Old boats, vehicles, clothing and other effects created an atmosphere of olden days at Oslo Harbor. Oslo City Hall in the background enhances the period colors.
It has become an annual event that the Port of Oslo is opened to the people of Oslo. The purpose of the event is to invite the entire city population to get to know the players, life in the port and the harbor promenade through free experiences, learning and maritime activities. When moving between the stalls, you get the feeling of traveling through different eras. The vehicles help to create time colors from the 1930s until about 1970.
The Akershus convention was open all weekend, while the big family activities were only held on Sunday. Here are some photos I took when I stopped by on Saturday morning while the Norwegian Seamen's Choir sang from the deck of the D/S Borøysund.
1949 E 22 Reo Gold Comet fire engine. Owner: Fire Museum in Oslo.
The Reo was the first vehicle with a high-pressure pump from the John Bean brand. It split the water into fine droplets, like a water mist under high pressure. The method was developed in the USA, and it was during a visit to the John Bean factory that the Oslo Fire Department was offered a complete Reo Gold Comet high-pressure vehicle. The vehicle has a 140 hp engine and a 1730 liter water tank. It was stationed at the main fire station and was taken out of service in 1967. Source: Brannmuseet.no
1952 Ford Thames van.
The Norwegian DKW Union was one of the car clubs invited. I had hoped for more DKW and Auto Union, but this great car was a good representative.1958 DKW F94.
According to information from the owner, Morten Finborud, the DKW in the picture was sold new by With & Wessel in Rådhusgata in 1958. The car changed owners a couple of times throughout the 1960s and was placed in a barn in Vestfold in the mid-1970s. The current owner found it there in 1987 and has owned it ever since. The car was repainted in 1988, but otherwise has only been maintained.
It is becoming a tradition to see Italian cars in the center of Asker during a market Saturday before school starts.
This year, Italian Cars Asker was held a week later than the last two years, supposedly because it would have fallen on the same day as another event. Filling the city center with beautiful Italian cars brings life to the Saturday shopping. The cars engaged many passersby and you could hear nice good comments.
The clubs behind the car brands are invited to the exhibition. I have noticed that you can find cars here that are not common to see at other events. A Lancia Stratos is native to the district. There was also a Lancia Flaminia GT Coupé there. What impressed me most was that an Alfasud and an Alfetta appeared. These are very rare to study up close.
Classic Ferrari for sale
2023 Ferrari 296 GTS with removable roof.2023 Ferrari 296 GTB.
With the 296, Ferrari has paved the way for a new powertrain for supercars. Not only does the hybrid drivetrain with V6 and electric motor provide top-class performance, it should also provide a lot of driving pleasure. Ferrari 296
2023 Ferrari 296 GTB.1982 Ferrari 400i
The Ferrari 400 belongs to type F101 which included the models 365 GT4, 400 and 412. These cars were produced between 1972 and 1989. The car in the picture was sold new in Rome in 1982 and had 3 owners in Italy before it was imported to Norway in 2012. Ferrari 365 GT4, 400 and 412
Maserati
2004 Maserati GranTurismo
The successor to the Maserati 3200 GT was called the Maserati Coupé. The car pictured above is the convertible version, the Maserati Spyder. Maserati Coupé/Spyder
With the Alfasud and Alfetta, Alfa Romeo wanted to make “normal” cars – not just expensive, sporty cars. You could say that the Alfasud and Alfetta were designed to compete with BMW. The problem with the Alfasud – and especially the Alfetta – was that they were very vulnerable to rust. That’s one reason why they’re rare to see on the road today. Alfa Romeo Alfasud
The Fiat 600 was launched in 1955 as a competitor to the Volkswagen Type 1. It was a perfect car for Europe in the 50s, 60s and 70s. At around 3,30 metres long, it was shorter than the Volkswagen's 4 metres, but the feeling of space inside was at least as good as in the Volkswagen.
1962 Fiat 600D interior.
See
Italian Car Day in Asker 2025Italian cars in Asker City Center.
