subject: The Story Of The Minivan [print this page] Minivans have been in the automobile industry for as long as the first cars rolled off the first assembly lines in the early 20th century. Back then, minivans were the more spacious versions of the car, holding up to eight people. Fold up the seats and minivan becomes a small cargo truck. The fact that they were multipurpose vehicles made them versatile for motorists.
The introduction of the minivan started in 1936 with the Stout Scarab, known for its shape which resembles an insect. The first minivan looked like an elongated version of the iconic Beetle car. Features included second-row seats that can be turned around facing the rear and a removable table. It was a unique design that paved the way for the mass production of a new kind of vehicle for the automobile industry.
Over the years, the minivan evolved in terms of versatility and design, with some car companies making their own minivans. One minivan became one of the icons of American counterculture during the Cold War: the Kombi. Introduced in 1950, this German-made minivan is still in demand in the modern market. Variants of the Kombi were manufactured, including a version designed for camping.
Most of the old minivans are no longer in production; but a few antique models remain high in demand. People still drive these old minivans to work or to leisure because of their versatility as both a cargo vehicle and a family car. Even though they are antiquated, car dealerships sell used minivans nonetheless.
The minivan has changed its shape as it entered the modern century. Contemporary designs replaced much of the old models not only in design but also in performance. Nevertheless, it still goes without saying that the function of the minivan has not changed at all. This may be one of the reasons why used minivan car dealerships sell are still popular all over the world.
The story of the minivan is nothing short of moving from generation to generation. Models such as the Kombi can still be seen on modern highways, although they have been slightly updated. It is interesting to know, too, that used minivans are still alive and well up to this day. Perhaps they will continue to be so in the future.
