Back in 1967, when you thought of pickup trucks, iconic American brands like Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet likely dominated your vision. These were the kings of the road, known for their robust V8 engines and a legacy built over decades of hard work and customer loyalty. While other brands like International and Toyota were in the mix, they couldn’t quite match the popularity and almost mythical status of these “Big Three.” The American automakers were in constant competition, pushing boundaries with payload capacity, towing power, and innovative features, all to outdo each other. But amidst this landscape of familiar giants, a unique contender emerged from an unexpected place: Volkswagen.
This might seem surprising, as Volkswagen isn’t the first name that springs to mind when discussing pickup trucks. Yet, this German manufacturer, primarily known for its cars, crafted a pickup that, in several respects, could be argued as a superior alternative. When encountering this vehicle, a blend of truck and van aesthetics, it naturally sparks curiosity. The immediate question that arises is whether it’s a custom modification or a genuine Volkswagen creation. This intriguing vehicle is indeed a factory-produced Volkswagen Pickup Truck, a testament to the brand’s innovative spirit and willingness to explore different vehicle forms.
The design of the Volkswagen pickup truck was inherently linked to its van platform, resulting in a distinct form factor compared to traditional American pickups. Reflecting the Volkswagen van design, the driver sits above the front wheels, with a rear-mounted, 40-horsepower air-cooled engine. Notably, it lacked 4×4 or all-wheel-drive options, features commonly associated with American trucks. While these aspects might seem like disadvantages when compared to its American counterparts, the Volkswagen pickup truck compensated with a range of remarkable advantages. A key feature is its bed, equipped with fold-down sides and a perfectly flat loading floor. Thanks to its smaller wheels, the bed floor sits at a height comparable to conventional pickups, simplifying the loading and unloading of cargo. This design element alone makes the Volkswagen remarkably efficient for hauling goods. Furthermore, it incorporates two spacious underbody storage compartments, ideal for securely storing tools and equipment, shielded from the elements. Even by today’s standards, this vintage Volkswagen pickup truck could serve as a surprisingly effective and efficient work vehicle, particularly for specific applications that value ease of loading and smart storage.
Looking closely at the driver’s side door of this particular Volkswagen pickup truck, faded lettering reveals “Alto Manufacturing Company, Chicago IL.” This detail tells a story of the truck’s origin as a work vehicle for Alto, a steel manufacturing firm. It’s likely that the low, flat load floor was a significant factor in Alto choosing this Volkswagen pickup truck for their operations, perfectly suited for handling steel and manufactured goods. The condition of the truck bed, when acquired by its current owner Chris, clearly indicated years of dedicated service to Alto, proving its worth as a robust workhorse. After its retirement from industrial duties, the truck eventually made its way to Florida, where Chris discovered and purchased it sight unseen. Drawn by its exceptional condition despite its history of hard labor and the intriguing company connection, Chris knew he had to own this unique Volkswagen pickup. The original paint, with its distinctive patina, was exactly the aesthetic he appreciated. Upon receiving the truck, Chris undertook essential maintenance, replacing the bed floor and ensuring its mechanical reliability. Since then, he has been regularly driving this remarkable 50-year-old Volkswagen pickup truck, a testament to its enduring quality and appeal.
In its current chapter, this 1967 Volkswagen pickup truck is far removed from hauling heavy steel for a manufacturing company. Instead, it now sports period-correct surfboards mounted above its bed, creating a captivating juxtaposition of American industrial history and California surf culture. Chris and his wife, Lori, now primarily use it for leisurely drives to car shows and weekend ice cream runs. This vintage Volkswagen pickup truck, once a work-focused vehicle, has transitioned into a cherished classic, embodying a unique blend of practicality and retro charm. Apex Auto would like to extend gratitude to Chris and Lori Klish for sharing their exceptional 1967 Volkswagen T1 Pickup Truck.
