Car ( Or in this case, Bus ): Volkswagen Type 2 ( Bus )

Year: 1975

What makes it special: Volkswagen’s Type 2, known officially depending on body type as the Transporter, Kombi or Microbus, or, informally, as the Bus in the US or Camper in the UK, is a forward control panel van introduced in 1950 by the German automaker as its second car model, following and initially deriving from Volkswagen’s first model, the Type 1 Beetle, giving it the factory designation of Type 2. In late 1967, the second generation of the Volkswagen Type 2 (T2) was introduced. It was built in Germany until 1979. Models before 1971 are often called the T2a or “Early Bay”, while models after 1972 are called the T2b or “Late Bay”.

What made it famous: This second-generation Type 2 lost its distinctive split front windshield, and was slightly larger and considerably heavier than its predecessor. The T2b was introduced by way of gradual change over three years. The first models featured rounded bumpers incorporating a step for use when the door was open replaced by indented bumpers without steps on later models, front doors that opened to 90° from the body, no lip on the front guards, unique engine hatches, and crescent air intakes in the D-pillars. By 1974, the T2 had gained its final shape. In 1972, for the 1973 model year, exterior revisions included relocated front turn indicators, squared off and set higher in the valance, above the headlights. Also, square-profiled bumpers, which became standard until the end of the T2 in 1979, were introduced in 1973. The 1975 and later U.S. model years received Bosch L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection as standard equipment; the Type 4 engine was enlarged to 1.8 L and 50 kW DIN. 

Why I would want one: Though they’re no street threat to anyone ( except maybe racing a jogger), they are just fun to drive, and make you smile when you see them.

Fun fact: Like the Beetle, the van has received numerous nicknames worldwide, including the “microbus”, “minibus,” and, because of its popularity during the counterculture movement of the 1960’s, “Hippie Van/Bus” has become its most popular.

Car: Ford Fairlane Victoria Hardtop

Year: 1956

What makes it special: The Ford line of cars gained a new body beginning with 1955 to keep up with the surging Chevrolet. The 1955 Fords were marketed under separate names for each of the three trim levels: Ford Mainline, Ford Customline and Ford Fairlane. The eggcrate grille featured on the 1955 cars was widened into a series of rectangles for 1956, but this subtle exterior change was nothing compared to Ford’s adoption of a 12-volt electrical system across the line. There were new convenience options, such as a new air-conditioner system, a new heater, and a nine-tube signal-seeking radio. Instead of gauges, instrument cluster warning lights for oil pressure and ammeter were standard.

What made it famous: Ford also began selling “Lifeguard Design” safety features, equipping all models with dished steering wheel, breakaway rearview mirror, and crashproof door locks, padded dash and sunvisors cost extra, as did factory-installed seatbelts. Victoria hardtop coupes now adopted the lower, sleeker roofline used by both 1955 and 1956 Crown Victoria, sans the wide chrome roof trim. Engine choices consisted of the 272 V8 delivering 173 horsepower. A new 312 cid “Thunderbird” unit with 215/225 horsepower was ­optional across the board, and a midrange 292 cid V8 offered 200 horsepower.

Why I would want one: Absolutely the best-looking body style of the 1950 era Fords. Love the wraparound windshield, moderate use of chrome and potent engine options.

Fun fact: Buyers When it came to the seatbelt options, buyers responded early in the model year, but the rush to seat-belts overtaxed Ford’s supplier, so only 20 percent of the 1956’s got them