Citroen Spacetourer with 4×4 system from Automobiles Dangel (Source: Dangel/Youtube) link
There are solutions for electric vehicles that can also be built into diesel vans. Should it be an electric motor or an electric 4×4 system?
According to figures from OFV (The Danish Road Traffic Information Council), the proportion of newly registered electric vans is far lower than for passenger cars. While almost all newly registered passenger cars in June 2026 were electric (96.5 percent), the proportion of vans was “only” 52.6 percent.
There are several reasons why many people choose diesel when purchasing vans. Lack of incentives is one reason. For business owners with a Class 2 van, there is little to gain from choosing electric. Lower operating costs do not outweigh uncertainty about range and charging. I might also add that the smallest vans lose important payload weight and that one of the largest van manufacturers, Stellantis, does not have the most modern electric solutions.
In France, the authorities have introduced a scheme called “Prime au rétrofit” to provide support for converting internal combustion engine cars to electric or plug-in hybrid. This creates a market for companies specializing in Retrofit.
Landrover Defender Reborn Electric from Bedeo
Bedeo
We have previously mentioned the British company Bedeo Reborn Electric , which specializes in converting cars with thermal engines to electric drive. They received a lot of attention in British car magazines when they built a Land Rover Defender with Tesla batteries and a 4×4 drivetrain based on “In-wheel” motors – one motor in each wheel hub. Today, they convert larger vans, such as the Fiat Ducato, Opel Movano, Citroën Jumper, Peugeot Boxer and soon also the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, to electric drive.
In-wheel motors
The vans will also get "In-wheel" engines from Protean Electric. This is a solution that takes up little space – so little space that Bedeo is open to keeping the diesel engine. The disadvantage of the "In-wheel" technology is that few manufacturers have used it in mass-produced cars. Protean states that they have hard-tested the engine for 300.000 km, but the solution is still relatively new.
Having both electricity and diesel means that older distribution vehicles can deliver goods within city centers with zero emissions without worrying about range for the drive home.
Demand unknown
Bedeo clearly has a market in France thanks to government incentives for electric conversion, but it is currently uncertain whether similar schemes will spread to other markets. If special incentives for conversion are not given in Norway, diesel vans will likely be gradually replaced by new electric vehicles.
I mentioned earlier that Stellantis vans don't have the most modern electric solutions. This applies to areas such as range, charging and connectivity. But, on the positive side, they offer a very good 4×4 system through the company Automobiles Dangel.
Bedeo and Dangel
Bedeo has entered into a partnership with Dangel. Officially, they will be marketing Bedeo's solutions in France. This is right up their alley for Bedeo. Dangel has both production capacity and extensive experience with conversions of vans like this.
Automobiles Dangel has been retrofitting 4×4 systems since 1980. A year ago, they launched an electric 4×4 solution for small and medium-sized vans manufactured by Stellantis. It is a modern electric system without a countershaft, cardan shaft tunnel and viscous couplings – the same type that electric car manufacturers offer. It is worth taking a closer look.
What is special about Dangel's electric 4×4 system is that it can be adapted to both electric cars and diesel-powered cars with automatic transmissions.
Peugeot 504 Pickup DangelPeugeot 504 Utility 4×4
Diesel with electric 4×4
You can order a diesel van, for example the Peugeot Partner L2 1.5 BHdi 130hp, from Norwegian dealers and have it delivered with an electric 4×4 system from Dangel. The conversion to 4×4 entails, among other things, the following:
4×4 transmission with new electric rear axle.
48v battery.
Control box.
New ESP/Traction control.
Driving program selector on the dashboard.
Higher ground clearance with protective plate underneath.
New exhaust system.
“4×4 by Dangel” logo.
An autonomous system
The battery is powered by rolling downhill and by the car's own alternator. Dangel claims that the system is completely autonomous, requiring no maintenance. The rear wheels are only engaged when needed. Under normal conditions, the car functions as a front-wheel drive car.
