Cargo Carriers: Volkswagen Sunagon

The Volkswagen Sunagon, or rather, the Vanagon, is actually the Volkswagen Transporter. Specifically, the third generation Volkswagen Type 2. The complete name then is the Volkswagen Type 2 (T3). It was still called the various names from before such as the Transporter, Caravelle, Microbus and Vanagon.

Yep, it is confusing when you just call it by name. For the sake of this post, let’s call it what it is in Hot Wheels’ version, the Sunagon. The name which is actually a pun taken from the high-raising roof, a.k.a. “to the sun”.

As with the previous Transporters before it, the Type 2 (T3) initially featured a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine. Later versions did have water-cooled engines as well. However, the Sunagon was loosely based on the Westfalia Camper version which is the one that came with a raised roof, a refrigerator, a stove and a sink. Exactly what you would expect when you hear the word “Camper”. From there, the car evolved and gave birth to the Club Joker in 1981. In the United States, however, the Type 2 (T3) was better known by the Vanagon name. A term coined by VW when marketing executives decided to mash together the words van and station wagon. The reason for this is probably because of the popularity of station wagons as opposed to vans in the U.S.

The Sunagon that I have is a retooled casting for the Car Culture Cargo Carriers. The original casting was from 1982 and was designed by the legendary Larry Wood. In 2011, it was given an update where it debuted in the Hot Wheels Hot Ones. I like this one that I have. As expected from a Car Culture vehicle, it has details aplenty. Detailed headlights and taillights, nicely painted woody panels and marked door handles. The faded yellow color screams 1970s and it fits the car perfectly. Let’s not foget the red colored roof that lifts up to highlight the Transporter’s camper roots. Metal base adds the needed heft for this van. The Real Rider wheels complete the package and if you close your eyes, you can imagine yourself going on a road trip with this retro sweetness of a ride. It is an excellent addition to my collection which are mostly JDMs and Euro sports cars.

Cargo Carriers: VW T1 Panel Bus

The Volkswagen T1 Panel Bus has been a favorite collector piece for a long time. And while this is not the only Volkswagen bus that Hot Wheels has in their stable, it is one of my favorites. It retains that shape of the standard van. Windowless and slab-sided. However, it has a low-rider stance where it almost scrapes the floor. And as far as I can tell, based on my research, this has not come out as a mainline car. That means that all the variants of the casting thus far, are on metal bases and Real Rider wheels.

The VW T1 Panel bus is based on the Volkswagen Type 2. It is a van deep in its metal skin. The Type 2 came in several variants and were called different names depending on where in the world you are. It was called a Transporter, a Kombi, a Microbus, a Bus, a Camper and many other names. The Type 2 was introduced way back in 1950. It has achieved cult status in many countries for different reasons – unfortunately, some of those reasons were not as “good” as some people see. It was rear-engine and air-cooled. It evolved quite a bit from its utilitarian roots to become a proper people mover. Nostalgia probably helped to keep the timeless appeal of the Panel Bus, and the best examples of these vans are still alive and kicking now in 2021.

The Mooneyes Volkswagen T1 Panel Bus that Hot Wheels gives us is nothing really new. Or at least it is not something unexpected from the brand not the livery it carries. And that could potentially affect its collectability. Both the T1 Panel Bus as a vehicle and Mooneyes as a brand have their own respective following. Whether or not more people would want it is something that will drive the price of this piece after its release.

Volkswagen T2 Pickup

The Volkswagen T2 or Volkswagen Type 2 is one of the most iconic cars ever. Also called a Transporter, a Kombi, a Camper, and a Bus among other endearing names. This new release by Hot Wheels gives us the Pickup version in all its resto-mod glory.

It’s got custom bumpers, side skirts, and is built as a flatbed with lowered suspension. The front fascia is still unmistakably a Volkswagen Bus, but the stance alone tells you that it is something special. The first time I saw this on the pegs I immediately grabbed it and bought it. It is something that has a visual impact that catches your eye. It gives off a feeling that it is something familiar and different at the same time.

Unfortunately, I was never able to get my hands on the Super Treasure Hunt version released in the Volkswagen series in 2019. Still, I’m pretty happy with this normal version.