THE BACKSTORY
From useful workhorse to a way of life.
The split-window bus started with a practical purpose and found a place in popular culture.
A practical beginning
Volkswagen began series production of the first Transporter in March 1950. Known today as the T1, its compact, adaptable shape served businesses, families, and travelers.
A familiar silhouette
The divided front windshield became a defining feature. The T1 era in Germany ran through 1967; production histories differ by country, so a single end date does not describe every bus.
Why it still resonates
For Splitty Life, the appeal is both visual and social: distinctive vehicles and the people who enjoy them together. We celebrate that shared enthusiasm through original apparel and stories.
Further reading: Volkswagen Vans — Transporter history
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