Stealing payload
According to Peugeot price lists, the solution costs just over 113.000 kroner (excluding VAT). According to unconfirmed specifications, the bodywork increases the curb weight by 186 kg – with a corresponding loss of payload weight. So for the smallest vans (Partner, Berlingo and Combo), the solution is best suited for L2 (the extended variant) due to the higher payload.
If you choose the electric Peugeot E-Partner 4×4 instead of the diesel, you lose additional payload weight. Thus, Dangel's conversion seems to be a better choice for diesel cars. The purchase prices excluding VAT do not change either.
In several places in the country, it has become a tradition to mark American Independence Day with a parade of American cars. The largest event is organized by Amcar Lillestrøm.
Previously, ACCN – American Coordinating Council of Norway – has celebrated American Independence Day in Frognerparken with American food, music and cars. This year there was no celebration there due to security concerns. But in Lillestrøm there were more cars than ever before. I stopped by in the afternoon while the cars were parked in the parking lot of Expo Nova.
Two Studebakers. (Left) Champion. (Right) Commander.(Left) Chevrolet Fleetmaster. (Right) Pontiac Streamliner.
I was there to look at the cars. Later they would roll through the streets of Lillestrøm for a big street party. Here is a photo gallery of some of the great cars.
Chrysler New Yorker St. Regis.1957 Ford Thunderbirds.
Chrysler New Yorker St. Regis.Mercury Monterey Convertible.
Cadillac Coupe DeVille.
Great cars lined up at Expo Nova.Chevrolet Impala Convertible.
1958 Chevrolet Impala Convertible.1958 Mercury Monterey Convertible.1958 Ford Fairlane 500.1959 Chevrolet Apache Fleetside.
Good atmosphere around this Chevrolet Bel Air.
1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner.1963 Lincoln Continental.1962 Studebaker Daytona.1964 Lincoln Continental.
Interior 1964 Lincoln Continental.1965 Rambler American 440.
1965 Chevrolet Impala.
1967 Pontiac LeMans.1971 Buick Electra 225.1968 Buick Riviera.1972 Buick Riviera "Boat tail".1977. Ford LTD II Squire Wagon.1974 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
1979 Jeep Wagoneer.
1971 Chevrolet Camaro Rally Sport.2006 Ford Crown Victoria.
See
Happy Independence Day!4th of July in Frogner Park.
A new generation of cars are being launched these days as crossover SUVs because they are built on top of large battery packs. That is the new normal. Is it time to declare these cars as normal passenger cars?
When I took the Renault 5 E-Tech out on the road, I noticed that it was built high like a small crossover SUV, which I posted on a forum. One of the readers commented that I was wrong. He wrote that the Renault 5 is a B-class “hatchback” – that is, a regular combi coupe. That is exactly what Renault itself claims in its press materials.
The AmpR Small platform, on which the Renault 5 is based, joins the ranks of other high-rise electric platforms where the battery pack lies flat between the axles. The battery modules and thermal management elements are housed in a metal box with cross members that are part of the car's chassis. The battery pack is 140 mm high.
The Zeekr X Privilege AWD has the same type of platform as the Volvo EX30.
I had the opportunity to study the chassis of the Volvo EX30 at the Oslo Motor Show. The batteries themselves measure 110 mm in height, while the total height of the battery box is probably somewhat higher. Geely's SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform is used by Volvo and Zeekr, among others. I have not seen Renault Nissan's AmpR platform with my own eyes, but from pictures it seems to have several features in common with Geely's SEA platform. The Volvo EX30 is a larger car than the Renault 5, but the external dimensions of the two cars have the same proportions. The Volvo EX30 was launched as a small SUV and can also be delivered with 4-wheel drive.
Common platforms
Most new electric car models are now built on corporate platforms where the battery pack is located between the axles. This offers several advantages.
The battery box can be incorporated into the car's chassis.
A modular solution that can be adapted to several car classes.
Space for many battery cells.
Different battery configurations can use the same platform.
