To help celebrate the upcoming debut of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz in the US, there will be an Amelia Concours d'Elegance class dedicated to the first generation of Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter in all its variants. It's a tradition each year for the Concours event to feature a class that lives outside of its typical categories, and Volkswagen has been featured before with a class for custom coachwork Beetles.
However, this is the first dedicated to the Transporter in all its forms. Among the display will be some incredible examples, including one of the oldest Buses delivered to the US, a pickup converted into a fire truck, an English Dormobile camper conversion, and, from the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles collection, its unique half-track Fox version.
Three of the vehicles come straight out of classic popular culture: the Bus from Fast Times at Ridgemont High, a replica of The Light Bus that featured at the Woodstock Festival, and Jerry Garcia's personal Bus. Dr. Bob Hieronimus, who painted the original and replica Light Bus, will be at the event.
"Few vehicles have been embraced by such a diverse group of admirers and enthusiasts as the beloved Volkswagen Type 2." says Matt Orendac, Vice Chairman, Concours Group, Hagerty. "This year's display tells the story of VW's transporter: from the classic passenger bus and transport truck to the ambulance and fire truck. The eclectic appeal of the Type 2 makes it the perfect choice for a featured class at The Amelia Concours d'Elegance."
"We are excited that the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is hosting a class for the humble Type 2 Bus," says Cameron Batten, Chief Communications Officer, Volkswagen Group of America. "The Volkswagen Bus is a cultural icon in America and we can't wait to write the next chapter in its history with the introduction of the ID. Buzz, its electric successor for the 21st century."
We can't wait to see the procession, led by a European-spec I.D Buzz. It's unlikely that the new electric version will reach the heights of diversity and customization of the original, but it's sure to create its own community and versions over the years.
