In February 1962 the German Postal Services commissioned Volkswagen to design them a postal van that would suit their needs. To lower costs, VW started off with the Karmann produced Beetle cabriolet (Type 15) as basis for the van due to its strength in build but later turned to the Karmann Ghia (Type 14) for basis as it was wider. The engine, the transmission and axles originated from the VW Beetle Type 1, the headlights from the VW 1500, and the tailgate (scaled-down) from the VW Transporter (Type 2).[1]
It was agreed Franz Knobel & Sohn GmbH (later called Westfalia-Werke) would build the vehicles at the behest of VW. Several prototypes were designed until production started in 1964. Most cars were sold to the Deutsche Bundespost, but also to Swiss Post Offices (in an upgraded version with a more powerful 1.3 L engine, disc brakes and a block heater) and to the Lufthansa for apron use.[1]
Its official name was Volkswagen Type 147 Kleinlieferwagen (small van) but due to its funny and badly proportioned shape it was affectionately called Fridolin. From 1964 to July 1974, 6139 were produced, approximately 200 are preserved.[1]
