Date: Mon, 6 Nov 1995 09:13:24 -0500
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Bob <zaphod@atc.AMERITEL.NET>
Subject: re: What kind of bus do I have?
At 11:18 PM 11/5/95 -0600, you wrote:
>my behind the seat plate reads:
>
>11 09 1
>377 101 130
>UP 241 BGR SR 761961
>
>November 4, 1961 production date
>modifications 377 , 101, and 130 (hinged windshields)
>UP (?) type 241(vw micro-bus deluxe, LHD), Beige GRey/Sealing-wax Red
>color, chassis # 761961
>
>in Martin Skielboe's
>__________________________
>27 02 1
>315 180
>SD 221 GRGRUEN 739175
>__________________________
>
>GRGRUEN is sea gull grey/ Mango green paint colour scheme
>
>to Mark w/'62 Kombi, what is the divided cab partition? Is that the same
>as walk though front seats instead of a bench seat?
>
>does anyone have a list of modification codes handy?
>
>
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I think I got this off of the Gopher server at lenti, but I don't remember
for sure. It should have everything you need. Of course, the plate behind
the passenger seat in my '67 Kombi doesn't jive with either of your plates
nor does it jive with this list but oh well...
Bob.
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Back 2 Basics
Facts and Figures by Keith Seume
Volksworld, Winter 1994
With the current upsurge of interest in early Type 2s, we thought it
timely to take a look at some facts and figures relating to chassis
numbering of these vehicles. In addition, we'll take a look at the
various colour combinations that were offered and the numerious model
options that were available to the would be buyer.
Restoring any old vehicle to original specification can be difficult
but, where Type 2s are concerned, the problem is compounded by the fact
that many such VWs were modified throughout their working life. A good
example is something like Peter Nicholson's old Grossraum Kastenwagen
... that's a high-top van to the English-speaking world ... that we
featured in Volksworld's Issue No. 4. It began life as a workhorse
without any side windows or interior fitments, would have been painted
blue and almost certainly have been purchased by a clothing retailer who
needed a high roofed van to carry dresses on hangers. When the van was
rediscovered, it had been repainted numerous times and converted into a
camper, with windows fitted to each side and a home-built interior.
A look through the files shows that the vehicle was a model 211 (VW
delivery van with double doors on right, LHD), equipped with option
M222 (high roof delivery van). It had also been fitted with M175
(export bumper guards), M502 (lining - side panel, hardboard) and M75
(mudflaps). The original colour was L31 Dove Blue.
This is just a single example of the endless hours of fun you can have
by identifying what options your old Kombi or pick up might have been
fitted with at the factory. However, to start with, let's take a look
at the various model designations offered by the factory up until the
end of 1967, the last of the "Splits".
MISSING LINKS
You will notice from this list that there is a certain logic about the
numbering, but that same logic leads you to realise that there are some
obvious omissions from the range. For example, there is not model 222
which would surely have been a RHD Micro Bus with the double doors on
the right? Clearly the factory did not feel there was a market for such
a vehicle and consequently didn't offer one in its line up. However,
the gap in the model numbers suggests that it might have been open to
persuasion at a later date.
MODEL
211 Delivery Van (dbl door right, LHD)
213 Delivery Van (dbl door left, LHD)
214 Delivery Van (dbl door left, RHD)
215 Delivery Van (dbl door left and right, LHD)
216 Delivery Van (dbl door left and right, RHD)
221 Micro Bus (dbl door right, LHD)
223 Micro Bus (dbl door left, LHD)
224 Micro Bus (dbl door left, RHD)
225 Micro Bus (dbl door right, sliding roof, LHD)
228 Micro Bus (dbl door left, sliding roof, RHD)
231 Kombi (dbl door right, LHD)
233 Kombi (dbl door left, LHD)
234 Kombi (dbl door left, RHD)
235 Kombi (dbl door right, sliding roof, LHD)
237 Kombi (dbl door left, sliding door, LHD)
238 Kombi (dbl door left, sliding door, RHD)
241 Micro Bus Deluxe (LHD)
244 Micro Bus Deluxe (RHD)
251 Micro Bus Deluxe (7-seater, LHD)
261 Pick-up (side panel lid right, LHD)
263 Pick-up (side panel lid left, LHD)
264 Pick-up (side panel lid left, RHD)
265 Pick-up with dbl cab (cab door right, LHD)
267 Pick-up with dbl cab (cab door left, LHD)
268 Pick-up with dbl cab (cab door left, RHD)
271 Ambulance (dbl door right, LHD)
273 Ambulance (dbl door left, LHD)
274 Ambulance (dbl door left, RHD)
281 Micro Bus (7-seater, dbl door right, LHD)
285 Micro Bus (dlb door right, sliding roof, LHD)
CHASSIS NUMBERS
So to chassis numbers. Successful use of VW parts listings depends upon
the customer knowing the chassis number for his or her vehicle and
identifying the true age of a Type 2 is similarly reliant on this
information. The chassis number of a split-screen Type 2 is located in
one of four places according to age:
Up to chassis number 20-117 901 (March 1955) it can be found on the
vertical surface to the right of the engine.
