The Type 2 story is rather complex, as Volkswagen multiplied the different versions. The first "bullies" (so called because they looked like bulldogs) are produced in 1950. But 4 years will be necessary to make the Type 2 start looking as a utility vehicle on a VW base.

It is in Ben Pon's address-book that was found the first sketch of what will become the utility vehicle the most spread in the world.

The Major Hirst who is in charge of the Wolfsburg factory in 1945, asks that 20 decks be made using the mechanic, the axle and the chassis from the Kübelwagen. In 1946, Ben Pon, a dutch businessman, will order around 100 of them, but the management refuses to mass-produce a new model. In 1947, Ben Pon goes back to Wolfsburg with the sketch of a new type : the engine is at the back, the driving post is overhung at the front, the maximum load weight attains 750 kg.

The first prototype is made in 1948. But after a couple of hundreds of kilometers fully charged, the Kübel "deck-chassis" breaks. The study department then realises a one part body structure with tubular chassis integrated and much more resistant. The road tests will give satisfaction. Technically this new utility vehicle and the beetle are quite similar. The 1131 cc of 25 power horses brings the Type 2 to 53 mph. Esthetically, the study department works on two bodies : the first one is totally in steel sheet, while the second comprises six lateral windows. In both cases, two lateral doors allow access to a useful volume of 4,6 m3 ; the spare wheel and the gas tank take place in the engine compartment whose big door is surnamed "barn-door" by the Americans ; the lifting jack and the tools are stored under the front seat.

The first project of utility vehicle, in order to reduce the costs of production to the maximum included no part in dished plates. Unfortunately, the frame coupled with Kübelwagen chassis did not offer enough rigidity to carry a useful weight of 750 kg. This is the oldest known prototype. This model is close to the definite one. On the barn-door : plate light and stop light are gathered in one box, the handle is identical to the Split one. Inside the side doors, the frame belt dished plate does not appear in negative but is welded directly on the body.

These drawings clearly show the 3 stages of 1949 prototypes. Between the first and the second one, the differences only concern the door of the engine compartment where the lateral supports are wider and more pierced ; while the plate lodging is first cut in the door then folded towards the inside and surrounded by a formed and welded piece, it is afterward a simple metal sheet itself welded. From the second to the third stage of evolution, you will note that the mushroom type air filter is replaced by a horizontal cylinder filter mounted as from July 1949. The stop lights are placed higher, the tank filling-up is no more done from outside and the plate lodging is directly stamped on the engine compartment door.

	All these informations can be found in Super VW Magazine nr. 34, 51, and 52. The issues are available in the shop.