Classic VW Camper Bus Hits the Rails
Remember the boxy charm of the classic Volkswagen T1 bus? Well, VW Commercial Vehicles has resurrected another gem, but with a twist. This isn’t your average road-tripping camper; it’s a rail car. Dubbed the Klv-20, this unique vehicle combines the iconic T1’s body with a railway chassis, offering a very different take on a Volkswagen Microbus adventure.
This isn’t a futuristic concept, but a blast from the past. The Klv-20 first emerged 70 years ago. It’s a testament to classic design and practical engineering that began in 1954.
A Work Vehicle for the Rails
Developed in 1954 to serve Germany’s Deutsche Bundesbahn (DB) railway, the Klv-20 was designed to be a compact service vehicle. Instead of developing a new ground-up design, the railway commissioned a VW Transporter rail car. Two manufacturers, Martin Beilhack and Waggon & Maschinenbau GmbH, built 30 of these unique vehicles.
Each Klv-20 combined a T1 Kombi van body with a 28-hp Volkswagen industrial engine and a rail chassis. A hydraulic lift-turning mechanism allowed the car to be rotated 180 degrees, so that it could be sent back to its origin without reversing.
To conform to railway regulations, the T1’s iconic round headlights were removed and blanked out. Two white front lights were installed above the split windshield, and a single red light was added at the rear.
The model showcased by VW Classics, built by Beilhack, served in DB’s Plattling/Bavaria rail and signal maintenance depots. These vehicles remained in service until the 1970s.
Design and Features
The T1 car is powered by a four-stroke petrol boxer engine and a four-speed manual transmission including a reverse gear. Power is transmitted to the 550-mm (23-in) steel rail wheels via lateral oscillating axles. Stopping power comes from a pedal-activated oil-hydraulic shoe brake.
The body is attached to the steel chassis with rubber mountings and houses three upholstered benches for seven passengers. Like a regular van, the rear benches can be removed to increase cargo space.
Modern Revival
This past spring, Volkswagen put the Klv-20 back on the tracks for a scenic tour in Central Germany, delivering a dramatic effect over the Lengenfeld Viaduct.
In June, the Klv-20 was presented during VW Bus Day and is now part of Volkswagen’s classic vehicle collection in Hanover. The unique scenic tour video is available online.