>From chassis number 20-117 902 until chassis number 469 505 (June 1959)
it is above or below the identification plate on the vertical surface
to the right of the engine.
>From chassis number 469 506 until chassis number 1 200 097 (late 1963)
it can be found on the engine cover plate in the engine compartment
(adjacent to the battery).
>From chassis number 1 200 098 (late 1963 onwards) the chassis number
can be found located on the identification plate situated on the right
hand side of the air duct.
TAKE NOTE
Notice how the numbering system changed in format over the years. The
first change was made for the 1956 model year and the second in August
1964. The list that follows shows chassis numbers at the end of each
production year. The monthly entries relate to a significant model
change that year (for example, fitting larger engine).
CHASSIS NOs
October 1952 20-035 112
1952 20-041 712
March 1953 20-047 102
January 1954 20-069 409
1954 20-069 604
March 1955 20-117 902
1955 20-160 716
1956 223 217
1957 315 209
August 1958 374 811
1958 423 156
June 1959 469 506
1959 551 631
May 1960 614 456
1960 705 619
August 1961 802 986
1961 882 314
August 1962 971 550
1962 1 048 085
August 1963 1 114 282
1963 1 222 500
August 1964 to 1 328 871
from 215 000 001
October 1964 215 036 651
1964 215 082 480
August 1965 216 000 001
1965 216 083 207
August 1966 217 000 001
August 1967 to 217 148 459
COLOURS GALORE
When it came to colour choice, the Type 2 has always fared well compared
to other commercial vehicles, with a reasonably wide range of paint and
trim colours being available. Models 211-216, 231-238 and 261-274 were
only available in a single body colour, whereas models 221-228, 241-251,
281 and 285 were sold with two tone paint schemes.
Some of the colour combinations on the two-tone models have become
classics in their own right ... who can deny that an early bus in two-
tone Sealing Wax Red and Chestnut Brown looks absolutely beautiful?
Remember, all commercials came unpainted on the internal bodywork:
greyish primer is all you got from the factory.
TWO-TONE MODELS (221-228, 241-251, 281, 285):
March 1950 to February 1955 (up to chass no 20-117 901)
Body
(below)
L75 Light Beige L221 Stone Grey L53 Sealing Wax Red
(above)
L76 Brown-Beige L221 Stone Grey L73 Chestnut Brown
Upholstery
Beige* Beige*/Black** Black**
* Models 221-228, 281, 285
** Models 241-251
March 1955 to July 1958 (from chassis no 20-117 902 to 374 810)
Body
(below)
L311 Sand Green L260 Sand Grey L53 Sealing Wax Red
(above)
L312 Palm Green L260 Sand Grey L73 Chestnut Brown
Upholstery
Soft Green* Light Brown Light Brown**
* Models 221-228, 281, 285
** Models 241-251
August 1958 to February 1961 (from chassis 374 811 to 749 000)
Body
(below)
L346 Mango Green L21 Pearl Grey L53 Sealing Wax Red
(above)
L347 Sea Gull Grey L21 Pearl Grey L472 Beige-Grey
Upholstery
Caramel Brown Caramel Brown* Blue Grey**
Blue Grey**
* Models 221-228, 281, 285
** Models 241-251
March 1961 to July 1964 (from chassis 749 001 to 1 328 871)
Body
(below)
L380 Turquoise L325 Mouse Grey L53 Sealing Wax Red
(above)
L289 Blue-White L87 Pearl White L472 Beige-Grey
Upholstery
Como Green Basalt Grey Basalt Grey*
Silver Beige**
* Models 221-228, 281, 285
** Models 241-251
August 1964 to July 1965 (from chassis 225 000 001 to 225 190 000)
Body
(below)
L289 Blue-White L289 Blue-White L472 Beige-Grey
(above)
L360 Sea Blue L512 Velvet Green L53 Sealing Wax Red
Upholstery
Mesh Grey Mesh Grey Mesh Grey
August 1965 (from chassis no 226 000 001)
Body
(below)
L360 Sea Blue L512 Velvet Green L555 Titian
(above)
L680 Cumulus White L87 Pearl White L472 Beige-Grey
Upholstery
Mesh Grey* Mesh Grey* Mesh Grey*
Papyrus White** Mesh Platinum** Mesh Platinum**
Body (continued)
(below)
L282 Lotus White
(above)
L282 Lotus White
Upholstery (continued)
Aero Balearic*
Mesh Grey*
* Models 221-228, 281, 285
** Models 241-251
SINGLE-COLOUR MODELS (211-216, 231-238):
March 1950 to July 1958 (up to chassis no 374 810)
Body Upholstery
L21 Pearl Grey Black
L22 Medium Grey Black
L28 Grey** Black
L31 Dove Blue Black
L62 Ivory** Black
L73 Chestnut Brown Black
L76 Brown-Beige* Black
* Up to chassis no 46 563
** From chassis no 46 564
August 1958 to July 1963 (chassis nos 374 811 to 1 144 281)
Body Upholstery
L31 Dove Blue Grey
L53 Sealing Wax Red* Grey
L62 Ivory Grey
L87 Pearl White** Grey
L345 Light Grey Grey
L380 Turquoise** Grey
L456 Ruby Red** Grey
* Up to chassis no 835 178
** From chassis no 835 179
>From August 1963 to July 1964 (chassis nos 1 144 282 to 1 328 271)
Body Upholstery
L31 Dove Blue Grey
L62 Ivory Grey
L87 Pearl White Grey
L345 Light Grey Grey
L380 Turquoise Grey
L456 Ruby Red Grey
>From August 1964 (chassis no 215 000 001)
Body Upholstery
L31 Dove Blue Mesh Grey
L87 Pearl White Mesh Grey
L345 Light Grey Mesh Grey
L512 Velvet Green Mesh Grey
L567 Ivory Grey
When you ordered your basic Type 2, it was possible to specify a
multitude of options, ranging numerically from M16 (pick-up with double
cab) to M623 (fully suppresed electrical equipment for police use).
