1965 Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) Splitscreen Pickup
The forward-control design of the German Type 2 (T1) placed the driver directly above the front axle, enabling a maximized cargo bed length despite the vehicle’s relatively compact 94-inch wheelbase.
The iconic split windshield is a hallmark of this first-generation Type 2, earning it the affectionate “Splitscreen” nickname among enthusiasts. Production ran from early 1950 through the end of the 1967 model year, initially at Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg factory until 1956, then moving to the new Transporter factory in Hanover.
Pickup variants featured drop-side beds to compensate for the elevated floor height driven by the rear-mounted engine layout. Single-cab models offered a longer cargo bed, while crew-cab versions sacrificed some bed length for additional passenger seating. These pickups were visually distinct with chrome bumpers and optional two-tone paint schemes, offering appeal beyond mere utility.
The rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-four engine shares its architecture with the Beetle’s powertrain. By 1965, most Type 2 pickups were equipped with a 1.5-liter engine producing about 42 horsepower, coupled with a four-speed manual transmission. Power was delivered to the rear wheels, using Beetle-derived mechanical components adapted for the Type 2’s higher payload demands.
Pickup versions are relatively rare in North America, primarily due to import restrictions and tariffs on light trucks during the 1960s, limiting their availability and contributing to their scarcity today.
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