The origin of all today's Vans and Transporters can be traced back to the flatbed truck used for internal transport at the Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg in the late 1940s, which inspired the Dutch importer Ben Pon to come up with the idea of a transport vehicle. VW developed several prototypes for a spacious vehicle suitable for transport purposes at the end of the 1940s. From March 8, 1950, the first generation Transporter was produced in series. The vehicle, with its characteristic V-shaped front and split windshield, was available in various versions, including as a minibus. The technology was based on that of the Volkswagen Type 1, known as the Beetle, so the T1 featured an air-cooled four-cylinder boxer engine. The power of the reliable rear engine with a displacement of 1.2 liters increased to 34 hp starting in 1961. The luxury version of the minibus, the nine-seater special model, is still referred to today as the "Samba Bus" and exudes a distinctive automotive charm with its oval skylights, very comfortable seats, a folding roof, and many chrome parts.