In between was a whole host of options which could be ordered thereby
transforming the bare VW into what amounted to a custom-built vehicle.
However, not all options were available in every market or on every type
vehicle. After all, you could hardly order a high-roofed delivery van
option for your pick-up. Here then is the full range of options ...
or 'M' numbers that could be specified on pre-'68 Type 2s.
If this doesn't keep you occupied for a few minutes, nothing will!
Happy Hunting.
M OPTIONAL EXTRA TYPE MARKET
M16 Pick-up with double cab 265-268
M20 Speedometer in miles 211-274 Export
M24 Sealed beam headlights/ 211-274 USA, Canada
red tail lights
M30 coupled headlight flasher 211-274 Austria
and license plate light
M33 with additional rear flashers 211-274 Italy, Austria
M36 Warning light - parking 211-274 Italy
light, indicators,
modified handbrake lever
M46 with side flashing indicator 211-271 Denmark
M47 with reversing light 211-274
M56 with steering/ignition lock 211-274
M70 Tilt for pick-up 261-264
M72 Roof lining (leatherette) 221-228
M75 Mudflaps 211-274
M80 Divided cab partition 211,213,215,
231,233,235,237
M81 Divided cab partition 221,223,225,241
M90 Laminated windscreen 211-274 Export
M92 Gear ratios for mountainous 211-274 Export
regions
M106 Heavy-duty shock absorbers 211-274
M113 Hinged (Safari) windscreen 211-274 Export
M114 Six hinged side windows 221-244,271-274 Export
M119 Eberspacher petrol heater 211-244
M123 with suppression equipment 211-274 Export
M124 Yellow headlights 211-274 Export
M127 Rear panel without window 211-238
M132 Hinged (Safari) windscreen - 211-274 Export
laminated
M140 Fire truck 231,235
M142 Laminated side windows 221-238 Export
M143 Laminated side windows 241,244 Export
M144 Laminated side windows 271-274 Export
M145 with safety lock for sliding 211
door
M150 Ambulance to German spec 271
DIN 75 080
M151 Eberspacher petrol heater 271-274
M152 Rear panel lid with extension 271-274
M155 Air cleaner with additional 211-274 Export
filter
M165 Larger air filter 211-274 Export
M161 Sliding door 211,213,214
M162 Sliding door 215,216
M163 Sliding door 221-228
M164 Sliding door 241,244
M168 with 88Ah battery 211-274
M169 Sliding door 231-238
M172 Visible location of reservoir 211-271 Benelux
M175 Bumper guards 211-244,271-274 Export
M176 Bumper guards 261-264 Export
M178 Speed limiter for 1200 engines 211-274
M183 Divided cab partition 214,216,234,238
M184 Divided cab partition 224,228,244
M194 Larger outer mirror 211-274
M196 Headlamps for left-hand traffic 211-274 Export *
M199 Swiveling driver's seat 211,213,214,Camper
M200 Pick-up with extended platform 261-264
M201 Pick-up with enlarged wooden 261-264
platform
M203 Eberspacher petrol heater for 265-268
dbl cab
M207 Tilt for double cab pick-up 265-268
M208 Vehicles with trailer 211-274
M215 1 tonne payload and 1.5-litre 211-216,231-238,
engine** 261-264
M216 1.5-litre engine** 211-274
M220 limited slip differential 211-274
M221 High-roof delivery van with 213,214
sales flap
M222 High-roof delivery van 211,213,214
M240 Engine with low compression 211-274
pistons
M502 Lining - side panel (hardboard) 211,231,235
M503 Lining - roof (hardboard) 211-216,231
M620 12v electrical system*** 211-274
M621 Emergency light relay 211-264
M623 12v electrical system 211-271 Police
(suppressed)
* Markets such as UK, etc.
** Standard from October 1964
*** Standard from August 1966
