season of hi low PLEASE use 5.7 hemi charger/challengers and make them drag cars! Tons of upgrades available, tons of suspension options, and you can get them cheap!!

  • @CamAteUrKFC
    @CamAteUrKFC Před 2 lety

    Love the fact that GT recognized your fan base and hired you guys to do a commercial. Shows GT cares, best race game period.

  • @ewdew1386
    @ewdew1386 Před rokem

    My dad owned a t3, t4, t5 and now a t6 right after each other
    He speaks about them like you would talk about an old friend, its beautiful

  • @Sebis527
    @Sebis527 Před 2 lety +4

    I’ve kind of already decided I want an ID BUZZ on nice wheels. 😅

    • @Dave435l
      @Dave435l Před 2 lety

      I was thinking the same think until I saw the starting price of over 50k

    • @Sebis527
      @Sebis527 Před 2 lety

      @@Dave435l starting price it gonna be between 40-45k. Where you getting over 50 from?
      That being said, the 300 mile range EV price floor is around 40-50k. Plus 50k isn’t as much as it used to be 🤣

  • @TacoJelly8
    @TacoJelly8 Před 2 lety +3

    A donut video a day keeps me sane

  • @BlazeORenegado
    @BlazeORenegado Před 2 lety

    I'm Brazilian. And I'm just speechless with James saying "Lotação". It just made my day. BTW, "lotação" means "capacity". And yes, the VW Bus is really popular in Brazil even for these days. It is used as a kind of taxi and for cargo. We Brazilians love the Volkswagen Bus. Or as we call it here for all models of it, Volkswagen Kombi

  • @broganedits376
    @broganedits376 Před 2 lety

    I’m so glad you guys have done this❤️such an awesome video!

  • @rickymorales88
    @rickymorales88 Před 2 lety +6

    You guys were sponsored by gran turismo! Amazing…. Congratulations.

  • @miikkamaikkari
    @miikkamaikkari Před 2 lety +4

    More videos of Jobes s14 pls

  • @doodskie999
    @doodskie999 Před 2 lety +1

    These vans became so collectable in my country that some models are sold between 10k to 40k usd

  • @justinmiles2850
    @justinmiles2850 Před 2 lety +2

    Here before Donut changes the thumbnail 3 times.

  • @anjanladka
    @anjanladka Před 2 lety +2

    Up to speed : ferrari (please):)

  • @Fuscao_Preto
    @Fuscao_Preto Před 2 lety +2

    We still call it the Kombi in Brazil, we love it. ❤️

  • @Kouttta
    @Kouttta Před 2 lety

    I love how y’all’s ads are practically their own video inside the video. I barely skip them on this channel.

  • @milesmansfield
    @milesmansfield Před 2 lety +3

    I would love to see an up to speed on 40RA, the lotus Carlton that outran the Bri’ish bobbys and is now missing BUT reappeared, not the car the plate and it was found on a hyundai Kona
    Although while I was typing this I put the plate into the plate checking website to check the name of the Hyundai and the plate seems to once again be registered to a green 1992 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton Turbo…

  • @mrsirfordyt6137
    @mrsirfordyt6137 Před 2 lety +2

    I was just watching a wheel house video. The how to out run the co- I mean… nothing…

  • @saint-cetacean
    @saint-cetacean Před 2 lety

    My neighbor fixes up and retrofits T3s as a side hustle-- he works (owns??? unclear) a VW-specialist shop nearby. Super cool dude. He mostly focuses on making ambulance or SnR-style retrofits, but also does straight up Westies as well.

  • @dre4011
    @dre4011 Před 2 lety

    I grew up with 'em...
    -'71 Deluxe
    -'79 Kombi
    -'70 Westfalia
    -'86 Vanagon GL
    -'87 Vanagon GL (#554)

  • @kgb3803
    @kgb3803 Před 2 lety +3

    Day 106 of asking for up to speed on folkrace

  • @bruhnt5063
    @bruhnt5063 Před 2 lety +7

    Day 313 of asking Donut to bring old B2B back

  • @johnnyrad
    @johnnyrad Před 2 lety

    Fantastic history of the Bus! You really made the content very digestible and easy to follow.
    I do have to say, however, that you completely skimmed over the Vanagon! I am very surprised you spent such little time on this generation considering the amount of times a Vanagon appears in other episodes (wasn't there a Vanagon in the Gambler episode?). After the Hi Low series with the overlanding Tacomas, I am shocked you didn't mention the Westfalia Syncro. They were designed for overlanding before overlanding was a thing! There are literally festivals in the Pacific North West celebrating these vehicles (Syncrofest, Descend on Bend, and Burning Van to name a few).
    I think these are one of the most versatile and loved classic vans and the massive aftermarket and community support proves it. This "Swiss Army Knife" of cars was practically designed to be modified. Take a look into the conversion options offered by aftermarket companies. VW TDIs, Ford Focus motors, and Subaru drivetrains are some of the popular ones.
    Anyways, love the videos. Bought a Miata partially inspired by Money Pit. Do a Bumper2Bumper on a modified Subi powered Westy Syncro, you will not be disappointed.
    😁

  • @mazda_miata_
    @mazda_miata_ Před 2 lety

    One my my mom’s earliest memories from her childhood is riding in a VW bus (called kombi) in Brazil on the back, sitting right above the motor keeping her warm. She also told me about how her uncle, a successful businessman, bought her dad a new Beetle sometime in the 70’s or 80’s as a present. Beetles weren’t expensive cars even when they were new, but it was an amazing gesture of gratitude. My cousin in Brazil still has a yellow Beetle she named Fred that she’s had for many years. Last time I went to visit my family in Brazil I was 16 without a drivers license, and promised myself that next time I visit, I’ll drive it around. Volkswagen has always been at the forefront of the Brazilian car industry and involved with pretty much every family in brazil, even my own has good memories of 2 of their arguably most famous cars ever

  • @luchadorito
    @luchadorito Před 2 lety +3

    An American talking about something german. Oh boy, I hope there wont be any screaming, bad accents, Fraktur and crude national stereotypes…