NO.15 Volkswagen MICROBUS

---

  Lone Star’s VW Microbus was Introduced in 1966 as one of the first 8 Impy models. This is an attractive model of Volkswagen’s Type 2 Microbus and is based on the 23 window Deluxe Samba model which was initially designed for touring the Swiss Alps – hence the large number of windows! VW issued this Deluxe model in attractive two-tone paint schemes which enhanced the vehicles distinctive sweeping curves . Sadly Lone Star opted for single solid colours only.

The Impy models initially had opening side doors, rear hatch and engine cover which revealed a nicely detailed engine. On very early models the side doors did not have the small latch to aid the opening of the doors. Early models also had the base held in place by a rectangular clasp which was later changed to a rivet. Another notable change was the blanking out of the rear two quarter lights, presumably to simplify the casting process. 

A complication with this model was that it did not fit in the standard Impy window box (I1) used for the other cars. A new larger box (I1L) had to be specially produced which must have also caused a need for new larger ‘outer’ trade boxes too. Packaging for this larger VW model would continue to cause problems. . . 

Flyers cars were initially issued in an adapted version of the Impy window box (F1), with many thousands issued like this in the UK through a Quaker Cereals give-away promotion. In America a similar promotion at a petrol/gas station chain gave away Flyers cars in plain white boxes (F2). The Microbus did not fit in either of these boxes so production of early Flyers examples must have been restricted to orders for carded models only. This explains why today early Flyers versions are hard to find.

It appears Lone Star attempted to resolve this ongoing packaging problem by switching the VW Microbus (and Ambulance) to the Commercials range. The newly cast ‘Flyers’ name was quickly blanked off the base-plate and early Flyers boxes (F3a) listed the two VW’s as part of the 'Commercials' range. A Japanese issue catalogue from 1969 also shows the two VW's under the 'Commercials' range. This is another example of Lone Star not really thinking things through as in the end the VW models remained in the Flyers range, fitting in the newly introduced standard Flyers boxes (F3). The VW base-plate never regained the ‘Flyers’ wording which only featured for a short period on early models.

As with a number of the Flyers models, the larger Flyers ‘Hi-Speed’ wheels better suit the VW models rather than the overly small Impy wheels (these had to be small for the steering feature to work). During production some cost cutting was introduced, first the engine cover was cast shut followed by the rear window hatch. Perhaps to compensate for this, and give the model a refresh, plastic luggage was added to the roof from around 1975 for the final year or so of production. 

Following on from the Microbus the Volkswagen Ambulance was introduced by Lone Star as the first new model for 1967. The ambulance used the same base and body shell as the Microbus but with a hole in the roof for a plastic beacon. A new 'ambulance' interior was produced incorporating beds down either side. Many real Volkswagen Transporter models were adapted for use as Ambulances although not using the special edition 23 window Samba model like the Lone Star! Very early Impy models had a red cross on one of the side ‘barn’ doors but unfortunately this was quickly discontinued, probably to keep costs down.

Like the rest of the Impy range the Volkswagen Ambulance was modified to become a ‘Flyers’ model in 1969. Early Flyers Ambulances can also be found with ‘FLYERS’ cast on the base before this was ‘wrongly’ deleted under the prenotion the two VWs were to become part of the Commercials range. (See No.15 Microbus for more details). As its very likely the same moulds were used for both models the Ambulance went through the same casting changes as detailed for the Microbus.

Issued by Lone Star for the Dutch speaking market is this 'Politie' version of the Volkswagen. It was likely produced at the request of Hema, a significamt customer of Lone Star with department stores throughout the Netherlands. Both Impy and Flyers versions were issued initially in dark blue which changed to black towards the end of Flyers production.

They were issued on Hema 'Litteltois' carded packaging. As with the Microbus and Ambulance the rear engine compartment and hatch went on to be cast shut. Models come with either the Microbus or ambulance interiors.