The disadvantage is that the battery packs are between 140 and 150 mm in height, which makes the cars taller than equivalent thermal cars.
The design tricks that make cars lower
As more and more electric vehicles are considered crossover SUVs, it might not be unreasonable to change the terms. Crossovers with increased ground clearance and 4-wheel drive can rightfully declare themselves as SUVs, but should crossovers with passenger car features be declared as sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and station wagons?
The Renault 5 E-Tech is an example of what future cars could look like. Although the bodywork is designed in a retro style, there are several tricks that hide the fact that the cars sit on a higher platform than thermal cars. These tricks can make any boxy and high-built car appear low and sleek:
Modern EV design.
Large wheels, often enlarged with wheel arch moldings, as well as profiles and paint that highlight the wheel arches.
Black painted channels.
Strips and profiles that make the waist look lower.
A lower window band (the roof “chopped” a couple of centimeters).
Batteries in hidden compartments
In the same class as the Renault 5 E-Tech we find the Peugeot e-208 and the Opel Corsa e from Stellantis. These models are also produced with thermal engines, and do not have a dedicated EV platform. Instead, the battery packs are designed to fill the space under the seats, partly under the trunk and in the center console – a solution that is suitable for smaller batteries, hybrid powertrains and when converting from thermal engines to electric drive. One advantage of the solution is that it does not increase the height of the car.
Opel Corsa-e. Low-profile electric car in the B-class.
Tesla
Tesla has a unique battery solution. They use rolled-up cylindrical battery cells that are smaller in height than conventional pouch cells. Temperature control is implemented via channels around the cells – a solution that does not increase the height of the battery pack.
Tesla Model Y (Photo: hydebrink/Shutterstock.com)Cooling channels surround Tesla's cylindrical battery cells (Panasonic) Source: Jalopnik.
The Tesla Model Y is a high-rise model based on a low-rise platform, providing class-leading benefits in terms of interior space for people and luggage.
Unless major battery manufacturers like LG Chem and CATL change the design of their battery cells, the auto industry will push out high-rise electric cars. Perhaps it can be seen as a style change, similar to when the auto industry started producing pontoon bodies without protruding fenders and running boards?
A style break?
Ferrari recently launched its first electric car model. It is based on a modern, high-rise platform. Despite the fact that the designers have gone to all the trouble to tone down the high-rise feel, the supercar appears like a crossover SUV. Compared to Ferrari's upper models, the new model is undoubtedly a style break. It is difficult to imagine that sports car manufacturers can survive with high-rise platforms.
Renault R5 E-Tech.
Many will probably find it a departure from style when a high-built car is declared a sedan, hatchback or small car. The tricks that Renault has used on its new R5 E-Tech are successful. Unfortunately, there are far too many unsuccessful examples of making high-built cars appear low-built.
Hyundai Kona – crossover SUV – not declared as a hatchback, but with all the tricks to make the car seem lower.KIA EV3. A fine example of utilizing the high-rise platform to create an SUV body.
If new cars are no longer perceived as stylish, they may be downgraded to practical, perhaps self-driving objects that are only owned out of necessity. Like a refrigerator? Few people replace their refrigerator because a new model has arrived at Power and Elkjøp. First, new refrigerator models are rarely more stylish than the old ones. Second, few people are seduced by new refrigerator models.
So what will the future bring?
Will car designers come up with new tricks to make high-rise cars look like they're low-rise and stylish?
Will car customers accept the style change and want high-built cars?
Will cars become practical, passionless objects like refrigerators, lawnmowers, and televisions?
Will car and battery manufacturers find new, low-rise platforms?
Let's hope the latter point prevails!
See
Active battery cooling?Renault 5 E-TechFerrari Luce
London offers the finest car shows in the world. Not only are the cars top-notch, London also offers locations that provide a fantastic setting for the events.
The Honorable Artillery Company is located in a green lung in the middle of the City of London with the beautiful main building surrounded by the City's skyline. From the street you can't see what's inside. Only when you've come through the gates does a park reveal itself where all the noise from the street disappears.
