The VW Kombi ceases production today in the last country still making the vehicle -- Brazil. Here's a nostalgic trip down Kombi lane to discover how this rather ramshackle van achieved its iconic status.
Kombi's last rites: Farewell to a travel icon —
The VW Kombi ceases production today in the last country still making the vehicle -- Brazil. Here's a nostalgic trip down Kombi lane to discover how this rather ramshackle van achieved its iconic status.
courtesy jason kauffman
Kombis became popular with travelers in the 1960s, including iReporter Gary Garfield, shown here in his home of 10 months during a world tour.
Kombi's last rites: Farewell to a travel icon —
Kombis became popular with travelers in the 1960s, including iReporter Gary Garfield, shown here in his home of 10 months during a world tour.
courtesy gary garfield
Volkswagen Brazil cites costly new safety standards as the reason it's ceasing production of the Kombi.
Kombi's last rites: Farewell to a travel icon —
Volkswagen Brazil cites costly new safety standards as the reason it's ceasing production of the Kombi.
courtesy gary garfield
The Kombi became synonymous in the 1960s and 1970s with hippies and surfers, its utilitarian features -- capable of carrying surf boards, musical equipment and other loads inside or on its roof -- combining with its cheap price and easy maintenance.
Kombi's last rites: Farewell to a travel icon —
The Kombi became synonymous in the 1960s and 1970s with hippies and surfers, its utilitarian features -- capable of carrying surf boards, musical equipment and other loads inside or on its roof -- combining with its cheap price and easy maintenance.
courtesy bryan scott
The end of production this year won't mean the end of Kombi journeys. Online communities provide a space to share stories and trade "ideas that help keep our vans going," says enthusiast Vince Moellering.
Kombi's last rites: Farewell to a travel icon —
The end of production this year won't mean the end of Kombi journeys. Online communities provide a space to share stories and trade "ideas that help keep our vans going," says enthusiast Vince Moellering.
courtesy jason kauffman
Kombis weren't immune to breaking down, but they weren't hard to fix, either.
Kombi's last rites: Farewell to a travel icon —
Kombis weren't immune to breaking down, but they weren't hard to fix, either.
courtesy bryan scott
Supreme functionality has endeared the Kombi to generations of outdoor lovers and camping fans.
Kombi's last rites: Farewell to a travel icon —
Supreme functionality has endeared the Kombi to generations of outdoor lovers and camping fans.
courtesy jason kauffman
Kombis became the vehicle/hangout of choice for surfers and hippies in the 1960s. "The Kombi exemplifies the free spirit of peace activists, lovers, world travelers and campers," says Garfield.
Kombi's last rites: Farewell to a travel icon —
Kombis became the vehicle/hangout of choice for surfers and hippies in the 1960s. "The Kombi exemplifies the free spirit of peace activists, lovers, world travelers and campers," says Garfield.
courtesy bryan scott
Split windscreens were a feature of earlier models. Newer Kombis have a single front window, instead, as well as a larger engine and greater weight.
Kombi's last rites: Farewell to a travel icon —
Split windscreens were a feature of earlier models. Newer Kombis have a single front window, instead, as well as a larger engine and greater weight.
courtesy jason kauffman
iReporter Vince Moellering uses his Kombi for camping, hauling and supplying parts.
Kombi's last rites: Farewell to a travel icon —
iReporter Vince Moellering uses his Kombi for camping, hauling and supplying parts.
courtesy vince moellering
Few vehicles are as easy to identify on the road.
Kombi's last rites: Farewell to a travel icon —
Few vehicles are as easy to identify on the road.
courtesy jason kauffman
But Kombis won't die, "as long as enthusiastic owners keep the remaining cars and their spirit alive," says Moellering.
Kombi's last rites: Farewell to a travel icon —
But Kombis won't die, "as long as enthusiastic owners keep the remaining cars and their spirit alive," says Moellering.
courtesy vince moellering