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70 years at the Hanover plant: Volkswagen shows three historic T1 Bulli at the Beetle Meeting 2026
On May 1, the air-cooled scene gathers at the Hanover trade fair grounds. Here it's not only about chrome and curves, but also about origin. The Maikäfertreffen has for years been one of the fixtures on the calendar for enthusiasts of classic Volkswagen. In 2026, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles uses the framework to make a chapter of its corporate history visible.
Three vehicles take center stage, which at first glance have little in common – and yet are closely connected. All come from the year 1956, the first year of production at the Hannover plant. With them, Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge Oldtimer deliberately focuses attention on the site, which, over the past seven decades, has developed into the center of Bulli production.
The VW Transporter T1 marked the beginning of this development. In Hanover began an industrial success story that continues to this day. Millions of vehicles have left the plant since then. They served as means of transport, work equipment or travel vehicles – often for decades.
Three Bullis from the early days
The selection for this year's gathering reflects this range. A T1 pickup stands for the sober everyday work of the postwar era. Designed for trades and industry, it was a functional vehicle, built for durability and easy maintenance. With 30 hp and a payload of up to 800 kilograms, it met the needs of a postwar economy in the rebuilding phase.
Next to them stand two ambulances, also from 1956. They show another side of the early transporter – as special vehicles in service of medical care. One of the vehicles spent years as a company ambulance at a chemical factory. The other took a more unusual path: after its active service it was converted into a chicken coop, before being rediscovered decades later as a historic vehicle and added to the collection.
Different Life Trajectories
These different life trajectories tell more than technical data. They point to the versatility of the T1 and to how closely its use was tied to the respective societal demands. The Bulli was never just a vehicle, but a part of everyday life — in workshops, on yards, or in emergency services.
This Beetle gathering provides the perfect setting for that. Each year, several thousand vehicles and as many enthusiasts come to Hanover. For many, the event marks the start of the classic car season. Alongside private vehicles, the brand itself is also present. Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge Oldtimer participates together with Volkswagen Classic and Volkswagen Classic Parts and seeks exchanges with collectors and enthusiasts.
While outside, models from seven decades can be seen, production continues a few kilometers away. The Hanover plant currently produces, among other things, the Multivan, the California and the electrically powered ID. Buzz. With variants for autonomous driving, the site is preparing for upcoming requirements. In the summer, the eleven-millionth vehicle is also set to be produced.
Thus, on the fairground parking lot, the past meets the present. The three Bullis from 1956 do not stand for nostalgia — their stories show how durable technical concepts can be.
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