The London Concours is not just a car show – it is also an outdoor space where you can enjoy food and drinks in a fantastic setting among some of the world's most beautiful cars. Here, business people can bring clients and partners. Many of the visitors obviously come from the surrounding offices.
This year we saw a wonderful array of yellow sports cars. The yellow color made the whole thing look like an artistic montage.
In the foreground: 2024 Ferrari Enzo.
At exhibitions like this, you will find companies that develop and build cars. Restomod where exclusive classic cars are rebuilt from the ground up with modern technology, or converted to electric operation. I also found at least two previously unknown car manufacturers that build dream cars tailored to extremely rich and extremely eccentric people – Arash Motor Company og Electron Motors.
Here's some of what I noticed when I stopped by on Wednesday evening.
1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce.
1961 Sunbeam Alpine Harrington. A rare variant of the Sunbeam Alpine hand-built as a coupé with a fixed roof. Around 400 cars were built.
1982 Alpina B7 Turbo S. Extremely rare variant of the BMW E12. 3.5 liter straight six with 330 hp. About 60 built with sedan body and Turbo S engine. The cars from Alpine had beautiful pin-striping.
1971 Dino 246.
1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Turbojet Stingray. This 7.0 liter engine with 425-435 hp is one of the most powerful engines delivered in the Corvette.1968 Mercury Cougar. The model is based on the Ford Mustang 1, but is far from a Mustang in Cougar clothing. The Mercury got a longer wheelbase, and its own design language.
1973 BMW 2002 Baur. Baur was an independent German coachbuilder that specialized in converting cars into convertibles.
1976 Lamborghini Countach Periscopio. Lamborghini created a special solution, called Periscopio, to see behind when reversing. A mirror designed according to the periscope principle provided a small view to the rear through a small window in the roof.
1983 Ford Escort RS1600i Group A Rally. The engine option was also available in road cars (for homologation).
1984 Sheer Range Rover Convertible – one of the variants converted by Wood & Pickett.
Aston Martin dealer Nicholas Mee & Co in Hertfordshire has been an exhibitor at the London Concours every year. (Red car) 2016 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato. (Blue car) 2000 Aston Martin V8 Vantage V600 Le Mans.
Car manufacturers
Arash Motor Company is a British car manufacturer that builds extreme and uncompromising sports cars. The Arash AF10-LM has only one seat for the driver. The models have several different engine solutions. The car in the picture has a V6 petrol engine, but you can also get cars with hybrid engine solutions and electric drive. Prices start at 1.35 million GBP.
Elektron Motors is a German car manufacturer that builds electric sports cars with extreme performance. The model in the picture, the Quasar, has 2413 hp and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 1.65 seconds. Price on request, approximately 2.2 million euros. The number of cars produced is limited to 99.
Restomod
Retroelectric Cars. Porsche 912 Electric has been converted with an electric drivetrain. Listed price is £66.000.Retro electric Porsche 912 Electric conversion.
Halcyon Cars in Surrey rebuilds classic Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 2-door, convertible and Corniche from the ground up with new parts and technical solutions (Restomod). You have to study the car up close to see that this is anything more than a freshly painted Rolls Royce from the 1970s. The car that is also used in the company's marketing is LHD. Perhaps to attract European customers.
Halcyon Rolls Royce.
355 by Evoluto. Evoluto Automobili is a British company that specializes in rebuilding cars based on the Ferrari 355 (Restomod). The cars will be better than the original with 420 hp engines and 100 kg less weight. The maximum number of cars is set at 55.
Day 2 of the exhibition highlighted Jaguar sports cars. These were in front of the main building. Here are two of the cars. (From left) Jaguar E-type and Jaguar XKR.
On Saturday, cars and motorbikes were celebrated at Årnes. There were vintage cars, supercars, fire engines and motorbikes on display and in free expression. Cars are not just evil. They have been a part of people's lives for many years and for many a nice hobby. Cars can also be culture.
