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For years, Volkswagen bugs and buses were refined and improved, but eventually VW realized that
they had gone about as far as they could with a design that still had strong roots in the early 1950's.
So with excitment and a little trepidation, Volkswagen un-veiled completely re-designed versions of their
ever-popular bug and bus models for 1968. The new bus (or "Transporter") was very "modern" and a huge
departure from the beloved, old, "split-window" bus. This new bus was dubbed the "Bay Window" bus because it
sported a huge curved one-piece! windshield that was like a "bay window", compared to the old split window
bus with its 2 panes of flat glass. The new Bay Window bus was big, roomy, "cushy", luxurious - and the
front cab had roll-down windows instead of sliders - uber-modern! For its new Bay Window Bus,
Volkswagen designed an all new half-shaft suspension that gave a very comfortable ride, and a new 1600cc engine
to match the Bay's increased weight. Like the old splittie bus, the Bay Window bus was offered
in Microbus, Panel Van, Single Cab, Double Cab, and even Westfalia Camper configurations,
and now the side sliding cargo door was standard, instead of being just an option like it had been in
later split-window buses. Long over-looked by restorers and Volkswagen fans, the ubiquitous Bay Window has
really started to gain notice in the last several years. In addition, the after-market parts houses are offering
more Bay Window restoration parts every year, making a quality restoration of a classic Volkswagen
Bay Window bus a lot easier.
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