The 1966 13 windowed Volkswagen Split Screen van is iconic, not just for its unique styling or its first appearance 70 years ago, but perhaps due to its innovative packaging and the way it revolutionised the way we transport people.

Its success really came in the late ‘50s, when exports to America gave Volkswagen a huge advantage over its homegrown competitors.

Both the Beetle and its van sister were not only cleverly marketed in an innovative, self-deprecating fashion which also added to the personality of the vehicles, but it was also offered as an alternative to the huge wasteful and thirsty station-wagons that American society has long been used to.

The charm goes deeper than the sales pitch though.

It is an utterly unique driving experience.

The large upright steering wheel that pivots the van from your eye-line is housed in an environment in which you can see all four corners.

It was and still is quite unlike anything on the roads.

Thanks to its practical packaging, it sol...