From the train window I could already see beautiful old cars heading towards Årnes. From the station you stepped straight into a world of traffic and cars that could have been taken from the 1960s – a time when cars had a more dominant place in the cityscape. Back then you could both hear and smell the traffic – and the cars, they came in many colors.
Now it should be said that Årnes is not a car-unfriendly place. There are plenty of parking options here. People need a car to get around, for example to the nearest train station. Many people are also doing like me this Saturday – they are taking the train.
1965 Chevrolet Impala Convertible 327 V8.
One of the things I like about events like this is that it's not just show cars and cars associated with car clubs that are on display. I occasionally catch a glimpse of nice old vehicles when I'm driving around Nes, but they're usually parked in private garages and yards. When the owners bring their cars to Motordilla, everyone can take a closer look. Several of the cars have local history.
1957 MG MGA.
1954 Volkswagen 1200 oval window.
1957 Morris Minor 1000.
Two nice 2-strokes. From left: 1964 Saab 96 and 1966 Saab 95 with night lights on the roof like the cars of rally driver Erik Carlsson had.
Rarely 2-stroke. 1963 Auto Union 1000 SP Convertible.
Auto Union 1000 SP Cabriolet interior. Note that there are 4 rings on the steering wheel.
Lancia Fulvia Coupe.
Ford Capri II GT.
Ford Capri 2000.
Do you remember this one? Datsun 120ys were common family cars in the 1970s and 80s. Today they have almost completely disappeared.
Opel Kadett B (rear) and Opel Kadett C (front) parked on a street corner as was common practice a few decades ago.
Promotional models appear when car manufacturers' marketing people want to boost sales of outgoing car models. Most are forgotten, but not Volkswagen Jeans. It was quite special.
A trio of campaign models
We go all the way back to the autumn of 1973. Volkswagen was then in the process of making the switch to water-cooled engines. The new Passat was a very popular family car, but the compact class was still dominated by the water-cooled Beetle. A successor was in the cards, but the new model (the Golf) would not be ready for production until May of the following year. I imagine someone in the administration said that “We need a campaign model!”
There were not just one, but three campaign models. Two were based on the 1303 S – “Big” and “City”. The third was called “Jeans” and was based on the budget 1200. Campaign models are not really about actual models, just equipment packages.
The 3 campaign models from the left: City, Big and Jeans.
-Riding around in denim
I remember Volkswagen well. 1303 big og 1200 Jeans, but not 1303 City. After browsing and searching Norwegian newspapers from this era, I only find advertisements where the dealers advertise “Big” and “Jeans”. The marketers chose to focus on the textiles in the seat covers with slogans like “Riding around in denim” – or – “Cordless or denim?” Big had corduroy seat covers while Jeans used denim. Both were popular fabrics used in jackets and trousers of the time.
What was actually hidden under the equipment packages was the following:
Big
Corduroy seat cover
High seat backs
Wide wheels with radial tires
Padded leather-covered steering wheel
GT gear lever
Instrument panel covered with wood foil
Wall-to-wall carpet
Heating wires in the rear window
Engine with 60 hp (SAE)
Jeans
Denim seat covers with pockets and shiny rivets on the back of the seatbacks (like jeans pockets)
High seat backs
Radio
GT gear lever
Backlight
Sports rims
Jeans decals
Matte black decor
Engine with 41 hp (SAE)
For the 1974 model year, you could only choose the color "Tunis Gelb". From 1975, the main color was probably "Nepal orange", which is the original color of the Norwegian 1975 model in the pictures here.
From the 1975 model year, the front turn signals were recessed into the bumpers instead of being located at the top of the front fenders.
1975 VW Jeans III in the color Nepalorange.
Of the two campaign models, it was Jeans that caught my interest. Not because it was the better of the two, but I think the yellow color with the matte black trim was great. Remember that in 1973 the fashion colors consisted of a brown-yellow color palette. Modern furniture, wallpaper and floor coverings carried such colors. Also, denim jackets and pants were in fashion with the young people. Let me also highlight the matte black decorative elements on the car. The matte black engine hood and decorative strips were cheap effects that pimped up an old youth car.
