Every now and then, certain vehicles and models trend and catch the attention of gearheads across the nation. Whether it was the three/four-spoke wheels in the 90s or convertibles in the 60s, there was always a ride that symbolized a certain decade.
But one van that’s usually associated with the 70s is the hippie van. It was a cultural movement that symbolized change in America. The country was starting to progress on human rights issues, and what better emblem to represent the counterculture movement than the hippie van and the peace and love it symbolized?
What Are Hippie Vans?
The vehicle most commonly known as the hippie van is the Volkswagen Type 2, otherwise known as the Microbus.
The vehicle most commonly known as the hippie van is the Volkswagen Type 2, otherwise known as the Microbus. Ben Pon, a Dutch importer, was inspired by a flatbed parts hauler made from the VW Beetle (Type 1) chassis during his visit to the Volkswagen plant in 1947. This ultimately led him to design a sketch of VW’s first van. Three years later, the manufacturer started production of the Type 2 in 1950.
They soon learned that the chassis of the Type 1 was unfit for carrying the amount of cargo and passengers they wanted for a larger vehicle, so they designed a stiffer ladder frame chassis for the Type 2.
The first-generation Microbus came with a split windshield layout and multiple window variations. It had a rear-mounted 1.1-liter air-cooled engine which produced only 25 hp. It was later upgraded to a 1.5-liter engine which produced 44 hp. The second generation had a fuel mileage of 20 mpg and delivered top speeds between 55 and 68 mph.
To better understand why the hippie vans were popular in the 70s, it’s best to look at the state of the country first. Back then, the Vietnamese war had just ended and the fall of Saigon was still at the back of everyone’s minds.
While the road to recovery was in sight for most, some were still grieving about losses and the destruction done by the war. They needed a beacon of hope and a way to represent the start of a new dawn and the end of their grievances.
The hippie van became a symbol and statement against the war-torn world. It was also a way for the youth to express themselves and rebel against societal norms. The colorful designs and creative symbols imprinted on the Type 2 presented hope and life, something the war took away from the nation.
In a way, the van represents the peace and love mantra the decade is best known for. And with popular musicians, such as The Beach Boys and Bob Dylan having hippie vans on their album covers, the mystique and popularity of the Type 2 reached unprecedented heights.
In short, the hippie van provided a blank canvas for a much-needed movement that aimed to shed off the damage done by the war. With larger-than-life figures giving free advertisements, Type 2 rose to prominence as the main portrayer of peace, love, and hope.
The Hippie Van’s Decline in Popularity
We can chalk the hippie van’s decline in popularity to several things, including the 1973 oil crisis, a shift in style, and the production of better vans.
The first catalyst for the decline was the oil crisis. Because of the Yom Kippur War, the United States faced a substantial petroleum shortage, leading to higher fuel prices. This meant consumers started to look at smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
In addition to the oil crisis, a shift in trend and style was looming. Gone were the days when drivers preferred the vibrant, colorful, and retro charm of the Type 2. Powerful and refined sedans like the Ford Escort and Honda Accord dominated the market in the 80s.
The launch of MTV and music videos certainly helped shape the trend of powerful cars. Music legends, such as Bruce Springsteen, featured a ’60s Camaro and the first-generation Ford Thunderbird in his hit song “I’m On Fire.”
Lastly, newer and more innovative camper vans were in production even during the height of the hippie van’s popularity. This meant sleeker and more advanced campervans were on the horizon, and it was only a matter of time until they overtook the Type 2 as the go-to van for families.
Why Is There a Renewed Interest in Hippie Vans?
Much like high-waisted jeans, hippie vans are starting to make a comeback. It was announced that Volkswagen plans on remaking the iconic van as the ID. Buzz. Set to launch in 2024, the ID. Buzz is set to rekindle the imagination and nostalgia of the generation that grew up in hippie vans.
Of course, there will be some modifications to make it stand out amongst the new and state-of-the-art vehicles we have roaming the streets today. For one, the newly-imagined van is electric, which fits what the original Type 2 symbolized: progress for a better tomorrow.
In addition, it will also be available with rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive. The hippie van’s 21st-century successor is designed to produce 330 hp, a far cry from the 30 horses it had back in the 70s.
Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.
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