<p>In June this year, Volkswagen (VW) launched the electric upgrade of its trusted bus. The ID Buzz is designed as &nbsp;a sustainable alternative for these times. First launched in 1949, the bus evolved from a family camper into the preferred choice for rockstars and hippies. A city-based VW bus owner and a car restorer decode its iconic status.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>An urban idea</h2>
<p><img title="An urban idea" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2022/jul/Returning-with-a-buzz-b_e.jpg" alt="An urban idea" /></p>
<p>Santaji Shirke inherited his love for the bus from his father, Sangram Shirke, who purchased a Westfalia 15 years ago. &ldquo;The bus was original,&rdquo; says the 27-year-old VW bus owner. The design was not its main attraction though. He notes that the bus was an economical vehicle. &ldquo;It was affordable and despite being rugged, it was easy to manoeuvre,&rdquo; he adds. Shirke points out that the van&rsquo;s iconic stature is due to the 1960s&rsquo; counter-culture revolution. The upgrade, Shirke says, might have styling cues, but it is no longer a utilitarian vehicle. &ldquo;They have been tapping into the nostalgia factor; you can&rsquo;t blame them for it. But the new version is going to be expensive.&rdquo;</p>
<h2>Set for the future</h2>
<p><img title="Set for the future" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2022/jul/Returning-with-a-buzz-c_e.jpg" alt="Set for the future" /></p>
<p>For Allan Almeida, the magic of the Volkswagen bus lies in the air-cooled engine. &ldquo;They have a typical sound, and a brilliant suspension,&rdquo; notes the 38-year-old. Whether it is for family camping or cross-country drives, the bus is a trusted companion, Almeida says. &ldquo;People think the bus would not make it through long drives but I have gone on tours to Leh and Goa in it often,&rdquo; the automobile restorer points out. Apart from being a joy to drive, the space within was a revelation. &ldquo;There were many versions, including one that had a kitchenette in the back. The bus had a cool quotient and was utilitarian,&rdquo; he says. While Almeida admits that the future is electric, the restorer in him adores the sound of the air-cooled Volkswagen engine. &ldquo;The original air-cooled engine sound is not something you can replace. But I know what the future holds,&rdquo; he confesses.</p><p>
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As the Volkswagen’s electric ID Buzz moves into production, car collectors and restorers share what made its predecessor an icon

City-based Volkswagen bus owner decodes the vehicle's iconic status

An urban idea

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