Volkswagen’s bus is one of the most recognizable vehicles ever made. The VW bus wasn’t only a hit in post-war Germany, as its popularity stretched across the Atlantic to the U.S., where it became a counterculture icon of the 1960s. Though it had its U.S. heyday in the 1960s, the van’s history stretches before and after this time period, with tons of enthusiasts and collectors all around the world.
Known in the U.S. as the VW Bus and in the U.K. as the VW Camper, the official name for the vehicle is the Transporter. This name for the VW bus is especially fitting, as the vehicle quickly became popular for its ability to carry large groups of people. With the automobile’s huge influence on the countercultural movements of the 1960s and its striking design, it’s easy to see how the iconic VW bus evolved through the years.
Known as a Type 2 Transporter, the trucks were introduced in early 1950 and was one of the most advanced commercial vehicles of the time due to its frameless unit-body construction, which had more than 10,000 welds.
Because the Transporter was derived from the Beetle, VW engineers purposely shared their mechanical components as much as possible for supply simplicity and reduced costs. The four-speed manual transmissions and air-cooled boxer four-cylinder engines (1,200-, 1,300-, and 1,500cc’s) powered both vehicles through 1967, which was the Transporter’s last year with split-windshield styling. Despite being chronically underpowered, the Bus and its variants’ curb weights were kept down, and VW engineers equipped them with reduction boxes. These boxes contained two extra gears on the ends of both rear axles that reduced the transmission’s final drive ratio to a basement-level 5.73:1; this allowed for a respectable 3/4-ton payload capacity but limited top speed to 50-65 mph, depending on engine size. The Beetle also donated its basic four-wheel independent suspension with enclosed torsion bars, suitably modified for heavy-duty use.
Both Volkswagen models underwent a gradual metamorphosis, evolving only as engineering refinements or safety regulations decreed. The medium-sized Transporter proved popular for both commercial and private use. The box-on-wheels could be had as a basic panel van, a work/personal Kombi van with removable seats (1950), a deluxe “Samba” bus that seated eight (1951), and in 1952, as a Single-Cab truck (a factory-built three-door Double Cab would follow in 1959). The VW Pick Up bed was lined with oak strips, earning the German nickname “Pritschenwagen,” and designed as a platform with no wheel-arch intrusions. Its folding side and tail drop-gates gave the vehicle amazing flexibility for loading and hauling. The locking compartment under the bed, situated between the engine compartment and the cab, and popularly known as the “treasure chest,” offered another 20 square feet of weatherproof storage. Single Cab and Double Cab Pick Ups could even be optioned with a bed-mounted metal and wood frame that was covered with a fitted canvas tarpaulin.
In ten years of production, the 1962 Pick Up had gained engine displacement, grown a full-length dashboard, new bumpers and DOT-appeasing lamps, received a better fresh-air ventilation system and minor sheetmetal refinements.
We drive them everywhere & it’s a blast, even with the old school 4 speed transmission, no air conditioning or power steering
If you give us a honk on the road and we are in the OG just know her horn doesn’t work, we will try to give you a peace sign
We have the best VW mechanic located in Safety Harbor, Florida & we call him the “VW Whisperer” & when either VW visits we to it as a “Spa Retreat”
Posies fleet ranges from 1960 to 1971 & are all German made
There’s a large Florida based VW group called Local Volks that all of the girls belong to
The trucks have a sister from another mister, a 1965 VW Camper Bus named Sky #skyvwbus
Summertime Mode 🏖️🌴🕶️
We have something new in the works, just for our flower fans! Fun announcement coming soon 🔜 - we pinky promise! 💕
Find us all summer:
@armatureworks_tampa - INSIDE!
Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-8pm
@stpetepier Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 10am-6pm - Parked at the Pier Marketplace!
@hydeparkvillage Friday & Saturday, 11am-3pm - at our favorite fountain!
#posiesflowertruck #summervibes☀️ #flowers #subscriptions #tampa
Jun 3
We are so grateful for all your tags & pics! You keep our systematic groove alive—never ever stop doing your thing! 😘 (If you watch to the end Posie just might dance!) 🍄☮️
#flowerpower #posiesflowertruck #flowers #tampabay #dancingmachine
May 30
Back again this week! Lilac!
@armatureworks_tampa
Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-8pm
@hydeparkvillage
Friday & Saturday, 11am-3pm
@stpetepier
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 10am-6pm
@fatbeetfarm
Sunday, 9am-11am
May 28
Departure: @stpetepier (SPP) 6:30:pm Arrival: Oldsmar (ODR) 7:20pm
“This is your captain speaking, we’d like to thank you for choosing Air Posies, we are set for departure, buckle up and replace your tray tables to their upright position. There is a little traffic on the taxiway ahead of us we should be taking off in about 10 minutes”.
We do a last check of instrumentation, pedals are good, parking brake released, stick is good, gauges are mostly good, no fuel reading, yeah there should be enough fuel for this flight.
