1956 Vw Split Window The Family Kombi

From the outset, I have to state that this is my dream car and therefore it has special significance for me. I regrettably spurned the opportunity of buying myself one 10 years ago in the hope that I would find one in a better condition. I could not have imagined that the price I would have paid then has multiplied by a factor of at least 30. It is for this reason that I followed this 1956 VW Split Window kombi home 5 years ago but no amount of money will buy it, as youll soon find out.

By: Karl Eriksen Pics: Black Jet Camaro

It is not often that one comes across a special vehicle like this that has only been owned by one person. Archie Van Aardt bought this Kombi in 1956 from the very VW factory that he worked at in Uitenhage. He said that they started producing them the year before but there was such a waiting list that he only got one about a year later. So, with his discount, he paid 750 pounds (R1500 back then) for it which is less than he recently paid to have all the tyres replaced.

He has diligently kept a record of its petrol consumption since that time, covering all the 193659 miles it has clocked up. It may not look like it but there have been changes as Archie says, The original colour was blue as all the Kombis that Volkswagen built were blue. Then, about six years ago he had the rust removed and had it baked grey at Westcliff School of Skills in Tokai. Furthermore, in 1992 he replaced the original 1200cc engine with a 1600cc and converted its 6-volt electrical system to a 12-volt one. It also has an automatic choke and an electronic ignition system from a 2-litre Kombi that replaced the points and condenser.

The original choke can be found just under the front seat where the reserve petrol knob is also to be found. It wasnt issued with a petrol gauge so when you ran out of petrol, you pulled the reserve knob and found the nearest garage. Archie has since added a gauge and rev counter/motor minder. The original indicators were the arm type ones that flicked up out of the side of the body and they never really worked properly.

Archie closed these up and added indicators from a later model. Also, the front axle was replaced and this afforded him the opportunity to improve the drum brakes which were dismal. Archie says that at the time, VW said one shouldnt travel faster than 50 miles an hour as it took such a long time to come to a stop. Then, he replaced the original drum shoes with wider ones and it now brakes perfectly. The rear axle and transmission have also been replaced.

The original interior door trimming was painted hardboard and this was covered in red vinyl. Archie would replace the seat coverings whenever they deteriorated due to the sun. The VW emblem on the front was originally a white one and this was replaced by a chrome version from the deluxe model version. It did not come with a radio back then or the six speakers under the seats that help lubricate long monotonous journeys.

The other noticeable change is that he cut out the rear wheel arches and the reason for this is particularly interesting. Many years ago, Archie used to off-road in the sand with it and he would attach an extra set of wheels to the back, hence the cut-out. He did this by adapting a set of wheels so that he could bolt them on when he needed to.

The front wheels were widened and Archie says it could go where beach buggies couldnt go, they would be stuck in the sand and hed pass them by. Archie says his Kombi has never been in a garage as all the work he has done himself. He grew up on a farm and worked on all the vehicles so although not a qualified mechanic, he has vast experience in the field. These days his son-in-law Johan helps him with the maintenance.

Furthermore, when it comes to adventures, this kombi has had a few as it used to travel up to the Free State and the whole family would sleep in it. Its been driven by his grandson to the Orange River with nine students in it and done numerous trips to Hartenbos with a trailer. It also used to do trips to Hermanus with the Cape Kombi Club. Johan says that when it hits 60 miles, it just keeps on going, no matter whats inside or being towed behind.

Sitting in the passenger seat on the way to the photo shoot, it reached 60 miles an hour effortlessly. Looking through the split window with the accompanying bumps of the road is like going down an airport runway in a vintage plane without wings.

Im sure hell forgive me for saying so but Archie is no spring chicken anymore which is why he is no longer able to drive. His family drive it quite often though with strict instructions to update the log book. Its the family heirloom which is why it wont be sold and will be inherited by one of the grandsons. Johan wants to keep a record of its history so that its past will not be lost. Unfortunately, Archies computer where he stored all the pictures, packed up so some of its photographic histories is lost. With it being kept in the family, new history will combine with the old as a new generation extends its rich tapestry.

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