In 1973, Tidens Krav published an article criticizing Volkswagen's new campaign models. The journalist began by praising the new series of cars for their improved suspension, larger trunk space, and larger windows. He then continued:
"When Volkswagen chooses to focus on textiles and fashion, they are targeting teenagers. What do jeans have to do in a car? And which teenagers can buy cars for over 30.000 kroner (Big)?"
VW Jeans
In several places, Volkswagen dealers collaborated with trouser sellers to sell their products. In one place in Romerike, jeans from Domus and Volkswagen could be found in the same place. It is also reported that several dealers in Europe lured car buyers with the offer of a pair of jeans with the purchase.
The Volkswagen 1200 was the company's entry-level model. Even in the Jeans version, it cost only 21.950 kroner at the end of 1973 and 22.950 kroner at the end of 1974. Seen through my teenage eyes, the Volkswagen Jeans appeared to be a lot of car for the money compared to, for example, the Skoda of the time – not in size but in status. It became a car you could dream of buying with your own money. But when I was finally able to buy my first car a couple of years later, the money wasn't even enough for a used Volkswagen Jeans.
Volkswagen was not a youth car. Quite the opposite. A lot of car for the money, proven technology and modern colors meant that the cars were a hit among adults and price-conscious people.
1975 Volkswagen 1200 Jeans.
In 1974, Norwegian newspapers reported on a sociological study in Austria that had investigated how Volkswagen's campaign models attracted different groups of people. Neither workers nor salaried employees were enticed by the campaign packages. On the other hand, self-employed people were attracted to the Volkswagen Big, while people connected to agriculture liked the Volkswagen Jeans.
Useful science?
The first time I saw a Volkswagen Jeans up close was in 1974 at my uncle and aunt's house, who always drove Volkswagens. They lived far east in the forest where they ran a farm with animals, forests, hunting and fishing. I remember how great the yellow Jeans station wagon was, and how well it matched my father's sienna-brown Saab 96. Good memories from the 1970s.
Advertisement for Volkswagen Jeans.
A faded pair of jeans?
There are few models that are as well preserved as the Volkswagen Beetle. So why don't we see any Volkswagen Jeans? There are many Volkswagen 1200s in the vehicle register, and a good proportion of these probably started their existence as Jeans. I think many cars lost their yellow color at the first or second repaint. Eventually, perhaps door handles, bumpers, headlight rings, etc. were replaced? It is a well-known fact that everything that is hypermodern can suddenly become completely out of date. The yellow-brown color palette has disappeared from our homes. Few young, dynamic gentlemen strut around in corduroy suits, and according to the “fashion police,” “double denim” (denim both on top and bottom) is completely out.
But as we know, fashions can change. Today, Volkswagen Jeans are quite cool cars, but the Jeans touch may have been removed over the years. With paint in the original color and new Jeans decals, it can be recreated. But the denim interiors have hardly survived the test of time. Corduroy has probably suffered the same fate. The cotton-based textiles are well suited for clothing, but not as seat covers in cars. The fabric fades, stretches and wears to pieces just like the pants.
Who has taken care of their denim pants from the 1970s?
About the pictures
The main picture is of a 1974 Volkswagen Jeans in Tunis Yellow color with Lemmerz Champions rims. The car was photographed during a Volkswagen car show in Rimini, Italy 2017. Copyright belongs to FilippoPH/Shutterstock. One detail that reveals the car's Italian origin is the design of the turn signals with an additional glass opening on the sides to throw the light sideways.
The street-parked car was photographed during Veteran Car Day in Skien 2026. The car is a 1975 model Jeans III in Nepal orange color with Lemmerz GT rims.
For sale
The 1975 Jeans Bubble featured in this article is now for sale on Finn.no. See ad!
The image of the three campaign models together probably comes from brochure material. The French page is a clipping from an advertising page. The message is: "When you're an idol, you don't dress like everyone else."