There are storms reaching 30,000 feet, rain to the east, strong winds and lightning. We make a flight path choice to go around the thunderheads keeping them at 3 o’clock. The result will have little change in fuel consumption or arrival time.
We clear two check points (Bayshore & Beach Drive) and roll out to the runway (5th Ave. N.)
“This is your captain again; we are cleared for takeoff, we hope you enjoy your flight with Air Posies.” @flytpa - a new airline just dropped! ✈️ 🛻 🌼
May 26
Fresh cut Lilac • Stunning Hydrangeas • Peonies • Ranunculus • Tulips • Eucalyptus • Gerbera • Daisy Flowers • Garden Roses • Unique Gifts & more!
Everything you need to craft the most beautiful sweet smelling bouquet with sprinkled gifts! Our sweet trucks are always filled with the best of the best with a few hidden surprises each week! This time it’s Lilac!
@armatureworks_tampa
Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-8pm
Inside!
@hydeparkvillage
Friday & Saturday, 11am-3pm
Parked at our favorite fountain!
@stpetepier
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 10am-6pm
Parked @ the Market, near the entrance!
May 23
“We didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.” — Winnie the Pooh
May 20
There truly aren’t enough words to express the gratitude we’re feeling today. To everyone who chose us for your Mother’s Day flowers and gifts—thank you for letting us be a small part of your most special moments. From the energy of Armature Works, the constant flow at Hyde Park Village to the quiet beauty of the St. Pete Pier and Starkey Market, you showed up for us in the most incredible way, leaving us with empty trucks but overflowing hearts. Our entire Posies family is sending so much love back to you. 💕
#posiesflowertruck #tampabay #thankful #flowerpower
May 11
“Do I smell Freesias?” “Why yes, yes you do Miranda, as a matter of fact all weekend long!” 😂 (on the trucks this weekend while supply lasts)
#posiesflowertruck #devilwearsprada2 #welovefreesia
May 1
Get ready for a pop of color! This week`s truck picks are PEONYS, Ranunculus, Hydrangeas, and more! Visit us at @armatureworks_tampa (Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-8pm) and @hydeparkvillage (Friday & Saturday, 11am to 3pm). We`ll be back at the Pier next week!
#posiesflowertruck #flowers #tampabay #flowerpower
Apr 28
Spent Earth Day 🌎 with a wonderful group of HCC college students crafting stunning flower crowns! Grateful to have been included!
Apr 23
@stpetepier always brings the magic! 🤩 Check out what Friday had in store for us 👀
#posiesflowertruck
#localart #stpetepier #stpetepiermarketplace #artists
Apr 10
Sure the flowers are stunning but what about the trucks?
@armatureworks_tampa - inside our cute shop where flowers and merch make everyone happy, Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm
@stpetepier - where the iconic Pier meets Posies every Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 10am-6pm
@hydeparkvillage - it wouldn’t be the weekend without meeting at our favorite fountain every Friday & Saturday like clockwork, 11am-3pm!
Apr 10
Happy Easter! 🐣🌷🐇
@stpetepier 10am-6pm
@armatureworks_tampa 10am-8pm
Apr 5
Simple things are the best things! 🌷🐰 🐣
Easter flowers activated!
@armatureworks_tampa inside our cute shop all weekend 10am to 8pm
@hydeparkvillage Friday & Saturday, 11am until every pretty stem is gone
@stpetepier all weekend, 10am to 6pm, Easter flowers in full posies bloom!
Apr 3
We had to play!
Some of the girls along their amazing lives! They can all share from 1960, 70, 80, 90’s right up to 2026. (Funny how they all look better as Posies Flower Trucks! It sure would be fun to have some factory pictures!)
What an honor and privilege it is to keep this flower power fleet working. Enjoy!
Mar 28
Sunday Morning Vibes
🌷 🌼 🌹 🛻 ☀️ 💕
@dicoffeebar 10am-2pm
@stpetepier 10am-6pm
@armatureworks_tampa 10am-8pm
Mar 22
When life gives you a stunning table in Tampa`s most iconic landmark, make it a floral extravaganza!
#armatureworks #posiesflowertruck #tablescaping #flowers
Mar 19
Posies zig zagging across Tampa Bay all day! Who has seen us flying by?
@vinoyresort @metwestinternational @stpetepier @armatureworks_tampa @hydeparkvillage
Mar 16
How does so much beauty come from one little truck?
Simple, the hard work and creativity of our amazing Posies family who endure rain, traffic, heat and hard work for the love of creating something beautiful. Forever in love with what we do - for you! 💕 🌼 🛻
#posiesflowertruck #flowerlover #flowerpower
Mar 13
Plain & Simple - Thank you!
#posiesflowertruck #flowerpower #thankful #community #weekendfun
Mar 9
Currently servicing Tampa Bay, Armature Works, Orlando, Winter Park, Bradenton, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Trinity & most Florida communities & cities!
© 2025 The Original Posies Flower Truck™
Developed by Thunder Media Group & It’s Pretty Sweet
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