AutoCult Kohlruss VW T1 Samba Bulli „Der kleine Mozart“ (1955) (Germany/Austria)

About the Original

The Austrian Interpretation

On March 8, 1950, the production of the Type 2, T1, or designated as “Kombi” by official word usage, was started. At the first International Motor Show after the Second World War in April 1951, the version named “Sonderausführung” (German for “Special Version”) – popularly known as “Samba” was presented to the public for the first time at the VW exhibition stand.

One of those who recognized quite early that these buses offered a first-class travel vehicle for small groups was probably Hans Kohlruss. With his VW Steyr, the Austrian had earned a good reputation – especially in his homeland. He also offered VW buses, which he modified himself with a series of small windows, including two roof windows over the front area.

In the mid-1950s, the Viennese manufactory created its own interpretation of the Samba buses and at first glance it was not easy to identify the Austrian offshoots from the German original. A small, rectangular company emblem on both sides behind the front wheels was the only proof of the Viennese specialty. In addition, the small factory also left the original VW logo at the front. However, if the customer wanted this to be replaced by a customized one, this was possible as well – as with the “little Mozart”.