2023 Amelia Concours d’Elegance: Special Transporter Class Trophy Won by 1951 Volkswagen Deluxe 15-Window

With the North American ID. Buzz soon to debut, the history and culture of Volkswagen’s original microbus was celebrated at a premier event of the collector-car world.

The People’s Car returned to one of the most prestigious collector-car events in the world on Sunday, March 5th, The Amelia Concours d’Elegance, and wowed the thousands in attendance. The 28th annual gathering at The Amelia saw 25,000 enthusiasts come together for featured auctions, driving events and a 2-day show on the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

Most car enthusiasts are familiar with the humble Volkswagen T2, but the event’s special Transporter class showed just how eclectic an appeal the vehicle has amassed.

The Concours, now in its 28th year, traditionally features a special class that stands apart from traditional concours categorization. In the past, the Amelia Concours has featured movie and advertising cars as well as custom coachwork Beetles. This year’s class celebrated Volkswagen’s original and iconic Type 2 Transporter.

The winner of the Best in Class award for Volkswagen Transporters was the 1951 Volkswagen Deluxe 15-Window Transporter, owned by Joe Mond of Dubuque, IA.

Using standard Type 1 (Beetle) components, the Type 2 was Volkswagen’s attempt to develop variations of its original car while sharing components to increase production efficiency and profitability.

Powered by a 25 horsepower engine with black interior upholstery, the Best in Class Deluxe 15-Window is finished in a two-tone exterior color combination of Sealing Wax Red and Chestnut Brown.

Judges of the class were Tim Suddard, Alexander Soultanis, and comedian/Volkswagen T2 enthusiast, Gabriel Iglesias.

Along with Volkswagen’s all-electric compact SUV, the ID.4, the Type 2’s electrified successor, the ID. Buzz, participated in the Taking Charge parade of EVs on Sunday morning. The appearance of the European ID. Buzz helped announce to event attendees that the debut of its longer wheelbase North American version will take place in California this summer.