Volkswagen Type 147 Fridolin, 1964-74. In 1962 the German Postal Services commissioned Volkswagen to design a van. VW started off with the Beetle cabriolet (Type 15) as basis due to its structural strength but later turned to the Karmann Ghia (Type 14) as it was wider. The engine, the transmission and axles were from the VW Beetle Type 1, the headlights and bonnet from the VW 1500, and the tailgate from the VW Transporter